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…
Introduction Although umbilical vascular anomalies are congenital malformations seen commonly, venous abnormalities of the umbilical vein, such as an umbilical cord varix, are rare. The widespread use of routine sonography has facilitated the prenatal diagnosis of umbilical vein varix (UVV),…
Introduction The widespread use of high-resolution ultrasound (US) in routine obstetric care has led to greater detection of placental and umbilical cord abnormalities. Cysts of the umbilical cord have been reported in all trimesters. The clinical significance and prognosis of…