Fetal Prognosis Research Articles

Evaluation of The Relationship between Cell-Free DNA Fetal Fraction of The Circulatory System and Fetal and Maternal Pregnancy Prognosis: A Prospective Study.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), sometimes called noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), is a non-invasive prenatal genetic test using cell-free DNA in maternal blood. This method is used to diagnose fetal aneuploidy disorders such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), which causes disability disorders or significant postpartum defects. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between high and low fetal fraction (FF) and prognosis of maternal pregnancy. In this prospective study, after obtaining informed consent, 10 ml of blood was collected from 450 mothers with singleton pregnancies with gestational age above 11 weeks (11-16) at the request of NIPT for cell-free DNA BCT test. After obtaining the test results, maternal and embryonic results were evaluated based on the amount of non-cellular DNA FF. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software version 21 and independent t test, chi-square statistical tests. Based on test results, 20.5% of women were nulli par. The mean FF index in the studied women was 8.3% with a standard deviation of 4.6. The minimum and maximum values were 0 and 27, respectively. The frequency of normal, low and high FFs was 73.2, 17.3 and 9.5%, respectively. High FF has fewer risks to the mother and fetus than low FF. The use of FF level (high or low) can help us determining the prognosis of pregnancy and using it to better manage the pregnancy.

Correlations between Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Kidney Failure.

Kidney function impairment in pregnancy is challenging, with incidence and prognosis only partially known. Studies concerning maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies occurring in patients with renal injury and the therapeutic strategies for improving the prognosis of these patients are scarce due to the limited number of cases reported. We aimed to establish correlations between the main maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with severe CKD or AKI in pregnancy to improve the prognosis, referring to a control group of patients with mild kidney impairment. For this purpose, we conducted a retrospective study, at University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, from January 2019 until December 2021, selecting 38 patients with AKI and 12 patients diagnosed with advanced CKD, compared to 42 patients displaying borderline values of serum creatinine (0.8-1 mg/dL), reflecting the presence of milder kidney impairment. The probability of having a child that is premature and small for gestational age, with a lower Apgar score and more frequent neonatal intensive care unit admissions, delivered by cesarean section, is higher in patients with highly reduced kidney function. Severe kidney function impairment is associated with a grim fetal prognosis and obstetrical complications.

What is the Meaning of Fetal Heart Rate Patterns according to Physiopathology?

The analysis and interpretation of the Fetal Heart Rate in the parturition watch have shown their limits in the identification of the fetuses risking neonatal asphyxia, which consequences are death or Cerebral Palsy. The weak specificity of the continuous electronic heart rate monitoring generates an unjustified C-section excess, associated to an increasing of the immediate and ulterior materno-fetal morbi-mortality. Presently, the visual analysis of the Fetal Heart Rate exclusively lays on chronomorphological patterns. However, there is another way that calls on the knowledge of the physiological processes of the fetus’ cardiovascular control: In situation of normoxemia, the peripheral baroreceptors of the near term fetus is responsible for the control of the arterial pressure with both systems in action: the permanent accelerating sympathetic system and the intermittent braking parasympathetic system, which causes short-term variability. In situation of acute hypoxemia, the peripheral chemoreceptors are stimulated and induce a rapid vagal mediated fall in heart rate (i.e. deceleration), and a peripheral vasoconstriction mediated by sympathetic nervous system. In situation of acidosis, the central chemoreceptor is activated. It then stimulates the sympathetic system generating a fetal tachycardia, and inhibits the functioning of the peripheral baroreceptors, producing minimal to absent variability. From that comes out that the variability and the heart baseline are the only two patterns that reflect the fetal prognosis.

Imaging evaluation of lymphoma in pregnancy with review of clinical assessment and treatment options.

Lymphoma-related malignancies can be categorized as Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) based on histologic characteristics. Although quite rare during pregnancy, HL and NHL are the fourth and fifth most common malignancies during the pregnancy period, respectively. Given the rarity of lymphoma among pregnant patients, radiologists are usually unfamiliar with the modifications required for staging and treatment of this population, even those who work at centers with busy obstetrical services. Therefore, this manuscript serves to not only review the abdominopelvic imaging features of lymphoma in pregnancy, but it also discusses topics including birthing parent and fetal lymphoma-related prognosis, both antenatal and postpartum, current concepts in the management of pregnancy-related lymphoma, as well as the current considerations regarding birthing parent onco-fertility.

Placenta Percreta with Bladder Invasion: Case Report

Background: Placenta previa with bladder invasion is an uncommon and serious pathology, involving the maternal prognosis. However, as the rate of cesareans has increased, the disease has become more common. Case presentation: We present the case of placenta previa percreta in 34 weeks of amenorrhea, gravida 2 para 1, with a history of a single caesarean section 5 years prior. Initially admitted for threat of premature delivery, we found a totally covering placenta previa with accretization sign and suspicion of bladder invasion. Abdomino pelvic MRI confirmed the diagnosis of placenta previa percreta. During monitoring, the patient presented an acute fetal distress requiring an emergency fetal extraction. She underwent a caesarean section for fetal rescue followed by a total hysterectomy requiring the removing of the anterior part of the bladder. Conclusion: With a rising rate of cesarean sections, the risk of placenta accreta spectrum is increasing as well. Obstetricians and clinicians should be vigilant in prenatal diagnosis, especially if the risk factors are present. Multidisciplinary approach for preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management can significantly improve maternal and fetal prognosis.

Analysis of prognostic risk factors and development of a predictive model for fetuses with right aortic arch with mirror-image branching: a prognostic evaluation method based on ultrasound parameter features.

Prenatal ultrasound plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and classification of right aortic arch (AO) with mirror-image branching (RAA-MB). The recent research in this area has primarily focused on qualitative diagnosis, neglecting the quantitative analysis of ultrasound factors that impact RAA-MB outcomes. This study used echocardiography to measure prenatal ultrasound parameters for vascular ring and trachea in fetuses with RAA-MB, employing a nomogram model to evaluate factors influencing their prognosis, thereby providing a comprehensive characterization of potential outcomes. A retrospective case-control study was conducted from March 2019 to March 2023. A systematic gathering of prenatal echocardiograms and clinical data was completed for a cohort comprising 92 cases of fetal RAA-MB at the Ultrasound Medicine Center of Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital. Participant recruitment was executed through random selection from among those receiving outpatient medical care. Within the cohort, 42 cases were categorized as fetuses with isolated RAA-MB, while the remaining 50 cases were characterized as fetuses with RAA-MB and associated anomalies. Measurements were taken of the angle between the right AO and the ductus arteriosus (DA) (AO-DA), the distance between the AO and DA, the diameter of AO and DA, and the distance growth rate (DGR) of the AO-DA distance. Additionally, measurements were taken of the tracheal anterior-posterior diameter, tracheal left-right diameter, and tracheal circumference in the three-vessel tracheal view. In the AO view, measurements were taken of the tracheal cross-sectional area (TA) and the vessel ring cross-sectional area (VRA). The relationship between these parameters and the prognosis of fetuses with RAA-MB was assessed using logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the predictive model based on these factors. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictive factors for the prognosis of fetuses with RAA-MB were the AO-DA distance [odds ratio (OR) =0.012], TA (OR =0.401), and VRA (OR =1.103) (all P values <0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.891 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.789-0.914; P<0.001], indicating a high accuracy of the model's predictions. The AO-DA distance, TA, and VRA are factors that influence the prognosis of fetuses with RAA-MB. The column chart model constructed based on these parameters can effectively provide a reference for predicting the risk of adverse outcomes in fetuses with RAA-MB.

Eclampsia: Epidemiological Aspects and Maternal and Foetal Prognosis at the University Teaching Hospital Centre (UTH) of Bouake

Eclampsia: Epidemiological Aspects and Maternal and Foetal Prognosis at the University Teaching Hospital Centre (UTH) of Bouake

Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean Section at Good Shepherd Mission Hospital at Tshikaji in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background: The success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section with a single cesarean scar is greater than 50%, the lack of the information about the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery pushes most of obstetricians to increase the num ber of cesarean sections following a previous cesarean section. Guidelines for Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) indicate that TOLAC offers women with no contraindications and one previous transverse low-segment cesarean. The objective of the current study was to study the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC), the indications for emergency repeat cesarean section and to determine the maternal and fetal prognosis in vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) at Tshikaji Mission Hospital. Patients, Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the records of 126 women were selected to undergo the TOLAC in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Tshikaji Mission Hospital over the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The data on demography, antenatal care, labour and delivery and outcomes were collected from the maternity unit of this hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0. Results: The TOLAC in 126 studied women. The course of work allowed vaginal delivery 107 parturient women, a success rate of successful VBAC of 85% after the TOLAC. The repeat emergency cesarean section was necessary for delivery in 15% of cases for failed TOLAC. There was no maternal mortality, but we recorded one fetal death or 0.8% of perinatal mortality, 2 cases of cicatricial dehiscence, the incidence of 1.6%. Maternal morbidity after delivery on cicatricial uterus was dominated by postpartum hemorrhages, with 19 cases or 15.1% of cases. Cervical dilatation of more than 3 cm at the time of admission, the parity more than 3 and were the significant factors in favor of a successful VBAC. Birth weight of more than 3500 g, fetal distress and malpresentation were associated with a lower success rate of VBAC. The TOLAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Pregnancy on a cicatricial uterus represents a high-risk pregnancy. Trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. There is a significantly high vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) success rate among selected women undergoing trial of scar in Tshikaji Hospital. TOLAC remains the option for childbirth in low resource settings as Kasai region in DRC. Adequate patient education and counselling in addition to appropriate patient selection for TOLAC remain the cornerstone to achieving high VBAC success rate.

Emergency C-Section on Multi-Scar Uterus: Maternal and Fetal Prognosis at the Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Segou, Mali

Background: Multi-scar uterus is a uterus with two or more scars due to surgery or trauma. Objective: The aim was to compare the maternal and fetal prognosis of emergency C-sections of bi-scar uteruses to those of uteruses with at least 3 scars at the Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Segou. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection over a 24-month period from March 20, 2018, to March 20, 2020. Results: In 2 years, we collected 103 emergency C-sections for multi-scar uterus out of 1198 C-sections with a frequency of 8.6%. The age group of 20 to 35 years was the most represented with 86.4%. The bi-scar uteruses were the most frequent with 77.7%. In 71.8% of cases, the C-section was performed during the latent phase of labor. The C-section was performed under loco-regional anesthesia in 89.3% of cases. Difficulties in hemostasis and bladder injury were the most frequent intraoperative accidents. Surgical site infection was the main postoperative complication. No maternal deaths were recorded. The perinatal prognosis was marked by 4.3% fresh stillbirths in bi-scar uterus against 3.7% in three or more scar uteruses and including 2 fresh stillbirths and 1 macerated. We did not record any early neonatal deaths after C-section. Conclusion: The frequency of emergency C-sections in patients with a multi-scar uterus remains very high in our hospital. A better awareness of the patients, their spouses and all the actors involved in the management of pregnancies and childbirth, can contribute to curb this trend.

Diagnosis and management of congenital chylothorax

Congenital chylothorax, the accumulation of lymph in the pleural space, is a rare and serious condition that can appear alone or accompany congenital anomalies. Ultrasonography and pleural fluid analysis can diagnose it early from the fetal period. Both prenatal and postnatal therapeutic interventions improve the fetal prognosis and decrease the rate of complications.

Fetal hemoglobin level predicts lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

The relationship between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and disease prognosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HbF level and the prognosis of MDS. To this end, data from 217 patients diagnosed with MDS between April 2006 and August 2020 at Ebina General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was leukemia-free survival (LFS) for 5years after diagnosis. HbF levels were significantly higher in patients with MDS than in control patients without MDS (n = 155), with a cut-off value of 0.4%. Higher-risk patients had a similar prognosis regardless of HbF level, but lower-risk patients had longer LFS at intermediate HbF levels. Although prognosis based on pre-treatment HbF levels did not differ significantly among azacitidine-treated patients, prognosis tended to be better in lower-risk patients with intermediate HbF levels. Multivariate analysis showed that the intermediate HbF category correlated with LFS, independently of MDS lower-risk prognostic scoring system (LR-PSS)-related factors. This study is the first to assess the association between HbF levels and the new World Health Organization 2016 criteria for MDS, demonstrating the significance of HbF levels in the prognosis of MDS.

Fetal Brain Tumors, a Challenge in Prenatal Diagnosis, Counselling, and Therapy

Fetal brain tumors are a rare entity with an overall guarded prognosis. About 10% of congenital brain tumors are diagnosed during fetal life. They differ from the postnatally encountered pediatric brain tumors with respect to location and tumor type. Fetal brain tumors can be benign or malignant and infiltrate or displace adjacent brain structures. Due to their high mitotic rate, they can show rapid growth. Outcome depends on age of diagnosis, size, and histological tumor type. Findings like polyhydramnios and macrocephaly encountered on routine ultrasound are frequently associated. Detailed prenatal anomaly scan and subsequent fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may identify the brain tumor and its severity. Both maternal and fetal prognosis should be included in prenatal counselling and decision making.

Telemedicine for home care of fetal growth restriction with mobile cardiotocography: A case series.

Modern technological advancements have made it possible to perform cardiotocography at home. Home-based management of high-risk pregnancies using a mobile cardiotocography system has been reported; however, its effectiveness in monitoring cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR) remains unclear. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of home-based telemedicine for FGR management using the mobile cardiotocography (iCTG). The authors conducted a single-center, retrospective case series of patients with FGR. Seventeen women diagnosed with FGR were enrolled. Patients performed iCTG for 1hour twice daily to examine their fetuses; data were uploaded and saved on the cloud. The median and minimum compliance rates were 93.33 (interquartile range [IQR], 70.00-100.00) and 40.7, respectively. The median and minimum validity rates were 100.00 (IQR, 90.48-100.00) and 36.4, respectively. In this study, many of the patients were managed at home and underwent delivery as planned. However, three patients required emergency visits; one had a nonreassuring fetal status and underwent an emergency cesarean section. Even when the fetal prognosis is good, careful pre-evaluation is required before initiating home care management. The current study shows that the economic burden of hospitalization for patients can be reduced by using iCTG.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Parturient Leading to Life-Threatening Thrombocytopenia and Neonatal Demise—A Case Report

Abstract Thrombocytopenia is common (up to 12%) in pregnancy; thrombotic thrombocytopenia is a rare cause of thrombocytopenia; however, it is immediately life-threatening to both mother and fetus and requires immediate intervention. This is compounded by the need to act on a presumptive diagnosis with high level of suspicion given the relatively long laboratory confirmation time. A 31-year-old gravida 3, para 1 parturient at 26 weeks of gestation presented to outside hospital with recent onset of easy bruising and blurry vision. A blood count was drawn and showed a platelet count of 19,000/μL. She was transferred to our institution for management where an initial diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features was made based on thrombocytopenia and fetal growth restriction (&lt;1%). Platelet count nadired at 14,000/μL and a blood smear showed schistocytes, suggesting microangiopathic hemolysis, prompting discussion of urgent cesarean delivery and anesthesia consult. An urgent hematology consult led to presumptively diagnosing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and cesarean delivery was deferred after discussion with the patient and team. Plasma exchange and steroid therapy were started promptly, and her platelet count improved within 12 hours. Unfortunately, the patient experienced neonatal demise. Undetectable ADAMTS13 levels confirmed diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenia. She was transitioned to rituximab, platelets recovered to baseline, and she continues to do well. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia is a rare, life-threatening cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Despite grim fetal prognosis, especially in early pregnancy, low threshold of suspicion, early anesthesia involvement, and multidisciplinary approach can facilitate diagnosis and timely intervention. In our case, it was likely lifesaving.

Perinatal prognosis in euploid fetus with cystic hygroma. Report of two clinical cases

Introduction: Cystic hygroma (CH) is a rare congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system. It is characterized by cystic lesions predominantly in the fetal neck and its prenatal diagnosis has been associated with increased perinatal mortality, aneuploidy, and congenital malformations. Case presentation: Two cases of cervical cystic hygroma diagnosed during the second trimester of gestation are presented, one of them associated with bilateral clubfoot. Both fetuses underwent karyotyping by amniocentesis, which established that both were euploid (46 XY and 46 XX), as well as fetal nuclear magnetic resonance imaging that showed no associated major malformations. In the interdisciplinary follow-up performed 1 year after birth, no findings consistent with genetic syndromes or neurodevelopmental alterations were observed in either of the 2 cases. Conclusions: CH is a marker of poor fetal prognosis; however, euploid fetuses with this condition have a better prognosis if their lesion resolves, do not progress to hydrops fetalis, and do not present other associated malformations. Euploid fetuses with CH require specific genetic studies for RASopathies, such as Noonan syndrome, which were not available in the clinical approach of the 2 cases presented; however, typical postnatal characteristics of the disease were not evident in the clinical genetic evaluation.

The ultrasound evaluation of corpus callosum in the routine screening is not recommended, because we know less than we see

The corpus callosum serves as a link between the two hemispheres, with an important role in cognitive mechanisms, also integrating motor and sensitive information and processing stimuli. Evaluation of the morphologic structure of the corpus callosum in order to diagnose structural anomalies such as hyperplasia, hypoplasia, as well as indirect signs of corpus callosum agenesia can be realised using ultrasonography during the mid-trimester screening. At present, it is recommended to perform a targeted evaluation only in high-risk cases of central nervous system abnormalities; the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology has not included the corpus callosum evaluation in the routine second trimester screening. Callosal anomalies present uncertainty in the fetal prognosis: 75% of cases of isolated corpus callosum agenesis develop normally; on the other hand, they could develop various degrees of neurological impairment from language or social deficiency to autism or schizophrenia. We, therefore, highlight the importance of corpus callosum evaluation, as the agenesis of the corpus callosum can be an isolated defect, but it can also be associated with other extracerebral anomalies or it could be a part of a syndrome. Completing the diagnosis often requires magnetic resonance imaging and genetic tests.

Prenatal differential diagnosis of placental mesenchymal dysplasia and molar disease with coexistent live twin fetuses

Background: Numerous hypoechoic cysts in the placenta on prenatal ultrasonography with a live fetus may indicate twin pregnancy with a complete hydatidiform mole with a coexistent fetus, partial mole, confined placental mosaicism, or placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD). Ultrasonographic appearances of these are similar; however, the differential diagnosis should be made because maternal and fetal prognoses differ. Cases: We present two cases of twin pregnancies with numerous placental cystic lesions. The first case was a partial hydatidiform mole in monochorionic diamniotic twins with a diploid karyotype that underwent a spontaneous abortion at 20 gestational weeks. The second case was PMD in dichorionic diamniotic twins; live twin neonates were delivered at 34 gestational weeks. Emergency cesarean section delivery was performed due to severe preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in twin A at 34 weeks of gestation. Conclusions: Numerous hypoechoic cysts in the placenta on prenatal ultrasonography with a normal live fetus warrants chromosomal analysis and serial ultrasonographic examination to differentiate between PMD and molar pregnancy with a coexisting normal fetus to avoid unnecessary termination.

A Systematic Review On Complications of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

A potentially dangerous liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can appear during pregnancy. Primarily manifesting in the third trimester, characteristic symptoms include pruritus (itching) of the soles and palms, elevated blood bile acid levels, and impaired liver function. Several medications have been demonstrated to significantly improve biochemical indicators and gestational age of birth in patients with ICP, and they also alleviate the pruritus experienced by the mother. The use of these drugs during pregnancy may have serious consequences. This systematic review aims to describe maternal and foetal outcomes related to ICP and identify major biochemical and clinical predictors of foetal problems in women diagnosed with ICP. To provide context for the current investigation, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for articles published between 2012 and 2022. References and bibliographies were employed in manual searches in addition to internet resources. Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) evaluated all selected research papers. Findings were presented using descriptive summary table besides critical analysis. Risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, such as stillbirth and early delivery, were associated with twin pregnancies with ICP. But, premature delivery and neonatal hypoxia are more common in IVF-created twin pregnancies than in naturally conceived twin births. Severe ICP effects are linked with higher risks of stillbirth, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and preterm delivery. Some perinatal issues are associated with a mother's serum bile acid levels rising during pregnancy. Congenital disabilities, premature birth, and postpartum bleeding are all associated with ICP. Extreme instances of ICP frequently result in the abrupt and unexpected death of the fetus inside the uterus. ICP and stillbirth develop early in twin pregnancies. Therefore, delivering at 37 weeks may not be desirable. Enhancing fetal prognosis, particularly in twin pregnancies generated through IVF, requires early and correct diagnosis and proper medical intervention. To reduce the likelihood of an indicated preterm delivery, the decision to terminate a pregnancy in pregnancies created through IVF should be made carefully. Despite the fact that there was a clear link between ICP and preeclampsia and GDM, ICP did not raise the risk of stillbirth. Bile acid levels between the mother and fetus correlate, suggesting a causative link between BA levels, prenatal problems, and bad outcomes. Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; pregnancy outcomes; gynecology; women health

Fetal echocardiography and early neonatal balloon valvuloplasty improved overall survival in prenatally detected aortic stenosis over 25 years of tertiary center experience.

This article aimed to present the factors determining survival and prognosis in fetuses and newborns with critical prenatal aortic stenosis (AS) and to present 26 years of tertiary center experience. Study included 87 fetuses with critical AS requiring surgical intervention during neonatal period. All results were expressed as means ± SD, in numbers and percentages. The statistically significant results were those with p < 0.05. An increase in the number of cases of AS was observed in our center along with a decrease in gestational age of our patients during the first echocardiographic exam. The survival rate of newborns was considerably higher when born in due time (p < 0.05) with body weight > 2500 g (p < 0.05). Balloon valvuloplasty performed in the first days after birth occurred to be an optimal solution in these cases. Fetal echocardiography and special perinatal care with transplacental maternal pharmacotherapy in selected cases and an early neonatal aortic balloon valvuloplasty have shown improvement in survival rate. The most dangerous for the newborn with AS was the first week of postnatal life. It is vital to refer the fetuses with AS to the reference centers which offer the possibility of invasive cardiac intervention on the first day after birth, and it might be an optimal solution.

Attitudes et vécu des échographistes lors de l’annonce d’une anomalie fœtale

ObjectivesThis study's primary objective was to analyse the personal experience of different ultrasonographers during the announcement of suspected foetal abnormalities, seen either in screening or diagnostic ultrasound. The secondary objectives aimed to explore the factors influencing the announcement of the foetal abnormality, whether they complicated or facilitated the consultation. These also comprised the analysis of the knowledge, practice and attitudes of the healthcare professionals as well as the different techniques used during the consultation. Finally, this study aimed to analyse the various tools and skills used by ultrasonographers to improve the quality of their announcement of the diagnosis. MethodsThis qualitative study was based on both the observation of consultations and the results of semi-structured interviews with ultrasonographers, in a maternity hospital in France. ResultsThe results highlighted feelings of great discomfort for the ultrasonographers on discovering an abnormality on the scan. The different perceptions and practices regarding the announcement of a diagnosis varied between screening ultrasonographers and specialist doctors. The uncertainty of foetal prognosis seemed to complicate the announcement for specialist doctors. Qualities that made the communication of the diagnosis easier included the ultrasonographer's availability and their attitude. Although professional experience was considered a very powerful skill, training for the communication of a diagnosis accelerates the development of good medical practice. ConclusionsThe announcement of suspected foetal abnormalities is a difficult exercice, which impacts the ultrasonographer's personal experience and his attitude. Some professional practices are to be encouraged while others are to be put under question. A trust-based relationship between the healthcare professional and the patient is partly reinforced by the quality of the announcement and its follow-up, as well as the healthcare professional's thoroughness and humanity.