by Patrick Chia Frcog Fafp (Mal) (Author), Vijayan V. Frcog (Author)
Antenatal diagnosis has come a long way. As newer, more accurate, and less-invasive screening tests are available, doctors must constantly update themselves via the most recent research and publications. Good antenatal care is essential. Over the last decade we have seen rapid advances in medical technology that allowed the development of tools and tests essential to help reduce the risks to the mother and her developing foetus. The high-resolution transvaginal probe, with its crystal-clear view of the foetus, now make it possible for first-trimester diagnoses. From the perspective of the doctor, these tests will provide vital information that will be utilised to optimise antenatal care. It will afford early and timely intervention in terms of in utero therapy or prepare the mother for a potentially unfavourable outcome. Owing to the introduction of newer testing techniques, we have seen a shift in screening strategies. It has broadened the scope of antenatal testing from increasingly higher resolution ultrasound scans to genome molecular tests. In addition, non-invasive prenatal diagnoses are increasingly available and becoming more affordable.