Dr. K.Balasubramaniam, and Dr.Nithya Elango declare that they do not conduct or associate with, or help in carrying out detection or disclosure of sex of the fetus in any manner and on no account conduct or allow to conduct female foeticide in the clinic.

ULTRASOUND

1. ABDOMEN COMPLETE
2. KUB
3. PELVIS
4. SCROTUM
5. BREAST
6. NECK/THYROID
7. INFANT BRAIN

INVASIVE PROCEDURES

1. CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING
2. AMNIOCENTESIS
3. CORDOCENTESIS
4. AMNIOREDUCTION
5. FETAL REDUCTION
6. AMNIOINFUSION
7. INTRAUTERINE TRANSFUSION

PROCEDURES FOR MONOCHORIONIC TWINS

1. RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
2. BIPOLAR CORD COAGULATION
3. LASER ABLATION

4D ULTRASOUND SCAN

1. OBSTETRICS
2. UTERUS/OVARIES
3. EARLY PREGNANCY (BELOW 11 WEEKS)
4. NT SCAN (11 – 13+6 WEEKS)
5. ANOMALY SCAN (18-20 WEEKS)
6. FETAL ECHO & NEUROSONOGRAPHY (ALL GESTATIONAL AGE (18-24(WEEKS))
7. GROWTH SCAN & DOPPLER (32 WEEKS)

DOPPLER SCAN

1. CAROTID SYSTEM
2. LOWER LIMB
3. UPPER LIMB

NT SCAN (Nuchal Translucency)

An ultrasound can detect fluid at the back of a fetus's neck, which sometimes indicates Down syndrome. The ultrasound test is called the measurement of nuchal translucency. During the first trimester, NT Scan is taken at the end of the third month. Between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy, fetal growth and its development can be monitored with the help of Ultrasound. The health status of the fetus can be assessed at this stage. With an

NT scan 70 to 75% of the fetal abnormalities could be determined. With these collected data, further decisions are taken by the medical team.

Birth disorders, especially Down’s Syndrome if present can be identified. If the result of the NT scan is not satisfied. The tissues collected from the placenta are sent for chromosomal testing to determine fetal abnormalities.

If twin pregnancy is identified, it can be seen during the third month, it is analyzed, whether the twins share a common placenta or the individual one.

There are no restrictions required for food in this test.

ULTRASONOGRAPHY

This scan is usually taken in the abdomen region. It is taken within 20 minutes. However, it may vary depending upon the position and movement of the fetus. There are no food restrictions required for this test.

Ideal Scanning Period in Every Pregnancy

1. 8 WEEKS - Dating scan to check if the baby is healthy, single, or twins and to accurately assess the age of the pregnancy and expected date of delivery.
2. 11 - 13+6 WEEKS - NT Scan + First Trimester Screening to screen for chromosomal problems like Down's Syndrome and to look for any early congenital abnormalities.
3. 18 - 20 WEEKS - TARGET SCAN - To look for the growth of the baby and check the organs.
4. 18 - 22 WEEKS Fetal ECHO and NEUROSONOGRAPHY at all gestations.
5. 30 - 32 WEEKS Growth Scan. To check baby's growth, fluid volume, and position & Doppler scan.

Down Syndrome

It is a congenital disorder caused by the Trisomy 21 of the Chromosome. This usually affects the brain development of the fetus. One out of seven hundred is affected by this syndrome. In India, nearly 30000 newborn babies are affected by this syndrome. It not only affects the development of the brain but also some organs.

One of the factors that increase the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother's age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age.

At the end of the third month, the fetal medicine specialist will check for the possibilities of Down Syndrome in the fetus. It will be determined through the relevant tests like NTS in which the neck of the fetus is measured. Also, the length of the nasal bone, and nature of blood supply in ductus venous, and the evidence of reversal blood supply in the right chamber of the fetal heart is also checked. After the scanning procedure, the blood sample of the matter is collected for further investigations to confirm with the help of PAPPA - A beta HCG hormone. These two tests NT and FTS (First Trimester Screening) will be taken together and are known as "Combined Testing".

The results can be of two (2) types. It may be low or high risk. In case of low risk, can continue a pregnancy with a regular check-up. But in the case of high risk, further investigations like chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or NIPT can be done. The results may be available within 7 to 10 days.

The Fetal medicine specialist discusses the pros and cons with the couples. The termination of the fetus or continuing the pregnancy will be decided by the family. If the family decides to continue the pregnancy, the family members will be counseled on the special care to be given for the newborn after delivery.

END NOTE

At Akshaya Fertility Centre, Salem every scan is taken with adequate care. Every patient is given a prior appointment. Sometimes if the fetal position is not seen properly, one or more scans will be taken. If not satisfied, may be asked to come another day for which the hospital is not responsible.

The timings of Scanning differ for every individual. Hence the time delay is unavoidable and the cooperation of every patient is most expected for the perfect analysis.