THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Department of Fetal Medicine, dedicated to treating unborn babies, has been launched at the SAT Hospital. This initiative, which received state government approval, marks a significant milestone in healthcare. Currently, the only other government hospital in India offering such advanced services is AIIMS in Delhi.

As part of this project, which is jointly implemented by the SAT Hospital and the Centre for Child Development, expectant mothers can receive specialized care to detect and address complications and abnormalities in both pregnancy and the fetus. The department aims to improve maternal and fetal health, significantly reducing neonatal mortality.

Minister for Health Veena George announced that this service, which would otherwise be highly expensive in private hospitals, will be provided free of cost under government health schemes. The Department of Fetal Medicine will be led by Dr. Pio James from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Fetal medicine?

Fetal medicine is the branch of science that studies diseases and conditions that affect the fetus. It is managed by obstetricians, pediatricians, geneticists and fetal medicine specialists.

Treatment

1. Prenatal diagnosis to identify birth defects, genetic diseases and other fetal problems

2. Fetal surveillance monitoring fetal growth

3. Fetal therapy involving fetal conditions for blood donation and surgery

4.Counseling for parents and family members if fetal abnormalities or complications are detected during pregnancy.