Obstetrics and Gynecology/Diagnostic Testing in Obstetrical Medicine

Fetal Assessment Techniques

Indications for Antenatal Assessment

• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Hypertensive disorders
• Type 1 diabetes
• Hemoglobinopathy
• Cyanotic heart lesions
• Poorly controlled hyperthyroidism
• Systemic lupus erythematosis
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Pre-eclampsia
• Poly/oligohydramnios
• Multiple gestation
• Intrauterine growth retardation
• Previously unexplained intrauterine fetal demise
• Iso-immunization
• Decreased fetal movement

Assessment should be started at 26 weeks if there is a high index of suspicion for fetal death. Assessment may be started at 32-34 weeks of gestation if there is an increased risk of stillbirth.