Advanced Prenatal Diagnosis. Early Answers. Better Outcomes.
Paramitha's fetal medicine unit combines the latest ultrasound technology with expert subspecialty consultation to monitor your baby's health from early pregnancy — and prepare for every possibility.
Paramitha Hospitals' Fetal Medicine unit provides advanced prenatal diagnostic and surveillance services in Hyderabad for pregnant women, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies or abnormal screening findings. The unit offers first-trimester combined screening (NT scan with PAPP-A and beta-hCG), cell-free DNA / NIPT, mid-trimester targeted anomaly scan (TIFFA scan), fetal echocardiography, umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler studies, biophysical profile (BPP), growth scans, and invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures including amniocentesis. The fetal medicine team works in close coordination with maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, neonatologists, paediatric cardiologists, and paediatric surgeons to provide a fully integrated care pathway from prenatal diagnosis through to postnatal management planning.
Why Fetal Medicine Matters
The goal of fetal medicine is not to cause anxiety — it is to create certainty. Most babies are entirely healthy, and that reassurance is itself of enormous value to expectant parents.
When a fetal medicine scan identifies an abnormality, early diagnosis allows delivery planning at centres with appropriate specialist support, surgical team preparation, and time for families to prepare emotionally and medically. Paramitha's philosophy: thorough investigation, careful communication, and collaborative preparation.
Fetal Medicine Investigations in Detail
First-Trimester Screening — NT Scan (11 to 13 Weeks + 6 Days)
The NT scan measures nuchal translucency and includes nasal bone assessment, ductus venosus Doppler, CRL measurement, and maternal PAPP-A and free beta-hCG. Results are combined into an individualised risk ratio using FMF algorithm software. High-risk results are counselled in a dedicated consultation.
Cell-Free DNA / NIPT
NIPT analyses fetal DNA in maternal blood to screen for Trisomy 21, 18, 13, sex chromosome abnormalities, and microdeletion syndromes with >99% sensitivity for Down syndrome. NIPT is a screening test — high-risk results require confirmation via amniocentesis or CVS.
Mid-Trimester Anomaly Scan (TIFFA — 18 to 22 Weeks)
The most comprehensive routine ultrasound — 30–45 minutes examining the brain, face, spine, heart (four-chamber and outflow tracts), abdominal organs, kidneys, limbs, placenta, cord vessels, and amniotic fluid. Comprehensive written reports with direct discussion of any abnormal findings.
Fetal Echocardiography (Fetal ECHO)
Dedicated fetal ECHO for abnormal four-chamber view, increased NT, chromosomal abnormality, maternal diabetes, family history of CHD, or irregular fetal rhythm. Coordinated with paediatric cardiology review for immediate postnatal management planning.
Doppler Studies
Umbilical artery Doppler assesses placental resistance. MCA Doppler detects fetal anaemia and brain-sparing. Ductus venosus Doppler assesses cardiac preload in growth-restricted fetuses. Uterine artery Doppler identifies pre-eclampsia risk for aspirin prophylaxis.
Fetal Growth Scans and Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Serial growth scans from 28–32 weeks track weight, growth velocity, and amniotic fluid in high-risk pregnancies. BPP combines ultrasound assessment with CTG — scores of 8–10 are reassuring; 4 or below typically triggers delivery planning.
Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Procedures — Amniocentesis
Performed between 15–20 weeks under continuous ultrasound guidance for definitive chromosomal diagnosis. Procedure-related miscarriage risk approximately 0.5–1%. Results counselled in dedicated consultation with multidisciplinary team involvement for confirmed abnormalities.
High-Risk Pregnancy Surveillance Programme
- Tailored scan frequency — fortnightly or weekly based on clinical risk profile.
- Integrated multi-specialty care with paediatric specialists involved before delivery.
- Delivery timing and mode documented at the final fetal medicine consultation.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions patients ask us most often.
A fetal medicine specialist manages complex prenatal assessments and high-risk pregnancies. You may be referred to fetal medicine for an abnormal NT or anomaly scan finding, a high-risk chromosomal screening result, previous pregnancy with a structural abnormality, multiple pregnancy, or conditions such as diabetes or hypertension in pregnancy.