Fetal Medicine Glossary

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A - a biomarker used in first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities.

A range of conditions where placental villi abnormally invade the uterine wall, from superficial attachment to complete...

Condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening, potentially causing bleeding and compl...

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery.

The presence of chromosomally abnormal cells only in placental tissue while fetal cells remain normal.

Excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, often indicating fetal anomalies or maternal conditions.

The compartment of the skull containing the cerebellum and brainstem, frequently assessed on fetal ultrasound.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes occurring before 37 weeks of gestation.

Premature rupture of membranes - rupture of amniotic sac before onset of labor.

Congenital lung malformation where abnormal lung tissue receives blood supply from systemic rather than pulmonary circul...

A maternal serum screening test measuring four biochemical markers to assess risk for chromosomal abnormalities.

A congenital tumor arising from the coccyx area, representing the most common tumor in newborns.

Growth restriction affecting only one twin in a monochorionic pregnancy due to unequal placental sharing.

Obstetric emergency where fetal shoulders become impacted behind the maternal symphysis pubis after delivery of the head...

A neural tube defect characterized by incomplete closure of the vertebral column and spinal cord.

Severe oligohydramnios in one twin causing apparent adherence to the uterine wall, typically seen in twin-to-twin transf...

Ultrasound finding indicating monochorionic twin pregnancy, showing thin membrane insertion perpendicular to the placent...

Lethal skeletal dysplasia characterized by severe micromelia, narrow thorax, and distinctive radiological features.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies where one twin lacks a...

Chromosomal condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in Down syndrome.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - serious condition affecting identical twins sharing a placenta.

Ultrasound assessment of blood flow in the umbilical arteries to evaluate placental function and fetal well-being.

Emergency obstetric condition where the umbilical cord descends through the cervix ahead of the presenting fetal part.

Ultrasound assessment of uterine artery blood flow to predict preeclampsia and growth restriction risks.