Dr. Raghul M
M.Ch (Gold Medalist) • Pediatric Surgeon & Pediatric Urologist
During routine pregnancy scans—particularly the mid-trimester target scan (TIFFA scan) between 18 and 20 weeks—expectant parents eagerly anticipate seeing their baby's movements. When the radiologist notes an 'anomaly' or structural irregularity on the ultrasound report, parents often experience overwhelming dread, assuming the worst-case scenario.
In many instances, unguided internet searches lead parents to believe that any fetal anomaly warrants pregnancy termination or implies severe lifelong disability. In the vast majority of cases, this panic is completely unwarranted. An anomaly detected on a prenatal scan does not automatically indicate a devastating defect, and it certainly does not mean the pregnancy must be terminated.
Dr. Raghul M
@dr_raghul_maniam • Clinical Reel
Fetal Anomalies on Antenatal Ultrasound: Differentiating Transient Findings from True Surgical Defects
Click to watch reel
It is critical to distinguish between transient, self-resolving fetal ultrasound variations and true structural anomalies. The fetal urinary tract is a prime example: mild swelling of the fetal kidney pelvis (mild antenatal hydronephrosis or pelviectasis) is observed in up to 2-3% of all pregnancies. A significant majority of these cases represent transient, physiological dilation that completely normalizes on its own before or shortly after delivery without requiring any intervention.
Even when a genuine structural anomaly is present—such as unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney, congenital lung malformations (CPAM), duodenal atresia, or unilateral hydronephrosis due to pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO)—these conditions are isolated and highly amenable to definitive, 100% curative corrective surgery after the baby is born.
This is precisely where consultation with a pediatric surgeon during pregnancy is invaluable. A pediatric surgeon reviews the detailed fetal ultrasound images, assesses the severity and evolution of the finding, and provides expectant parents with an honest, evidence-based prognosis.
We explain exactly what to expect: whether the condition will likely resolve spontaneously, what postnatal scans will be performed, and the precise timeline for any future corrective treatment. By replacing fear with scientific clarity, antenatal counseling allows parents to enjoy the remainder of their pregnancy with peace of mind.
Further clinical guidance, parent guides, and surgical monographs curated by Dr. Raghul M.
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