Fetal Viability Scan 6-10 weeks
This is an ultrasound examination that is usually carried out vaginally. It aims to determine the number of fetuses present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus. This scan is useful for women who are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy and those who have had previous miscarriages.

First Trimester Screening
We are only unit in north India who are accredited to perform the First Trimester Down’s Syndrome Screening according to the standards laid down by the Fetal Medicine Foundation UK. This screening involves an ultrasound assessment of the fetus including the nuchal translucency, and the new markers such as tricuspid regurgitation, ductus venosies, nasal bone and facial angle assessment.

The maternal blood is also checked for PAPPA and free beta- HCG and an integrated risk assessment is given.

Anomaly Scan 18-23 weeks
This is a detailed scan during which each part of the fetal anatomy is examined. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs.

If any abnormalities are detected the significance of the findings will be discussed and the couple will be given the opportunity to have further counseling with a Senior Fetal Medicine Consultant.

Cervical Screening 22-24 weeks
This is a transvaginal scan done to assess the women risk of going into preterm labour and delivery at less than 33 weeks by measuring the cervical length.

The uterine artery Dopplers are also checked to assess the woman’s risk of developing Pre-eclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction.

Fetal Echocardiography
A detailed examination of the fetal heart and connecting vessels is carried out usually at 20 weeks by a consultant cardiologist. It is especially recommended for people with a family history of heart abnormalities or where increased nuchal translucency has been found at the 12 week scan. It is also an important ultrasound scan when other abnormalities have been found in the fetus.

Fetal Well Being Scans 24-42 weeks
Some obstetricians advise that an ultrasound scan to assess fetal well being is offered to all women at about 30-32 week of pregnancy. Others reserve such scans for those women who have had previous complications of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, growth retardation, diabetics, stillbirth and for those women who develop an abnormality during the course of their current pregnancy.

Invasive Procedures
Chorionic villous sampling
CVS is a medical procedure performed after 11 weeks of gestation in which tiny pieces of the chorionic villi,the early placenta (a tissue on the outside of the fetal gestational sac) is obtained for chromosome analysis.

Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is with- drawn from the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus. The amniotic fluid is then processed to separate the fetal cells for further genetic testing.

Fetal blood sampling
Fetal blood sampling as part of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring fetal problems at various times during pregnancy. A fetal blood sample may be taken to: diagnose genetic or chromo-some abnormalities check for and treat severe fetal anemia or other blood problems such as Rh disease check for fetal infection give certain medications to the fetus.

There are several ways blood can be obtained from the fetus. After cleansing the mother’s abdomen with antiseptic, a long, thin needle is inserted into the mother’s uterus guided by ultrasound. Blood may be taken from the following sources: blood vessels of the umbilical cord (also called cordocentesis, or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, or PUBS) a fetal blood vessel, usually in the liver or heart.

Fetal blood transfusions are performed using a similar technique in cases of fetal anaemia.

Ancillary Services
The Fetal Medicine Unit is supported by excellent genetic services which helps in faster clinical decision making.

The Apollo Fetal Medicine Unit continues to deliver medical excellence with a human touch.