Delayed Testing Leads to Undetected Malformations in Pune District Pregnancies
In Pune district, delayed or lack of testing has resulted in the majority of aborted fetuses having undetected malformations, according to officials. The district’s medical board has allowed the termination of pregnancies beyond 24 weeks due to substantial fetal anomalies, but doctors argue that delayed detection offers no opportunity for treatment. Tests such as ultrasounds and cardiac anomaly tests are crucial for early detection.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of malformations has significantly improved with advancements in imaging technology. However, a substantial number of fetuses aborted in Pune district after 24 weeks of gestation period had undetected malformations due to delayed or absent testing, officials have revealed.
Missed Opportunities for Early Detection
Dr. Sanjaykumar Tambe, head of the gynecology department at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College, emphasized the importance of the period between 19 and 23 weeks for early detection of fetal malformation. Structural anomaly tests during the 19th week and cardiac anomaly tests during the 23rd week are essential for identifying anomalies. Unfortunately, many of these tests were either not conducted or conducted too late, leading to missed opportunities for early detection and treatment.
Types of Anomalies
The majority of fetuses permitted to be aborted due to anomalies had cardiac, brain, skeletal, and kidney anomalies. Despite advanced screening facilities in the city, many of these tests were not performed, primarily due to misconceptions about their necessity. Timely tests such as ultrasounds, anencephaly tests, and noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are crucial for identifying structural and cardiac anomalies in fetuses, according to doctors.
Dr. Chinmay Umraji, head of the fetal medicine department at SGH, expressed the need for increased awareness and utilization of advanced testing options. He noted that the 19-week scan alone can detect 50% of cardiac anomalies and 90% of spine anomalies, making early detection of malformations a new standard in prenatal care.
The delayed or missed testing for fetal anomalies highlights the importance of timely and comprehensive prenatal care to ensure the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children.
