Suspected fetal anomalies

With changes in antenatal screening, and improvements in ultrasound technology, an increasing number of fetal anomalies are detected, and often earlier in pregnancy than was once the case. This is especially true for chromosomal abnormalities. The National Screening Committee has made recommendations about fetal anomaly screening in the UK, and the standards that it expects maternity services to meet.Clinicians should be aware that not all anomalies can be detected early in pregnancy, and that late diagnoses of major structural and chromosomal anomalies continue to be made.