Ultrasonography and birth defects

Abstract

Birth defects are major global problems. Even in developed countries, the incidence of birth defects has not reduced. The prevalence of birth defects diagnosable (65%) and preventable (2.5%). Ultrasound screening is a very reliable tool for assessing birth defects. A well done genetic scan at 11 to 14 weeks and at 22 weeks (TIFFA) can accurately detect over 85% of birth defects. With the advent of 3D and 4D ultrasound, the accuracy for functional defects has also increased. Each pregnancy deserves a prenatal diagnostic test and ultrasound is a near ideal diagnostic test to be applied, to large pregnant population, specially in developing countries.