Ultrasonography and Birth Defects

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. 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