About Foetal Medicine
Key Highlights
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Provides detailed, high-resolution imaging of the fetus for accurate assessment.Enables early detection of a wide range of congenital anomalies and genetic conditions.Allows for prenatal counseling, giving parents time to understand options and prepare.Facilitates planning for specialized delivery and immediate neonatal care if needed.Some conditions can be treated with minimally invasive fetal surgery while still in the womb.Involves a collaborative, multidisciplinary team for comprehensive care planning./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Advanced maternal age (typically 35 years or older).
- Abnormal results from routine prenatal screening tests (e.g., first-trimester combined test, quadruple test, NIPT).
- Family history of genetic disorders or previous child with a congenital anomaly.
- Suspected fetal anomaly detected on a standard ultrasound.
- Complications like fetal growth restriction, abnormal amniotic fluid levels, or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
- Maternal conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or infections that can affect the fetus.
How to prepare
- A detailed medical and family history review with the specialist.
- Discussion of the specific procedure's purpose, benefits, and potential risks (informed consent).
- For ultrasound scans, typically no special preparation is needed, though a full bladder may be requested for early scans.
- For invasive procedures like amniocentesis, blood tests may be done to check for infections or blood type.
- Psychological preparation and counseling to understand the possible outcomes.
Risks & possible complications
- For diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or CVS: slight risk of miscarriage, infection, or fluid leakage.
- Potential for anxiety or emotional distress from receiving uncertain or difficult news.
- Findings may sometimes be inconclusive, requiring further testing.
- Rarely, procedural complications like injury to the fetus or mother.
- For fetal surgeries, risks are higher and specific to the intervention (e.g., preterm labor, membrane rupture).
Recovery & hospital stay
- For non-invasive scans and assessments, there is typically no recovery time; normal activities can be resumed immediately.
- After invasive procedures like amniocentesis, rest for 24-48 hours is usually advised, avoiding strenuous activity.
- Monitoring for signs of complications such as fever, severe cramping, vaginal bleeding, or fluid leakage is essential.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to discuss test results and the ongoing management plan.
- Emotional support and counseling are integral parts of post-procedure care.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) to several weeks for complex fetal surgery
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for diagnostic procedures; variable for surgical interventions
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering foetal medicine in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with fetal medicine departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform foetal medicine. MediFyr helps you compare fetal medicines and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for foetal medicine compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 80 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) to several weeks for complex fetal surgery | ~ 1-2 days for diagnostic procedures; variable for surgical interventions | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) to several weeks for complex fetal surgery | ~ 1-2 days for diagnostic procedures; variable for surgical interventions | Know More |
David Shah, 38, is a software...
David Shah, 38, is a software engineer and first-time father-to-be. His wife, Priya, is 20 weeks pregnant. Their routine anomaly scan revealed soft markers for Down syndrome, including an absent nasal bone and an increased nuchal fold measurement. The couple, who had struggled with infertility for years, were devastated and anxious. Their obstetrician recommended a detailed consultation with a fetal medicine specialist, who explained the findings and suggested a diagnostic amniocentesis to obtain a definitive chromosomal analysis. The procedure was performed under ultrasound guidance; David held Priya's hand throughout. The two-week wait for results was agonizing, filled with 'what-ifs'. The results finally came back normal, showing no chromosomal abnormalities. The immense relief was overwhelming, transforming their anxiety into cautious joy. They now attend regular growth scans with a renewed sense of hope, though the experience has left them with a profound appreciation for the fragility and resilience of life.
Fetal Medicines for Foetal Medicine
Explore experienced fetal medicines who regularly perform foetal medicine and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 8 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
- 10 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 33 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar