Fetal Anomaly
“An anomaly is something that is different from what is normal or expected. Fetal anomalies refer to unusual or unexpected conditions in a baby’s development during pregnancy. Fetal anomalies may also be known as congenital anomalies or birth defects.
Types of Fetal Anomalies
There are two general categories of fetal anomalies:
- Structural anomalies affect the developing baby’s body parts, such as their heart, lungs, kidneys, limbs or facial features. Heart defects, missing toes, cleft lip and spina bifida are examples of structural birth defects.
- Functional anomalies affect how a body part or body system works, such as the brain, nervous system, or sensory perception. Examples of functional birth defects include seizures, blindness, developmental disabilities, muscular dystrophy and Down syndrome.
Some fetal anomalies may affect both the baby’s structure and function.”
If you’ve been given a life-limiting diagnosis for your unborn child, we want you to know that joy and sorrow can (and do!) coexist. Click here to reach out for support.