Learn about Fetal Medicine Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Fetal Medicine and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Fetal Medicine

Fetal Medicine is a specialized branch of obstetrics focused on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of health conditions in an unborn baby (fetus). A Fetal Medicine Specialist, or Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with advanced training to handle high-risk pregnancies. This field involves detailed ultrasound scans, diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and in-utero therapies. The goal is to provide comprehensive care, offering accurate information about fetal health, guiding pregnancy management, and planning for delivery and neonatal care when necessary. It empowers parents with knowledge and supports the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Key Highlights

    Provides detailed, high-resolution imaging and assessment of fetal development and well-being.Enables early diagnosis of a wide range of fetal structural abnormalities, genetic conditions, and growth problems.Offers specialized counseling to parents, helping them understand complex diagnoses and make informed decisions.Allows for in-utero medical or surgical interventions for certain conditions, improving outcomes.Facilitates coordinated, multidisciplinary care planning involving neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and geneticists.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Advanced maternal age (typically 35 years or older at delivery).
  • Abnormal results from routine prenatal screening tests (e.g., first-trimester screening, quad screen).
  • Suspected fetal anomaly detected on a standard ultrasound.
  • Family history of genetic disorders or previous child with a congenital condition.
  • Maternal medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction, abnormal amniotic fluid levels, or multiple gestation (twins/triplets).
  • Exposure to potential teratogens (substances that can cause birth defects) during pregnancy.

How to prepare

  • Consultation with the Fetal Medicine specialist to discuss reasons for referral and the specific procedures planned.
  • A full bladder may be required for some early pregnancy scans to improve image clarity.
  • For invasive diagnostic tests (e.g., amniocentesis), blood tests may be done to check blood type and infection status.
  • Psychological preparation and counseling are crucial, as the visit may involve discussing potential serious findings.
  • It is advisable to have a support person accompany the patient to the appointment.

Risks & possible complications

  • For diagnostic procedures: Small risk of miscarriage (e.g., ~0.1-0.3% for amniocentesis, slightly higher for CVS).
  • Risk of infection or leakage of amniotic fluid following invasive procedures.
  • Emotional and psychological stress associated with receiving a fetal diagnosis.
  • For in-utero surgeries: Risks include preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal complications.
  • False positive or false negative results from screening tests, which may lead to unnecessary anxiety or invasive testing.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • After non-invasive scans (ultrasounds), there is typically no recovery time; normal activities can be resumed immediately.
  • Following invasive procedures like amniocentesis, rest for 24-48 hours is usually advised, avoiding strenuous activity.
  • Patients are monitored for signs of complications such as fever, severe cramping, vaginal bleeding, or fluid leakage.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to discuss test results and plan further management of the pregnancy.
  • Ongoing emotional support and counseling are an integral part of the recovery and care process.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (for scans and consultations); 2-5 days (for fetal surgeries)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days (for diagnostic procedures); 1-2 weeks (post-fetal surgery)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering fetal medicine in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for fetal medicine compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 5 Thousand – 100 Thousand 0-1 days (for scans and consultations); 2-5 days (for fetal surgeries) ~ 1-2 days (for diagnostic procedures); 1-2 weeks (post-fetal surgery) Know More
Turkey TRY 17.5 Thousand – 350 Thousand 0-1 days (for scans and consultations); 2-5 days (for fetal surgeries) ~ 1-2 days (for diagnostic procedures); 1-2 weeks (post-fetal surgery) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Anika Roy, a 32-year-old software engineer,...

Anika Roy, a 32-year-old software engineer, and her husband had been trying to conceive for three years. Their joy at a positive pregnancy test was immense. However, their 20-week anatomy scan revealed a concerning finding: the baby had a cystic hygroma, a fluid-filled sac on the neck, which can be associated with chromosomal conditions. Their obstetrician referred them to a fetal medicine specialist. The specialist recommended a detailed ultrasound and an amniocentesis to obtain a definitive diagnosis, explaining it was the only way to know the full picture and plan for any care the baby might need at birth. Anika was terrified of the needle but more terrified of the unknown. The procedure was quick, with constant ultrasound guidance, and she felt only a sharp pinch. The two-week wait for results was agonizing. When the results came back clear for major chromosomal abnormalities, showing the hygroma was likely isolated, their relief was overwhelming. While they knew there could be airway challenges at birth requiring a specialized team, knowing the diagnosis allowed them to prepare emotionally and logistically. Anika's journey moved from pure joy, to devastating fear, to a cautious, informed hope, feeling empowered to advocate for her baby's future care.

Fetal Medicines for Fetal Medicine

Explore experienced fetal medicines who regularly perform fetal medicine and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Deepti Mittal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Surekha Balaji
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. (Brig.) Anil  Khetarpal
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Laxmi Narayan Sahoo
  • Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated