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The rise of cardiac defects and problems in children is a worrisome issue that needs attention and to prevent deformities and ensure the overall well-being of children, anomaly scan during pregnancy plays an important role. These scans can detect any possible abnormalities or defects in the developing fetus, including heart defects.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sunita Dubey, radiologist and founder of Medscape India, revealed, “Anomaly scan, also called ultrasound scan, is usually done around the 20th week of pregnancy. They are a detailed examination of the fetus that helps identify any structural abnormalities in various organs, including the heart. By early detection of heart defects, parents can be adequately prepared to seek appropriate medical care and interventions for their children after birth.
“Regular sonography is essential during pregnancy as it allows health professionals to closely monitor fetal development, including the heart,” she said. Sonography can help in timely identification of any potential problems or anomalies, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to resolve them. In India, like many other countries, there is a lack of comprehensive statistical data on the prevalence of heart defects in children. However, it is estimated that approximately 8 out of every 1000 live births in India are affected by congenital heart defects.
Dr. Sunita Dubey elaborates, “These defects can vary in severity, ranging from minor conditions that do not require immediate intervention, to complex defects that require surgical procedures. Improving access to comprehensive data on childhood heart defects in India is essential to develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these conditions. Advanced surveillance systems can help identify trends, risk factors, and potential interventions to reduce the incidence of heart disease.
Why and when to do anomaly scan?
Dr. Sunita Dubey answered, “Anomaly scan, also known as ultrasound scan or level 2 ultrasound, is a medical test performed during pregnancy. It is usually done between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. The main purpose of an anomaly scan is to check for any structural abnormalities or birth defects in the developing fetus. This article will explore why and when anomaly scans are necessary.”
According to him, the following are the reasons why anomaly scan is important:
- Identification of birth defects: One of the primary reasons for performing an anomaly scan is to detect any birth defects or structural abnormalities in the baby. This scan allows health professionals to examine the fetus in detail and look for any signs of abnormalities in the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, limbs or other organs. Early detection of birth defects in case of major deformities and legal age for aborting the child are considered and allow parents to prepare emotionally and financially for any necessary medical interventions or postnatal care .
- Assessment of Growth and Development: Anomaly scans also provide valuable information about the baby’s growth and development. It allows health care professionals to measure the size and position of the baby, assess amniotic fluid levels, and check the health and functionality of the placenta. This information helps make sure that the baby is developing properly.
- Evaluation of organs and systems: Anomaly scans allow health professionals to evaluate different organs and systems of the baby’s body to make sure they are functioning normally. It helps to identify any possible problems related to the heart, brain, kidneys or any other organ. This information can guide healthcare providers in determining the best course of action for the well-being of both mother and baby.
- Assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities: While an anomaly scan does not directly diagnose chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, it can help assess the risk of such conditions. Certain structural markers visible during the scan may indicate an increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities. In such cases, further diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or genetic testing may be recommended to confirm or rule out the presence of such conditions.
When to do an anomaly scan?
Dr. Sunita Dubey shares, “The ideal time for an anomaly scan is between the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy. This time frame ensures that the fetus is developed enough for detailed examination, as well as providing enough time to intervene or plan if any abnormalities are detected. However, anomaly scans can be done later in the pregnancy if necessary. It is important to note that anomaly scan is not a mandatory test but it is strongly recommended by gynecologists to prevent any serious defects. The decision to undergo an anomaly scan should be discussed with your gynecologist taking into account the medical history, maternal age, family history of birth defects, monitoring of the baby’s growth and other relevant factors.
He further added, “In some cases, follow-up and additional scans may be recommended depending on the individual circumstances. For example, if the baby has a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities due to maternal age or family history, additional scans or testing may be advised. The rise in cardiac defects and problems in children highlights the importance of anomaly scans and regular sonography during pregnancy. Early detection of heart defects can help prevent deformities and ensure proper medical care for affected children. Improving data collection and surveillance systems in India will be helpful in understanding the prevalence and trends of childhood heart defects, leading to better prevention and management strategies. It is usually done between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy and the decision to have the scan should be based on a discussion with your healthcare provider. Early detection of any potential problems can help parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy and plan for the future. Fetal abnormalities: If substantial abnormalities are found in the fetus, abortion can be considered under the MTP Act.
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