Pregnancy comes with all sorts of feelings, excitement, anticipation, and some nervousness along the way. One of the reasons why prenatal care involves testing and imaging is to check on the health and development of the baby.

Some of these tests are specifically for fetal anomalies, which are genetic or structural conditions that develop in the womb.

Here’s what you need to know about fetal anomalies in New Jersey so that the process and experience is a lot less intimidating and so that you can make an informed, empowered decision if needed.

What Are Fetal Anomalies?

Birth defects affect how a baby’s organs or body develop during pregnancy. They can affect almost any part of the body, including the brain, heart, limbs, spine, and internal organs.

Fetal anomalies can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• Chromosomal conditions
• Genetics
• Environmental factors
• Unknown causes

Some anomalies are minor and don’t require treatment. On the other hand, some require monitoring throughout the pregnancy as well as specialized medical care after birth.

In some cases, birth defects can significantly affect a baby’s health or quality of life.

Screening Options for Fetal Anomalies in New Jersey

Prenatal screening tests estimate the likelihood that a baby may have certain conditions. These tests don’t diagnose a condition but they can determine if further testing is necessary.

There are many different screening tools used throughout pregnancy.

First trimester screening occurs between 11-14 weeks. It includes a blood test along with ultrasound imaging, to include a nuchal translucency scan. This helps assess the risk of chromosomal conditions.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is another common screening test. It analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA to screen for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.

Second trimester screening, also known as a quad screen, is another blood test that looks for markers associated with neural tube defects and chromosomal conditions.

Finally, there’s the anatomy ultrasound, which is performed around 18-22 weeks. This is the most detailed prenatal screening tool.

It examines the baby’s spine, brain, organs, limbs, and other structures to ensure everything is developing as expected.

Common Birth Defects

There are many different types of fetal anomalies, ranging from mild to complex. Some of the more common conditions include:

• Heart defects
• Neural tube defects
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Chromosomal conditions
• Abdominal wall defects

Many defects can be detected during routine ultrasounds, though some require more specialized imaging.

How Fetal Anomalies Are Diagnosed

If a screening test raises concerns, your doctor will recommend diagnostic testing to confirm whether a condition is present.

One of the most common diagnostic tests is chorionic villus sampling, which is performed between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy. The test analyzes the baby’s chromosomes found in placental tissue.

Another option is amniocentesis, which is usually performed after 15 weeks. During this test, a small amount of amniotic fluid is collected and analyzed to confirm genetic or chromosomal conditions.

In some cases, additional imaging may be needed, including a level II ultrasound, a fetal MRI, or a fetal echocardiogram.

What Happens After a Birth Defect Is Detected?

Hearing that your baby has a fetal anomaly can bring up many emotions and questions. While every situation is unique, there are some common next steps.

First, your provider will refer you to a specialist, whether that’s a genetic counselor or a maternal-fetal medicine physician. These experts are able to explain the diagnosis, discuss possible outcomes, and offer potential treatment options.

In some cases, additional testing or monitoring may be recommended.

Depending on the diagnosis, there are several paths forward. Some birth defects can be treated after birth with medication, surgery, or specialized care.

Others require careful planning, such as delivery as a hospital that has a team of neonatal specialists.

For more severe anomalies, discussions about pregnancy management, including abortion, may take place. This ensures that families can make an informed decision about the best next steps.

Get the Care You Need for Fetal Anomalies in New Jersey

Figuring out a way forward after a diagnosis of fetal anomalies in New Jersey can be scary. For the care and support you need, come to Metropolitan Medical Associates.

Call our office at 201-429-9748 to speak with a member of our staff right away or book an appointment below to get started today!