Pregnancy Consultations

A prenatal fetal consultation is an appointment between a prenatal specialist or an obstetrician and a pregnant woman to check the condition of the fetus in the womb. This is very helpful for all expecting mothers who want to ensure the health of their unborn baby. At the end of the consultation, they will find out if the fetus is in good condition or if there is anything to be concerned about, such as a birth defect or a serious illness. In such cases, the mother will be referred to neonatologists to discuss treatment options and recommendations. This consultation allows expecting parents to plan for their child’s treatment, if necessary, even before birth.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

A prenatal fetal consultation is highly beneficial for any pregnant woman but is strongly recommended for expectant mothers who meet certain risk factors that increase the possibility of the unborn baby developing certain illnesses or defects. The risk factors associated with birth defects and illnesses include:

• An existing illness in the mother Hypertension Diabetes and other metabolic diseases, Infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, Preeclampsia, Blood disorder, Platelet alloimmunization Kidney disease

• History of inherited disorders in the family, such as: Cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, Sickle cell anemia, Cardiac disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disease, family history of birth defects, multiple gestations, previous pre-term labor, cervical dilatation, or delivery. Previous pregnancy loss or a history of miscarriage/s, Existing children with genetic disorders

• A pregnant woman should also undergo a fetal consultation if there is any reason to suspect a fetal anomaly.

How the Procedure Works?

A prenatal fetal consultation is usually scheduled upon the request of a pregnant woman with concerns over her fetus’ health but is also sometimes requested by the patient’s attending obstetrician.

• Review of medical history

• Review of family history

• Physical examination

• Ultrasound (in some cases)

If there is reason to suspect a genetic condition, the consultation will be followed by some special tests, which may include:

• AFP blood test (alpha fetoprotein) – This can detect neural tube defects.

• Antenatal serum screening – This can detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

• In utero therapeutic techniques: These are fetal testing procedures that are more invasive and performed on the fetus while inside the womb. Some examples include:

  • Blood sampling

  • Blood transfusion

  • Platelet infusion

  • Fetal bladder stent placement

  • Amniocentesis

  • Fetal MRI