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Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
The prenatal detection of congenital malformations by ultrasonography
Insights
Antenatal ultrasound screening helps detect congenital anomalies in newborns, improving early management. Increased sonographer experience enhances diagnostic accuracy for fetal abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Imaging
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Congenital anomalies affect approximately 150,000 US children annually.
- Early detection of fetal disorders improves postpartum and neonatal management.
- Real-time ultrasound is increasingly utilized in obstetric practices for antenatal screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of antenatal ultrasound in detecting congenital anomalies.
- To discuss the role of sonographer experience in improving diagnostic capabilities.
- To provide guidelines for optimal timing of fetal ultrasound examinations.
Main Methods:
- Review of current ultrasound practices in obstetrics.
- Discussion of developing standards for fetal growth and development.
- Emphasis on the role of serial scanning for definitive diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 40% of obstetric practices perform at least one antenatal ultrasound per patient.
- 75% of practices screen 50% of patients with ultrasonography.
- Growing sonographer experience correlates with increased diagnostic potential for congenital anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal ultrasound is crucial for identifying congenital anomalies.
- Timely ultrasounds, ideally by 16-18 weeks gestation, aid in diagnosis.
- Serial scanning may be required for accurate diagnosis or exclusion of fetal abnormalities.
Abstract:
Approximately 150,000 children with congenital anomalies are born annually in the United States. Antenatal detection of these disorders would help to improve not only postpartum management but also the management of labor and delivery in the early neonatal period. With the current widespread availability of real-time ultrasound equipment, 40% of obstetric practices have all of their patients undergo scanning at least once during the antepartum period, and 75% of such practices have 50% of their patients undergo ultrasonography. Ultrasound standards for normal fetal growth and development at various gestational ages have been or are being developed. Hence, as the experience of the sonographer continues to grow, the potential for diagnosing the ever-increasing number of congenital anomalies will likewise increase. If the obstetrician suspects or is looking for a specific congenital anomaly, an initial sonogram should be obtained by 16 to 18 weeks' gestation. Serial scanning may be necessary before a definitive diagnosis can be made or a particular anomaly can be excluded.
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