Guidelines for Care of Fetal Infants at the Limit of Viability

Abstract

Viability of the fetal infant is its capability of living. It usually implies a fetus that has reached 500g in weight and 20 gestational weeks. Lower limit of viability is between 23 and 25 weeks’ gestation in developed countries at present. Trends toward intervention at an earlier gestational age may be continuing. However, the term of viability does not simply mean the ability to be born alive, but the capability to grow and to develop normally in the extrauterine environment. There are concerns on what is the best management for fetal infants on the edge of viability. Decisions regarding all aspects of management of the birth and subsequent care of the fetal infant should be based on the fetal and infant’s condition and prognosis and be made jointly by the parents and the physicians. This article will discuss medical, legal, socioeconomic and ethical issues to find the best way in the management of the fetal infants.