Pune: KEM Hospital, Pune successfully hosted the third edition of the National Conference on Fetal Medicine, bringing together leading specialists to highlight advancements in early diagnosis, fetal therapy, and the evolving landscape of prenatal care.
At the conference, experts emphasized that early detection and intervention are central to improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
Conditions such as fetal growth restriction, congenital abnormalities, genetic disorders, and placental complications can be identified at early stages, enabling multidisciplinary planning, targeted treatment, and, in some cases, life-saving fetal procedures before birth.
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The national-level conference featured presentations by leading specialists including
- Dr Manikandan Krishnan, consultant in fetal medicine
- Prof Suresh Seshadri, Director, MediScan Systems Diagnostic Ultrasound, Chennai
- Dr Sudarshan S., fetal medicine expert
- Dr Shreepad Karhade, HoD, Fetal Medicine Department, KEM Hospital
Participants included gynaecologists, radiologists, and fetal medicine consultants from across the country.
Growing Significance in Early Detection and High-Risk Pregnancy Management
Speakers highlighted that fetal medicine is rapidly emerging as a core pillar of prenatal healthcare, driven by advancements in ultrasound imaging and fetal diagnostics.
Modern technologies now enable clinicians to detect developmental anomalies as early as the first trimester, facilitating time-sensitive decisions and preparedness for high-risk pregnancies.
KEM Hospital’s Department of Fetal Medicine has been a regional pioneer, offering a comprehensive range of services including advanced ultrasound scans, fetal echocardiography, genetic counselling, growth and Doppler studies, and coordinated high-risk pregnancy management.
The department’s multidisciplinary care model includes maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and geneticists.
Expert Insights: AI, Genetic Research, and Future Directions
Dr Manikandan Krishnan noted that fetal medicine rests on four foundational pillars—prevention, detection of abnormalities, treatment, and support for parents through informed counselling.
Highlighting awareness gaps, Dr Sudarshan S. observed that many families seek care at later stages of pregnancy due to limited awareness. He stressed the need for genetic counselling even before conception and highlighted ongoing research in AI-driven diagnostics.
Researchers are exploring machine learning models capable of interpreting ultrasound images, enabling early identification of red flags even at primary care levels. He also highlighted ongoing research into fetal abnormalities and genetic disorders.
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Fetal Medicine: Focus on Early Diagnosis and Advanced Prenatal Care
Dr Xerxes Coyaji, Medical Director, KEM Hospital, stated, “Fetal Medicine is transforming the landscape of prenatal care. Early and accurate diagnosis empowers families and clinicians alike, enabling timely interventions that can significantly improve perinatal outcomes.”
Fetal Medicine Consultants Dr. Shreepad Karhade and Dr Shweta Gugale emphasized that certain fetal conditions can be treated while the baby is still in the womb. Such interventions require advanced expertise, extensive training, and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. “The right patient receiving the right treatment at the right time from the right team ensures the best outcome,” they noted.
Strengthening Access
The conference was led by Organising Chairperson Dr Vivek Joshi, with Organising Secretaries Dr Shreepad Karhade and Dr Shweta Gugale, supported by an experienced scientific committee.
