Fetal ultrasound screening and diagnosis 10 years hence

Abstract

Ultrasound is the principal method of prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies. In 2008, all obstetric units in England offered pregnant women a second trimester anomaly scan (NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme, 2009). Detection rates for most major anomalies have improved each quinquennium, since ultrasound diagnosis was introduced in the late 1970s, both at regional and national levels (Richmond and Atkins, 2005; Boyd et al., 2008). These improvements reflect advances in 2D imaging technology, better ultrasound training and wider availability of specialists in fetal diagnosis. Show more