RCSI Fetal Centre

We are collecting questions for our upcoming event "Your Ultrasound Journey - What to Expect" scheduled for September. The Team of healthcare experts at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology will address all your doubts and curiosities during this exclusive event on our Instagram platform. 


Together, we will discuss what types of scans are routinely offered, what other scans and tests are available, when and why they are offered, what to expect from the results, and the support available if an anomaly is found. 

🔗Submit your questions at the link in our Bio

This project is created by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and it is funded by the Health Research Board through the Conference and Event Sponsorship Scheme.

We are collecting questions for our upcoming event "Your Ultrasound Journey - What to Expect" scheduled for September. The Team of healthcare experts at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology will address all your doubts and curiosities during this exclusive event on our Instagram platform.


Together, we will discuss what types of scans are routinely offered, what other scans and tests are available, when and why they are offered, what to expect from the results, and the support available if an anomaly is found.

🔗Submit your questions https://forms.office.com/e/K1QTLAub2G

This project is created by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and it is funded by the Health Research Board through the Conference and Event Sponsorship Scheme.

SAVE THE DATE 👀

Join us online on 26th March, 12PM for our free webinar "Research Communication - A Novel Approach" as we explore how researchers and the public can collaborate to improve the quality and relevance of research.

We'll talk about how patients and the public can play a crucial role in medical research. We will discuss the ways patients and the public can be involved in research and communication.

Our confirmed speakers are:

Prof Fionnuala Breathnach, Principal Investigator (PI) of the IRELAND Trial (Investigating the role of early low-dose aspirin in diabetes: a phase III multicentre double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial of low-dose aspirin initiated in the first trimester of diabetes pregnancy),

Dr. Michelle Flood, RCSI institutional academic lead for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Elisa Belmonte, Communications Manager at the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology who worked on the —an ingenious graphic novel project making diabetes in pregnancy relatable

Dr. Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research in Diabetes Ireland, Diabetes educator and patient advocate

Followed by a panel discussion led by Dr Claire O'Connell.

From understanding what research is happening to how it's shared with the world, we'll show you how you can be a part of it all.

This webinar is funded by the Health Research Board and organised by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Finding the RCSI Fetal Centre can be quite complicated, but don't worry!
Here is a map and some visual cues to help you along the way.

Find more info: https://rcsifetalcentre.ie/contact/
And if you need help, feel free to reach us at 01 402 2540

📣 Important to realize: while our posts provide valuable insights, they cannot replace a full discussion between a patient and doctor. 🗣️
In this personalised conversation, complete medical and genetic details are reviewed to ensure the best care is tailored to your unique needs. 💖⠀

Different diagnostic tests and different screening tests are available depending on how far along in pregnancy you are.

To discover the tests suitable for your stage, we need to pinpoint where you are in your pregnancy. Use the Pregnancy Calculator on our website by entering your first day of the last menstrual period.


https://rcsifetalcentre.ie/pregnancy-calculator/

If you are unsure, get in touch! We will be able to help you figure out how far along you are in your pregnancy, and find out which of these tests may be available for you 💛⠀
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Screening Test vs Diagnostic Test in pregnancy – what is the difference?

Screening tests are used to measure the risk or probability that your baby might have a disease. They tend to be more simple, and non-invasive, such as blood tests or ultrasound scans. In contrast, diagnostic tests are used to confirm for certain whether or not your baby actually have a disease. They tend to be somewhat more invasive, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

An example of a screening test is non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) also known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

This screening test involves:
- An early ultrasound scan
- A maternal blood test

The result will be high or low risk for specific genetic or chromosomal problems that your baby may have.

A diagnostic test is offered in situations where there is a concern on early ultrasound scan findings or when advised by a fetal medicine doctor.

This is an invasive test and will provide a diagnostic genetic result for the patient. Examples of invasive diagnostic tests during pregnancy include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis; the type depends on how pregnant you are.

Visit our website for more information: https://rcsifetalcentre.ie/fetal-medicine/

Common reasons for deciding to do a pre-natal test include:

💛 "I want to know my baby's health status early on."⠀
💛 "Early knowledge helps me prepare and gather information."⠀
💛 "Planning and connecting with specialists is crucial."⠀
💛"I can make informed decisions for delivery and care."⠀
💛 "Understanding options, even termination, is important."⠀

At RCSI Fetal Centre, we believe in non-directive counselling. You have the right to choose and receive unbiased information about your options. Your decision, with your partner or family, is unique and respected. 💞

Fore more information, visit our website: www.rcsifetalcentre.ie

Today, we share some information on Fetal Abnormalities.

Normally, all cells in the human body have 46 chromosomes, made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes.
23 chromosomes (one of each pair) are inherited from the father and 23 inherited from the mother. These 23 pairs of chromosomes contain all of the DNA, or building blocks, to determine the health of the baby.

Certain syndromes can occur when a fetus develops with three copies of a particular chromosome instead of two, or may be missing a chromosome or part of a chromosome.

Depending on the syndrome, the fetus may develop with significant abnormalities, which in some cases may be fatal.

The risk of having a chromosomal condition increases as the mother gets older.


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A wide range of abnormalities affecting the development of a healthy baby can be diagnosed
prenatally. These include:

- Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome)

- Cardiac abnormalities (e.g., "hole in the heart")

- Spine and head abnormalities (e.g., spina bifida)

- Genetic conditions (e.g., DiGeorge Syndrome / 22q11.2 deletion syndrome)

- Abnormalities of fetal growth or amniotic fluid

While prenatal tests offer crucial insights, it's important to note that they can't guarantee a completely normal outcome.
Some health conditions, like autism and cerebral palsy, lack suitable prenatal tests.

Rest assured, our team is here to guide you. Discuss your concerns with your doctor to explore suitable additional tests for your unique needs. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Find out more: https://rcsifetalcentre.ie/fetal-medicine/


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Explore Our Services at RCSI Fetal Centre:

- Early Scans: typically conducted at 7 to 10 weeks, to swiftly confirm your pregnancy's healthy development

- NIPS (Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening): conducted from 9 week gestation, to help identify if your baby is likely to have a chromosomal condition.

- Fetal Anatomy Scans: a detailed ultrasound scan at about 20 weeks to see if the baby is developing normally.

- Private Care: full private obstetric care with one of our consultants

Learn more at https://rcsifetalcentre.ie/