Obesity Lowers Chances of Spotting Fetal Abnormalities on Ultrasound

According to a study led by Dr. Jodi S. Dashe of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, overweight and obese pregnant women are more likely to receive an inaccurate ultrasound. An ultrasound screening produces images of the fetus, monitors movements such as fetal heart beat and can also identify fetal abnormalities and malformations. However, this study has found that ultrasounds are less likely to detect fetal abnormalities in obese women, as well as those with diabetes. For the study, Dashe and her team analyzed more than 10,000 standard ultrasound exams and more than 1,000 specialized ultrasounds exams, which are used for high-risk pregnancies. Researchers looked at ultrasound results, the body-mass index (BMI) of the mother and infant discharge records. The team found that as the BMI of the mother increased, the exam’s ability to spot major birth defects decreased significantly. In fact, between obese women and women with a normal BMI, there was a 20 percent difference in the effectiveness of the ultrasound exams and its ability to detect abnormalities. So, even if a fetus appeared to be normal during an ultrasound, there was a greater risk that the exam was inaccurate and the baby could be born with serious defects.

The study, which will be published in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, also found a decrease in the effectiveness of ultrasounds with diabetic women. These diabetic women were already considered to be at a higher risk for fetal abnormalities even before they received an ultrasound. However, after having the test, researchers found that ultrasound mistakes were more likely to occur in these diabetic women than in other women at risk for fetal abnormalities. In fact, the rate of success for identifying fetal abnormalities using an ultrasound screening was only about 38 percent in women with diabetes, while women with other high-risk factors had an 88 percent success rate. Women with high-risk pregnancies are at a greater danger of having a child with serious health problems. However, many birth problems are the result of negligence on the part of a doctor or medical professional. If your child has suffered an injury during birth that may have been preventable, please call or e-mail us today. Our experienced attorneys have helped clients with Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury, Nassau birth injury and Suffolk birth injury cases. Call or send an instant inquiry today and we will evaluate your case for FREE.

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