Fetal medicine
Fetal medicine
The past two decades have yielded advances in the field of fetal medicine, which includes prenatal diagnosis as well as fetal intervention and therapy. Both ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have led to the diagnosis of fetal anomalies and syndromes, while improvements in minimally invasive techniques have allowed for more successful and less invasive interventions for fetal diseases in utero (the womb). Many diseases would be lethal without treatment; some are not necessarily lethal postnatally, but efforts to treat them in utero are offered with the goal of improving long term outcomes for the infant.
A fetal medicine specialist is a medical practitioner who is actively practicing in the area of fetal medicine, and who has undergone specific further training through an approved Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship. The fetal medicine specialist confirms antenatal diagnoses of fetal anomalies, using imaging modalities and invasive investigations, and works in collaboration with midwives, neonatologists, clinical genetics specialists, radiologists and other paediatric specialists to manage complicated pregnancies
Our research in this area
- Anencephaly
- Fatal fetal anomalies
- Multiple pregnancy
- Prenatal screening for fetal anomaly
- Role of ultrasound – dating and anatomy scans
- Trisomy 18
- Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly
Key publications
| Category | Category | Keywords | Year | Title | Abstract | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly, Fetal anomaly, Termination of pregnancy, Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies | 2023 |
The outcome of trisomy 18 pregnancies following the legalisation of termination of pregnancy |
Our study of Trisomy 18 in pregnancy found that earlier referral to fetal medicine services enabled decision-making around whether to terminate or continue pregnancy. The findings support universal access to first trimester prenatal aneuploidy screening and both care options. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fetal anomaly, Prenatal screening | 2023 |
Pregnant people's views and knowledge on prenatal screening for fetal trisomy in the absence of a national screening program |
While pregnant women in Ireland have reasonable understanding of the interpretation of non-invasive prenatal tests for fetal aneuploidy, most were unaware of screening options. A national prenatal screening programme, including education on fetal aneuploidy, is needed. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Audit / Service evaluation, Fetal anomaly, Termination of pregnancy, Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies | 2023 |
Fetal anomaly diagnosis and termination of pregnancy in Ireland; a service evaluation following implementation of abortion services in 2019 |
Our service evaluation of fetal medicine clinics in two tertiary maternity hospitals between 2019-2021 emphasises the impact of legislative barriers to abortion care–and the need for policies and services that support women's access to termination of pregnancy–for major fetal anomalies. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly | 2022 |
Dating ultrasounds are fundamental to modern obstetric care |
Dating ultrasounds confirm viability, pregnancy number and due date. These factors are the basis of antenatal care. This study reinforces the need for routine scanning of all pregnancies in the first trimester. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Experience, Fatal fetal anomaly, Staff support, Termination of pregnancy | 2021 |
Fetal medicine specialist experiences of providing a new service of termination of pregnancy for fatal fetal anomaly: a qualitative study |
The implementation of termination services for fatal fetal anomaly is complex, challenging and requires institutional support. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly, Perinatal mortality | 2020 |
The incidence of fatal fetal anomalies associated with perinatal mortality in Ireland |
Only 42% of perinatal deaths could be classified as a fatal fetal anomaly in accordance with the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018 highlighting the complexity of these cases/multiorgan system anomalies. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2019 |
A double dilemma: treatment of stage IV fetal twin-twin transfusion syndrome in the setting of maternal recurrent venous thromoembolism: a case report |
Through expert assessment of clinical complications, we demonstrate how complex high-risk and challenging medical scenarios can be successfully managed, with assistance from the local, national and international expertise in time-critical situations. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Bereavement care, Experience, Fatal fetal anomaly | 2019 |
Anencephaly; the maternal experience of continuing with the pregnancy. Incompatible with life but not with love |
Anencephaly, a fatal fetal anomaly in pregnancy, is devastating for parents and termination is often considered best management. Continuing the pregnancy before saying goodbye may be a healing and positive alternative to early termination for some women. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly, Pregnancy loss | 2017 |
Maternity ultrasound in the Republic of Ireland 2016; A review |
This study highlights the lack of development in Irish maternity ultrasound services over the last decade. Substantial investment by health care policy makers is urgently needed. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly | 2013 |
The natural history of pregnancies with a diagnosis of Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 13; a retrospective case series |
This large series of pregnancies with trisomy 13 and trisomy 18, in a setting where termination of pregnancy was unavailable, describes the natural history of these trisomies with useful information for pregnant women and healthcare professionals. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Fatal fetal anomaly, Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies | 2010 |
The natural history of anencephaly |
The natural history of anencephaly is described in a cohort of continuing pregnancies. | More details Read publication |
Related policy briefs
Our people
- Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
- Dr Sarah Kennedy
- Dr Hadas Miremberg
- Orla O’Connell
- Caroline O’Connor
- Dr Stacey Power Walsh