Fetal Assessment Centre

Our Fetal Assessment Centre offers Maternal Fetal Medicine examinations and procedures that specialises in complex and high-risk obstetric care for complicated pregnancies, focusing on keeping both mother and baby healthy prior to, during and shortly after the pregnancy. In addition, our Centre also provides the routine first trimester screening, routine mid-trimester fetal anomaly scans, prenatal diagnostic tests and other procedures performed by our experienced Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists and Obstetric sonographers.

The centre is headed by Dr Chang Tou Choong (T. C. Chang), our Medical Director and Head of Fetal Assessment Centre, Singapore Women’s & Children’s Medical Group.

Services

First Trimester

OSCAR (also known as Combined First Trimester Screening, cFTS)

What is it:
One-Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk (OSCAR) for fetal anomalies. This examination involves a screening scan that allows for an early assessment of the fetal anatomy (organ development), as well as to evaluate certain ultrasound markers, namely the nuchal translucency (NT) and nasal bone. These are used to predict the risk of a chromosomally abnormal pregnancy, such as Down syndrome. Usually, maternal blood analysis for free beta-hCG and PAPP-A levels is performed in combination, to improve the accuracy of the risk calculations.
When is it done:
First trimester (11 to 14 week)
Why is it important:
The OSCAR test will detect up to 90% of all pregnancies affected by Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome.

PRE-ECLAMPSIA (PE) SCREENING

What is it:
Pre-eclampsia is a medical complication that occurs after 26 weeks of pregnancy, in about 2% of all pregnancies, especially first-time mothers. It is a potentially serious disease, affecting both the mother and fetus. This screening test involves an ultrasound scan to measure the placental blood flow, maternal blood pressure readings, and a maternal blood analysis for PLGF levels. It can also screen for the risks of premature labour and fetal growth restriction.
When is it done:
First trimester (11 to 14 weeks)
Usually performed concurrently with the OSCAR test
Why is it important:
Early detection and treatment can aid in the prevention of stillbirth, fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss, amongst other complications.

Second Trimester

FETAL ANOMALY (FA) SCAN

What is it:
The Fetal Anomaly Scan is a detailed 2D ultrasound scan used to visualise and screen for structural abnormalities in the fetus that might be linked to chromosomal defects. At this gestation, fetal organ abnormalities may be detected, which will require further evaluation, assessment, and genetic counselling.
When is it done:
Second trimester (19 to 22 week)
Why is it important:
Fetal Anomaly Scans can detect birth defects antenatally, check on the development of the fetus and placenta, as well as confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy and the number of fetuses.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS)

What is it:
This is an invasive diagnostic procedure where a small sample of placental tissue is obtained using a biopsy needle to study the genetic information (chromosomes) of the fetus. It can also identify the gender, and therefore, any disorders linked to sex chromosomes may be picked up concurrently.
When is it done:
Between 11-14 weeks
Why is it important:
CVS can reveal whether a baby has a chromosomal condition, such as Down syndrome or hereditary muscular dystrophy.

AMNIOCENTESIS

What is it:
This procedure is intended to provide a diagnosis regarding the genetic information (chromosomes) of the fetus. Under ultrasound guidance, a sample volume of the amniotic fluid will be collected using a fine needle inserted through the maternal abdominal wall.
When is it done:
From 16 weeks onwards
Why is it important:
This procedure is usually carried out for patients whose OSCAR (First Trimester Screening) or NIPT results show a “high risk” for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome; or with a known family history of inherited metabolic or genetic disorders.

FAQ

Getting screened during the first and second trimester will help to check on your pregnancy health and baby’s organs, while tests performed closer to your due date can help safeguard your baby’s growth and development.

Depending on the type of scan or test ordered by your referring obstetrician, the cost can range from about $200 to more specialised procedures of about $2,000 or more.

Some procedures may also be Medisave claimable. We advise that you check with the clinic during registration or when you are making the payment for the scans and tests.

Ultrasound is safe for you and your baby when  performed by our trained professionals. Ultrasound scans essentially uses high frequency sound waves to create diagnostic images, and have be used  in fetal screening for more than 40 years.

In other  invasive procedures such as Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), it may carry a small risk of miscarriage due to the nature of the sample collection method. Hence it is important that these tests are  carried out only for specific reasons and performed by  trained and certified specialists.

The routine fetal scans performed in our Centre meet the high standards stipulated in the ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology). Our sonographers are fully trained in Obstetric Sonography and certified by the Fetal Medication Foundation, London UK.

Our Specialist

Dr Chang Tou Choong
Dr Chang Tou Choong

Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Location

Fetal Assessment Centre

A wholly owned subsidiary of    Singapore Women’s & Children’s Medical Group

10 Sinaran Drive
#08-05/06
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506

Tel: +65 6970 7030
WhatsApp: +65 8908 0730
Email: fac@swcmedicalgroup.com.sg

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am to 1.00pm