Pre-natal diagnosis: structural anomalies

The use of ultrasound in pre-natal diagnosis is widely established and is an integral part of routine obstetric care. The management of pregnancy is significantly affected by the reliable early diagnosis of fetal structural abnormality by ultrasound. A relatively new intervention is the early anomaly or the 11–14-week ultrasound assessment. In addition to the measurement of the nuchal translucency, this scan allows the early assessment of fetal anatomy. This scan may be indicated in pregnancies at high risk of structural abnormalities, where the potential for early intervention provides additional management options for the pregnancy.