Fetoscopy

Why It Is Done

Fetoscopy is done to:

• Evaluate the fetus for birth defects, such as spina bifida. Fetoscopy can detect some birth defects and inherited diseases that cannot be found by other tests.
• Collect samples of blood from the umbilical cord. The samples can be tested for diseases such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.
• Collect samples of tissue (usually skin) from the fetus. The tissue can be tested for some inherited diseases.

Because fetoscopy may cause problems for the mother and fetus, it is done only if there is a high chance the fetus is not normal or there is a strong family history of birth defects. It usually is available only at large medical centers.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 28, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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