Morphological ultrasound is the most important investigation in pregnancy. It detects malformations and tracks the normal development of the fetus.
Fetal morphology is a detailed pregnancy ultrasound by which the anatomical development of the baby is assessed. The investigation traces the fetal structures visible by ultrasound, cardiac activity, fetal dimensions, position of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid. In the case of multiple pregnancies, the evaluation may also include chorionicity and amnionicity.
Fetal morphology is recommended as part of pregnancy monitoring, especially in the second trimester. Fetal anatomy examination is usually performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, and some screening programs place it more strictly around 18—21 weeks.
Detailed anatomical assessment of the fetus
Monitoring cardiac activity and fetal biometrics
Evaluation of the placenta and amniotic fluid
Appreciating some important parameters of the course of pregnancy
Medical guidance and recommendations for further monitoring of pregnancy
Fetal morphology has an important role in prenatal surveillance, as it can identify many major structural abnormalities and provide an important benchmark for subsequent pregnancy evaluations. In experienced hands, many important structural anomalies can be detected, but the detection rate differs between centers and between operators.
This investigation not only seeks the general appearance of the fetus, but also the systematic examination of specific structures. For example, in the second trimester scan the fetal brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, limbs and other important anatomical landmarks can be evaluated.
For a correct assessment, it is important to follow some essential steps:
Let's carry out the investigation at the recommended time of pregnancy.
Let's understand that fetal morphology is a detailed ultrasound screening examination.
Let's interpret the result together with the doctor, in the context of the whole pregnancy.
Let's follow the recommendations for further investigation, if they are necessary.
Let's continue the usual monitoring of pregnancy even when the result is favorable.
1.Fetal morphology in the second trimester is one of the most important ultrasound scans of pregnancy. ACOG points out that all pregnant women should be offered a second trimester ultrasound to detect fetal structural defects, as they can also occur in the absence of aneuploidies.
2.Examination typically includes assessment of basic fetal anatomy, cardiac activity, number of faces, fetal sizes, placenta, and amniotic fluid volume. In some situations, the measurement of the cervix may also be added, depending on the clinical context and the protocol of the center.
3.Fetal morphology can detect many important structural abnormalities, but it cannot identify all of them. ISUOG points out that no screening test detects all cases, which means that sometimes there may be conditions that are not visible or cannot be confirmed on this examination.
4.If an ultrasound is suspected, the pregnant woman can be referred for further evaluation, including a more detailed examination or consultation of fetal medicine or another specialty, for example fetal cardiology when the problem appears to be in the heart.
5.The quality of the images and the ability to see certain structures can depend on several factors. ACOG notes, for example, that excess maternal adipose tissue can make it more difficult to visualize anatomical problems on ultrasound. This is one of the technical limits that must be explained to the patient.
Fetal morphology is commonly recommended as part of standard pregnancy monitoring, but it can be all the more important when there are risk factors, unclear results on other prenatal tests, or suspicions arising on previous ultrasounds. In all cases, this ultrasound should be integrated into the full assessment of pregnancy, not viewed in isolation.
At CMIB, we carry out fetal morphology carefully, in a framework oriented towards clarity, detailed assessment and accurate pregnancy monitoring. Schedule an evaluation and find out what is the right time for this investigation in the evolution of your pregnancy.
Fetal morphology is a detailed ultrasound that examines the anatomy of the fetus and other important elements of pregnancy, such as the placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetal biometry.
The most common is done in the second trimester, usually between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Some screening programs specifically frame it between 18 and 21 weeks.
Ultrasonically visible fetal organs and structures, cardiac activity, fetal dimensions, placenta, amniotic fluid, and in some cases other important milestones for the course of pregnancy can be assessed.
No. It can identify many important structural abnormalities, but no screening test can detect them all.
