Advanced Prenatal Screening at a Fetal Medicine Centre in Chennai: A Complete Overview
- smartleadsads
- Nov 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Pregnancy is one of the most cherished phases in a woman’s life, filled with anticipation, joy, and a natural concern for the baby’s health. Modern medical advancements now allow parents to understand the development of their baby even before birth. This is where prenatal screening plays a crucial role. When performed at a specialized Fetal Medicine Centre in Chennai, these screenings help identify potential risks, developmental issues, and genetic conditions early, ensuring timely care and informed decision-making.
In this blog, we will explore what prenatal screening includes, why it is essential, and what expectant parents can expect during the process.
What Is Prenatal Screening?
Prenatal screening refers to a series of tests done during pregnancy to assess the health, growth, and development of the fetus. These screenings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they help determine whether there may be an increased risk of certain conditions, including:
Chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13
Structural abnormalities such as heart defects, neural tube defects, and skeletal anomalies
Genetic disorders or inherited conditions
Placental or growth-related complications
The goal of prenatal screening is to identify concerns early, allowing specialists to take proactive steps.
Why Choose a Specialized Fetal Medicine Centre in Chennai?
While basic pregnancy scans can be done at many clinics, a Fetal Medicine Centre provides a higher level of expertise, especially in high-risk or complicated pregnancies. These centers are led by Fetal Medicine Specialists—gynaecologists with advanced training in fetal development, prenatal diagnosis, fetal treatment, and genetic counselling.
A dedicated fetal medicine centre offers:
Advanced ultrasound technology including 3D & 4D imaging
Experienced specialists for high-risk pregnancy care
Targeted and detailed fetal anomaly scans
Genetic counselling for families
Clear care pathways and ongoing monitoring
This ensures accurate results, emotional support, and confidence for expectant parents.
Types of Prenatal Screening Offered
Prenatal screening typically happens throughout different stages of pregnancy. Here is a complete overview:
1. First Trimester Screening (11–14 Weeks)
This is one of the most important screening phases. It generally includes:
Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan: Measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck to assess chromosomal abnormality risk.
Nasal Bone Assessment: Absence of nasal bone can indicate certain genetic conditions.
Blood Test / Combined Screening: Evaluates specific hormones and proteins in the mother’s blood to estimate risk levels.
This early screening provides critical insights into the baby’s health.
2. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
NIPT is a highly accurate blood test that detects the baby’s DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. It can identify chromosomal abnormalities as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy, with over 99% accuracy for Down Syndrome.
It is:
Safe
Non-invasive
Recommended especially for older mothers or those with previous risks
3. Second Trimester Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)
Often called the “Level II Ultrasound” or detailed anomaly scan, this is one of the most comprehensive scans during pregnancy. It examines:
Baby’s organs (brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, spine)
Placental position & blood flow
Amniotic fluid levels
Baby’s growth measurements
Any structural abnormalities
This scan is critical in early detection and treatment planning.
4. Fetal Echocardiography (24–26 Weeks)
This specialized ultrasound evaluates the baby’s heart structure and function. It is recommended when:
Mother has diabetes or autoimmune disease
Family history of heart defects
IVF pregnancy
Clues appear in routine scans
Early detection helps plan for safe delivery and postnatal support.
5. Growth and Well-Being Scans (Third Trimester)
In the later phase of pregnancy, scans monitor:
Baby’s growth velocity
Blood flow using Doppler studies
Fetal movement and breathing (Biophysical Profile)
Placenta functioning
Cord blood flow
These scans ensure the baby is growing well and receiving enough oxygen and nutrition.
Genetic Counselling: A Vital Part of Fetal Medicine
If a screening test indicates increased risk, genetic counselling is offered. A genetic counsellor explains:
The meaning of the screening results
Options for confirmatory diagnostic tests
Possible treatment or management plans
Support for emotional and practical decision-making
This ensures parents feel informed and supported throughout the journey.
Early Detection Leads to Better Pregnancy Outcomes
The main advantage of undergoing prenatal screening at a fetal medicine centre is early detection. When issues are identified early:
Medical intervention can be planned
Delivery can be timed appropriately
Neonatal specialists can be prepared
Complications can be reduced
Parents can emotionally and practically prepare
Early care leads to healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Fetal Medicine Centre in Chennai for advanced prenatal screening is one of the most important steps in pregnancy care. With expert specialists, advanced diagnostic systems, and compassionate care, expectant parents can be assured of a guided and safe pregnancy journey.
If you are expecting, planning pregnancy, or require specialized fetal evaluation—reach out to a dedicated fetal medicine centre and experience personalized maternal-fetal care.
FAQs
1. What is a Fetal Medicine Centre? A Fetal Medicine Centre is a specialized medical facility focused on monitoring and managing the health of the baby during pregnancy. It provides advanced ultrasound scans, prenatal screening, fetal diagnosis, and genetic counselling to ensure early detection and timely care of any fetal concerns.
2. When should I visit a Fetal Medicine Centre in Chennai? It is recommended to visit a fetal medicine centre as early as the first trimester (around 11–14 weeks) for initial screening and ultrasound assessments. However, you may also be referred later if your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if your doctor needs more detailed fetal evaluation.
3. What are the common tests done at a Fetal Medicine Centre? Common tests include early pregnancy scans, nuchal translucency (NT) scan, anomaly scan, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), Doppler studies, fetal echocardiography, and serial growth scans. These tests help monitor fetal development and identify any abnormalities.
4. Is prenatal screening safe for the baby? Yes. Most prenatal screening tests like ultrasound and NIPT are non-invasive and completely safe for both mother and baby. In some cases, if additional diagnostic confirmation is needed (such as amniocentesis), the fetal medicine specialist will explain risks and benefits clearly.
5. Do I need a referral to book an appointment at a fetal medicine centre? No, a referral is helpful but not mandatory. Expectant mothers can directly schedule an appointment for routine screenings, second opinions, or specialized fetal evaluation.
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