3 important pregnancy milestones to detect fetal defects early

Fetal abnormalities are changes from the normal development of an unborn child that can occur from the early stages in the womb. They can involve issues related to chromosomal abnormalities or one or more organs. If left undetected and untreated, these abnormalities can persist throughout a person's life.

However, according to Dr. Patricia Dolley, a French obstetrician with over 20 years of experience in obstetrics, "Expectant mothers can proactively conduct screening, diagnostics, and early detection of fetal abnormalities at critical prenatal checkup milestones. There are three crucial prenatal milestones for identifying fetal abnormalities:

 11-14 Weeks of Pregnancy:
 It is during the specific window of 11 to 14 weeks that measurements of nuchal translucency can be obtained. In cases of increased nuchal translucency, the risk of chromosomal abnormality is greater than normal nuchal translucency and a prenatal diagnosis test (amniocentesis) will be proposed.

 However, most fetuses with increased nuchal translucency have no chromosomal issues or malformations. If the child is normal, and the ultrasound shows no malformation, the child has all the chances of a normal life.
 The ultrasound can also detect some fetal defects at this age. In some cases, the doctor may recommend further tests.

 20-23 Weeks of Pregnancy:
 Between 20 and 23 weeks of pregnancy, the child has reached a relatively large size, and internal organs have significantly developed and differentiated. This is a critical milestone for identifying most abnormalities.

 The doctors proceed to check the nervous system, facial structure, cardiovascular system, abdominal organs, intestines, abdominal walls, kidneys, urinary tract, skeletal structure, and limbs. 3D and 4D ultrasound techniques can be helpful depending on the position of the fetus and can help parents to recognize the face of their child.

 30-32 Weeks of Pregnancy:

 Ultrasound examinations during this stage are primarily aimed at assessing fetal growth, fetal position, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord flow.
 Moreover, some fetal abnormalities can appear or become detectable (especially in the urinary tract or brain) only at the third trimester making this ultrasound very important.

It is crucial for expectant mothers to take note of these important milestones and choose a reliable healthcare provider. The effectiveness of fetal abnormality diagnostics relies heavily on the expertise, analytical abilities of the physician, and modern medical equipment

 For detailed information and to make an appointment with Dr. Dolley as well as other specialists of HFH, please call our hotline at 024 3577 1100, message our Fanpage "Hanoi French Hospital" or contact our Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955