Motherhood Hospitals hosted its Clinical Conference in Kolkata, bringing together leading experts in obstetrics, gynecology, fetal medicine, and urogynecology. The forum highlighted how breakthroughs in fetal medicine and modern obstetrics are reshaping pregnancy care, blending science to give mothers and babies a healthier start.
The event brought together eminent speakers from across India. Dr. Syed Md. Ghouse delivered insights on the role of robotics in urology. Dr. Maimoona Ahmed from Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of optimal birthing positions in natural childbirth. Dr. Shruthi R., Fetal Medicine Specialist at Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, shared the expanding role of fetal medicine in modern obstetrics.
A decade ago, many serious conditions in unborn babies were detected too late or post birth, leaving families helpless. Today, fetal medicine has transformed pregnancy care by spotting complications much earlier and in some cases, even treating babies before birth.
Take congenital heart defects, for example. A decade ago, only 30–50% were diagnosed before delivery. Now, nearly 90% can be detected during pregnancy. Similar early detection rates are now noted with anomalies of other systems, like cleft lip, limb abnormalities like club feet. Parents can prepare emotionally and medically, and babies can receive corrective treatment immediately after delivery.
Early screening has also improved dramatically. Between 11 and 14 weeks, doctors can now predict women at risk for pre-eclampsia and give preventive therapy, which can avoid many complications in up to 60-80% of cases. When babies are not growing well inside the womb, scans now detect growth restriction early and manage them to optimize the time of delivery and to have the best possible outcome for the neonate. With timely intervention, survival has improved to 88%, preventing stillbirths and neonatal complications.
One of the biggest breakthroughs is in genetic testing. Many conditions in babies, such as Down syndrome or thalassemia, come from changes in genes. Earlier, Down syndrome, the most common cause of intellectual disability in children, could only be checked with painful, risky tests. Today, a simple Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), done from the mother’s blood, can screen these problems with 99% accuracy and zero risk to the baby. For other single gene disorders, many advanced genetic tests are now available, which can be tested either on the fetal sample, obtained through invasive tests such as amniocentesis or CVS; or the option to undergo IVF, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M), helps doctors transfer the healthiest embryos after testing, reducing miscarriages and giving couples a stronger chance at a healthy baby.
Genetic testing is also crucial for families who have already had an affected pregnancy. Many disorders, like metabolic disorders or genetic syndromes affecting the brain, carry a recurrence risk in future pregnancies. Modern tests now help detect these risks early, giving couples clarity and enabling doctors to guide them better. This progress is part of the larger genome revolution, where mapping human genes is helping not only detect but also plan personalized treatments, even before birth.
Fetal medicine isn’t only about detection; it’s also about treatment. In some cases, babies can be treated inside the womb. This field, called fetal therapy, includes life-saving procedures like intrauterine transfusion, where doctors deliver blood directly to the baby through the umbilical cord in cases of severe anemia. These have survival rates of 85–90%. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, once almost always fatal, can now be treated with survival rates of 70–80%.
Technology powers this progress. High-resolution ultrasound machines now give crystal-clear views of the baby’s development, and in the future, AI-powered tools will help doctors pick up subtle problems even earlier.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO of Motherhood Hospitals, said, “The health of mothers and children is the very foundation of a healthy nation, and it is at the heart of everything we do at Motherhood Hospitals. Hosting this conference in Kolkata is especially meaningful, as the city has always been a hub of medical excellence and progressive healthcare. By bringing together leading experts here, we aim to share the latest advancements in fetal medicine and maternal care with families across Eastern India. This event is not only about scientific updates, but also about creating awareness, sharing knowledge, and building systems that can save lives. Fetal medicine is one of the fastest-growing specialties, giving us the power to care for both mother and baby before birth. Our mission is to ensure that every mother and every baby has the best chance at a healthy beginning, and conferences like this help make that vision a reality.”
Motherhood Hospitals reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women’s healthcare by investing in research, training, and expertise, ensuring that innovations reach families everywhere.
