Examples and range in severity of fetal anomalies

We talked about categories of fetal anomalies in our last lesson. Here, we want to highlight two charts listing major and minor anomalies by organ or area of the body. These lists are not exhaustive, however they highlight the broad scope of fetal anomalies.

NOTE: CarryMe Health is happy to share a list of major and minor anomalies from vetted medical resources, upon request.

As you can see, anomalies exist on a spectrum and across the body. Each story is unique.

We will pick two examples from the tables provided, to shed light on the range in severity of each case:

First, Spina bifida. Spina bifida affects the nervous system. This anomaly occurs when the fetal bony spinal column doesn't close properly during the first month of pregnancy, allowing the cord and neural elements to escape through the opening (myelomeningocele). Even though this is considered a major malformation, it has become treatable in many cases with fetal surgery to cover the defect and optimize the outcome.

Second, ventricular septal defect (VSD). VSD affects the cardiovascular system. A VSD is a hole (defect) in the wall (septum) separating the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Because of the hole, blood does not flow correctly. Most VSDs are small and close on their own. However some VSDs are large, leading to serious complications like heart failure, and requiring surgical treatment to prevent poor outcomes.