Fetal Medicine

Preeclampsia is often recognised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, but its effects can reach much further. When the placenta does not function well, the fetus may need to adjust its circulation to protect vital organs. These changes can be subtle before they become visible as poor growth, reduced fluid, or abnormal Doppler findings. That is why interest is growing in venous and cardiovascular markers that look beyond the usual arteries. Two measurements attract

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes creates a difficult clinical balance. The fetus may remain stable for days or weeks, yet intra-amniotic inflammation can progress quietly. By the time fever, fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, or abnormal blood markers appear, the inflammatory process may already have affected the fetus. That is why non-invasive fetal assessment matters. An observational study examining fetal renal blood flow and urine production rate adds an importa

Pre-eclampsia remains one of the most difficult hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to predict, monitor, and treat safely. Clinicians can identify many high-risk patients, but determining who will progress to severe disease is still a major challenge. That is why circulating biomarkers are drawing sustained interest, especially those linked to placental stress and vascular dysfunction. Among them, microRNA-210, often called miR-210, has emerged as a strong candidate. A system

A cervical length of 20 to 25 mm in the mid-trimester often creates a difficult clinical question. It is short enough to raise concern, but not always short enough to clearly define the next step. A retrospective cohort study on deep learning-based cervical length assessment adds useful evidence to this grey zone, suggesting that automated measurement can refine risk stratification for spontaneous preterm birth among women with a borderline short cervix. This matters because

A central challenge in intrapartum care is knowing whether labour is progressing normally before maternal or fetal compromise develops. Digital vaginal examination remains the clinical standard, but it is subjective, uncomfortable for many women, and less reliable when findings are borderline. Transperineal ultrasound has become a useful adjunct, and one of its most studied measurements is the angle of progression. The ANGLE OF PROGRESSION gives clinicians a sonographic view

A small focus of bleeding on a fetal brain scan can change the entire course of antenatal care. Supratentorial subpial hemorrhage is rare, but when it occurs, early and accurate imaging helps clinicians distinguish a stable lesion from a developing brain injury that needs close surveillance. Supratentorial subpial hemorrhage refers to bleeding beneath the pia mater, the delicate membrane that closely covers the brain surface, in the cerebral hemispheres above the tentorium. I

Spina bifida remains one of the most challenging congenital conditions affecting the central nervous system. Traditional postnatal repair often leaves patients with significant neurological impairments. Recent advances in fetal surgery have opened new possibilities, particularly through minimally invasive fetoscopic techniques. A recent nonrandomized clinical trial has investigated the feasibility of fetoscopic spina bifida repair using a human umbilical cord meningeal patch.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious condition that affects identical twins sharing a placenta. It can lead to severe complications for both fetuses if left untreated. One of the most effective treatments is fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, which targets abnormal blood vessel connections in the placenta. Despite its success, rare but severe complications such as delayed vascular crisis with intracerebral hemorrhage and anemia can occur after the procedure.

Preeclampsia remains one of the most serious complications during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and fetal health worldwide. Early identification of women at risk can significantly improve outcomes, yet effective screening methods have been challenging to establish. A pivotal study by Chaemsaithong et al., published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2020, sheds new light on first trimester screening and prediction of preeclampsia. This post explores th

Fetal venous anomalies present a diagnostic challenge during prenatal imaging. Among these, a varix of the fetal vein can closely resemble intracranial hemorrhage, leading to potential misdiagnosis and management dilemmas. This article explores the nature of fetal venous anomalies, the reasons varices may mimic hemorrhages, diagnostic approaches, clinical consequences, and management strategies. Case examples illustrate key points to enhance understanding for medical professi

Assessing fetal heart health is a critical part of prenatal care. One tool that has gained attention in recent years is the Tei index, a measurement used to evaluate cardiac function. This blog post explores the significance of the Tei index in assessing fetal left cardiac function during different cardiac cycles. We will review key findings from an observational study, discuss how this index can influence prenatal care, and consider its potential impact on fetal health outco

Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing for fetal genetic abnormalities have become essential components of modern obstetric care. These tests help identify the risk or presence of genetic conditions early in pregnancy, allowing expectant parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions. However, international clinical guidelines vary significantly in their recommendations for screening methods, diagnostic tests, and management strategies. This post explores thes

Preeclampsia remains a significant challenge in maternal health, affecting approximately 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. This condition can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if not detected and managed early. One valuable tool in assessing the risk of preeclampsia during late pregnancy is the uterine artery Doppler ultrasound. This non-invasive test provides critical information about blood flow and vascular health in the uterus, helping healthcare provide

Selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies presents unique challenges. These pregnancies carry increased risks due to shared placental circulation, which can lead to severe complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), or discordant anomalies. Microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a promising technique for selective fetal reduction, offering a minimally invasi

Multiple pregnancies, especially triplets, present significant challenges in obstetrics due to increased risks for both the mother and fetuses. When triplets share different placental arrangements, such as dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) or monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA), managing these pregnancies becomes even more complex. Fetal reduction is often considered to improve outcomes by reducing the number of fetuses, but the strategies and implications vary depending on chorion

Polyhydramnios, a condition characterized by excessive amniotic fluid during pregnancy, poses unique challenges in prenatal care. One concern that has emerged is its association with decreased fetal movements, a key indicator of fetal well-being. Recent retrospective cohort studies provide valuable insights into this relationship, offering guidance for healthcare providers and expectant mothers alike.

Fetal abdominal cysts present a diagnostic challenge during pregnancy, requiring careful evaluation to guide management and counseling. These cystic structures, detected within the fetal abdomen, vary widely in origin, size, and clinical significance. Advances in prenatal ultrasonography have improved early detection, allowing healthcare providers to monitor these cysts closely and plan appropriate postnatal care. This article explores the definition and types of fetal abdomi

Pregnancies following artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer (FET) present unique challenges in monitoring and predicting outcomes. One important tool in this process is uterine artery Doppler ultrasound, which offers valuable insights into uteroplacental blood flow and vascular resistance. This blog post explores key findings from recent research on uterine artery Doppler in pregnancies after artificial cycle FET, highlights the clinical importance of Doppler assessments, d

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that affects pregnant women, typically in the third trimester. It causes intense itching and can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. Women who have experienced ICP often worry about what to expect in future pregnancies. A recent retrospective cohort study sheds light on the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies following ICP, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and expectant mothe

Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare but serious placental inflammatory condition linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Diagnosing CHI remains challenging due to its complex pathology and the subtlety of clinical signs. Recent advances in identifying placental biomarkers offer promising avenues for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, as well as targeted treatment strategies. This article explores th