Invasive Procedures in Fetal Medicine

Types of Invasive Procedures in Fetal Medicine

• Amniocentesis

  This involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus using a needle. It's typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to test for genetic conditions like Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and infections.

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

  Conducted between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, CVS involves taking a small sample of placental tissue. This tissue shares the baby's genetic makeup and can be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.

• Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)

  Also known as cordocentesis, this procedure involves drawing a blood sample from the fetal umbilical cord. It's typically performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy to diagnose blood disorders, infections, and fetal distress.

• Fetal Surgery

  In some cases, conditions such as spina bifida or congenital diaphragmatic hernia can be treated through surgery performed on the fetus while still in the womb. These highly specialized procedures aim to correct or mitigate the condition before birth.

Invasive procedures in fetal medicine are essential for diagnosing and managing conditions that could significantly impact the health of the fetus and the outcome of the pregnancy. Despite their risks, they provide invaluable insights and interventions that can lead to better prognoses for both mother and child.