Introduction Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure in which small samples of placental tissue are obtained for prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy or for DNA analysis. CVS is an outpatient procedure usually performed between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation. The…
Introduction Cordocentesis is a procedure that has both diagnostic and therapeutic value in fetal medicine, and is used for fetal blood sampling (FBS) and administration of fetal transfusions. Sir William Liley described the first successful intraperitoneal transfusion in 1963 with…
Introduction Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a transabdominally placed needle is used to withdraw amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac. “Early amniocentesis” (<15 weeks' gestation) should be avoided because of increased complications, including a higher fetal loss rate and…
Introduction Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant pregnancy complication that has both short-term and long-term implications for the fetus and the neonate. A growth-restricted fetus is at increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and the risks are carried…
Introduction Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) was first described in 1963 and 1964 by Beckwith, an American pediatric pathologist, and Wiedemann, a German geneticist. Since the first descriptions, more than 500 cases have been reported. Prenatal diagnosis of BWS was first reported…
Introduction The term macrosomia is used to describe a fetus or neonate with excessive growth. However, during pregnancy, as the fetus cannot be weighed directly, the term fetal macrosomia is intended to convey a suspicion of excessive fetal growth beyond…
Introduction Vasa previa is a condition in which the umbilical vessels course through the membranes within the lower uterine segment and traverse over, or near, the endocervical os. These vessels can rupture spontaneously without rupture of the membranes, and result…
Introduction Placenta previa is a leading cause of antepartum bleeding. Diagnosis of this condition prenatally by ultrasound (US) is key in preventing the significant maternal and fetal morbidity that can occur as a result of this condition. Disease Definition Placenta…
Introduction Limb–body wall complex (LBWC) refers to a combination of multiple malformations involving the craniofacial structures, thoracoabdominal wall, extremities, and spine. LBWC is almost uniformly lethal and associated with a very poor outcome because of, among other factors, pulmonary hypoplasia.…
Introduction Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a spectrum of disorders arising from abnormal proliferation of the trophoblastic epithelium of the placenta. There are several histologically distinct types of GTD that range from premalignant, complete, and partial hydatidiform moles (HMs), to…