A fetal medicine specialist evaluates and monitors the health and development of the unborn baby and manages pregnancies with increased maternal or fetal risk. Services may include advanced ultrasound scans, prenatal screening, fetal echocardiography, genetic counselling, diagnostic procedures and fetal therapy.

A detailed anomaly scan is generally performed during the second trimester to evaluate the baby's major organs and structures. The exact timing may vary depending on the pregnancy, previous screening results and clinical indications.

Screening tests estimate the likelihood of a fetal chromosomal or other condition, while diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling (CVS) can provide more definitive information about selected chromosomal or genetic conditions.

Fetal echocardiography may be advised when a routine scan suggests a heart abnormality, there is a family history of congenital heart disease, maternal medical conditions are present or the pregnancy has other risk factors requiring detailed assessment of the baby's heart.

A Doppler scan evaluates blood flow through selected blood vessels in the fetus, umbilical cord and placenta. It is commonly used in high-risk pregnancies and when fetal growth restriction or placental problems are suspected.

Yes. The Department of Fetal Medicine at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Kochi offers specialised prenatal diagnostic and fetal medicine procedures such as amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, fetal blood sampling and selected intrauterine interventions based on clinical indication.