The Difference Between Radiology and Fetal Medicine Ultrasound

Radiology is the specialty which makes use of medical imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and is performed by radiologists. Fetal Medicine is a branch of medicine that deals specially with the care of the mother and child. Ultrasounds are used in fetal medicine as it is considered to be safer, and no ionizing radiation is used. The progress of the pregnancy can be assessed in detail, giving special attention to early detection of abnormalities without the worry of tissue damage or any other adverse effect to the baby.

Fetal medicine ultrasounds are best performed by Fetal Medicine Specialists. They are obstetrician/gynaecology doctors, who have had additional years of training in assessment and handling of high risk pregnancies. They are therefore more qualified than radiologists in the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal medicine specialists are trained in -

• Obstetric scans – Nuchal Translucency Scan, Morphology/ Anomaly (Detailed Organ Scan, Fetal Growth and Doppler Scan, Fetal Echo Cardiography
• In performing invasive tests - CVS (Chorionic Villi Sampling), Amniocentesis and Cordocentesis
• Management of high risk pregnancies.

At Feto Maternal & Genetyx Center, Dubai, all scans are performed by our Fetal Medicine Specialist, who has over 20 years of experience in the field, using advanced technology and ultrasound machines. We encourage patients to visit our center for the expert opinion only a fetal medicine specialist can give.