When should I visit a fetal brain clinic?

You may be referred if ultrasound shows ventriculomegaly, suspected corpus callosum abnormality, posterior fossa abnormality, abnormal head shape or size, intracranial cyst, spinal abnormality, cortical development concern, infection-related brain finding, or any uncertain brain-related observation that needs expert review.

Does ventriculomegaly always mean a serious problem?

No. Ventriculomegaly has a wide spectrum. Some cases are mild and isolated, while others may be associated with chromosomal, genetic, infection-related or structural brain conditions. The important step is careful measurement, detailed anatomy review, follow-up and appropriate counselling.

Will I need fetal MRI?

Fetal MRI is not needed for every patient. It may be advised when ultrasound findings need further clarification, especially in selected suspected abnormalities of the corpus callosum, posterior fossa, cortical development or complex brain anatomy. Dr. Kunda Shahane coordinates MRI referral when it can add meaningful information.

Is genetic testing needed for fetal brain abnormalities?

Genetic testing may be recommended when brain findings are associated with other anomalies, abnormal screening results, increased NT, family history, severe ventriculomegaly, or when a syndromic condition is suspected. The exact test is decided after counselling.

What reports should I bring?

Bring all previous ultrasound images and reports, NT or anomaly scan reports, NIPT or double marker reports if done, blood test results, infection screening if available, referral note, and any fetal MRI or genetic reports if already performed.

Can a fetal brain scan predict the baby's future development exactly?

No scan can predict future neurodevelopment with 100% certainty. A fetal brain clinic helps define the anatomy more clearly, identify associated findings, stratify risk, plan follow-up and guide families with balanced counselling.

Is fetal brain ultrasound safe?

Diagnostic obstetric ultrasound is considered safe when performed for medical indications by trained professionals using appropriate settings. At Mayflower, fetal brain assessment is performed for medical diagnosis and pregnancy management.

Dedicated Fetal CNS & Brain Assessment

Fetal Brain Clinic in Nagpur

Q: What is a fetal brain clinic?

A fetal brain clinic is a specialist fetal medicine service for pregnancies where a brain or central nervous system finding has been suspected on ultrasound. It includes detailed fetal neurosonography, review of previous reports, counselling, and coordination of fetal MRI, genetic testing, paediatric neurology or neonatal care when required.

Specialist evaluation for suspected fetal brain findings — including ventriculomegaly, corpus callosum concerns, posterior fossa anomalies, cortical development concerns and complex CNS scan referrals — led by Dr. Kunda Shahane at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre.

Book Fetal Brain Review Call 0712-669-2706

Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS, FIFM, FMF London GE Voluson Signature Expert Neurosonography + Counselling Pathway

Central India's first dedicated fetal medicine specialist

20,000+ fetuses evaluated

Nearly two decades of experience

FMF London trained protocols

CNS Targeted fetal brain evaluation

2D+ Advanced neurosonography views

MRI Co-ordination when indicated

Plan Counselling & follow-up roadmap

Why this page matters

A fetal brain finding needs clarity, not panic.

When a routine scan raises a concern about the fetal brain, parents often hear unfamiliar terms such as “ventriculomegaly,” “posterior fossa abnormality,” “absent cavum septum pellucidum,” or “corpus callosum concern.” These words can feel frightening — but every finding has a spectrum, and the next step is a careful specialist assessment.

The Fetal Brain Clinic at Mayflower is designed to bring together detailed fetal neurosonography, review of previous images, high-risk pregnancy context, genetic counselling direction, fetal MRI coordination when useful, and compassionate counselling so that parents and referring doctors receive a clear, structured plan.

```

Reviewed by Dr. Kunda Shahane

MBBS · MS (Obs & Gynae) · FIFM · FMF (London)

Dr. Kunda Shahane is Central India’s first dedicated fetal medicine specialist and Founder & Director of the Indian Institute of Fetal Medicine. Her fetal brain clinic approach combines advanced imaging with careful counselling and multidisciplinary planning.

Read Dr. Kunda Shahane’s profile →

```

Definition

What is a Fetal Brain Clinic?

A Fetal Brain Clinic is a specialist consultation pathway for suspected or confirmed fetal central nervous system findings.

🧠

Detailed CNS Scan

Targeted assessment of fetal brain structures, ventricles, midline anatomy, posterior fossa, spine and associated fetal findings.

🔎

Second Opinion

Review of previous reports, images and measurements to clarify whether the finding is isolated, evolving, uncertain or part of a wider pattern.

🧭

Decision Pathway

Counselling about follow-up scans, genetic testing, fetal MRI referral, paediatric neurology input and delivery planning when needed.

Indications

When is a fetal brain clinic appointment advised?

Referral is usually advised when a routine scan, anomaly scan, neurosonography scan or second opinion raises a concern about the fetal brain or spine.

Common referral reasons

Ventriculomegaly — mild, moderate or severe enlargement of the lateral ventricles.

Corpus callosum concern — suspected agenesis, dysgenesis or non-visualisation.

Posterior fossa findings — cerebellar vermis, Blake’s pouch, Dandy-Walker spectrum or mega cisterna magna concerns.

Abnormal head size or shape — microcephaly, macrocephaly or skull shape concerns.

More complex scenarios

Intracranial cysts or masses — needing anatomical localisation and follow-up.

Cortical development concerns — sulcation or brain maturation concerns later in pregnancy.

Spinal abnormalities — suspected spina bifida or associated cranial signs.

Infection or genetic risk — brain findings with suspected infection, abnormal screening or family history.

What we evaluate

Key fetal brain conditions assessed at Mayflower

Ventriculomegaly

Precise measurement of lateral ventricles, symmetry, progression, associated brain signs and need for genetic or infection workup.

Corpus callosum abnormalities

Evaluation of midline anatomy, cavum septum pellucidum, indirect signs and whether fetal MRI can add useful confirmation.

Posterior fossa anomalies

Assessment of cerebellum, vermis, cisterna magna and posterior fossa anatomy with careful differentiation of related entities.

Neural tube and spine concerns

Evaluation of cranial signs, spine continuity, posterior elements and associated fetal abnormalities when spina bifida is suspected.

Cysts, bleeds or destructive lesions

Review of location, size, evolution and relationship with surrounding brain structures with planned interval follow-up.

Complex multi-system findings

Brain findings combined with cardiac, skeletal, renal, growth or amniotic fluid concerns are assessed in a syndromic context.

Detailed scan checklist

What does Dr. Kunda evaluate during the visit?

The scan is not limited to one measurement. It is a structured fetal medicine review of the brain finding in the context of the whole baby and the whole pregnancy.

Review of previous scans: original images, measurements, timeline and whether the finding is stable or changing.

Fetal brain anatomy: ventricles, midline structures, cavum septum pellucidum, corpus callosum indicators, posterior fossa, cerebellum and cisterna magna.

Fetal spine and face: associated CNS markers, cranial shape, spine continuity and external anatomy where relevant.

Whole-fetus survey: heart, kidneys, limbs, growth, fluid and placenta are reviewed because brain findings may be isolated or part of a larger pattern.

Risk interpretation: counselling about whether the finding appears isolated, uncertain, evolving, severe, or requiring follow-up / genetic testing.

Next-step planning: interval neurosonography, fetal MRI referral, genetic counselling, paediatric neurology consultation or delivery planning as needed.

Care pathway

From abnormal scan finding to a structured plan

Report Review

Previous ultrasound reports, images and screening results are reviewed.

Targeted Scan

Detailed neurosonography and whole-fetus review are performed.

Counselling

The finding, uncertainty, limitations and possible outcomes are explained.

Further Tests

MRI, genetic testing or infection workup is advised only when clinically useful.

Follow-up Plan

A written plan is made for monitoring, referrals and delivery coordination.

Advanced fetal brain imaging on GE Voluson Signature Expert

Fetal brain assessment demands image clarity, correct planes, patient patience and expert interpretation. At Mayflower, Dr. Kunda Shahane uses the GE Voluson Signature Expert platform to support high-resolution fetal imaging, Doppler where required, 3D/4D views for selected anatomy, and structured documentation.

High-resolution CNS imaging Helps evaluate ventricles, midline and posterior fossa anatomy more consistently.

3D/4D support when useful Useful for selected brain, spine, face and skull relationships — not a replacement for expert interpretation.

Colour Doppler support Used selectively when vascular, placental or fetal wellbeing assessment is clinically relevant.

Structured fetal medicine workflow Combines scan findings with counselling, follow-up and multidisciplinary referral planning.

When ultrasound needs support

Fetal MRI, genetic testing and paediatric neurology coordination

Fetal MRI

Suggested selectively when MRI may add useful detail — for example, complex midline, posterior fossa or cortical development concerns.

Genetic testing

Recommended only when the pattern of findings, screening history or family history makes chromosomal or genetic evaluation relevant.

Specialist referral

Paediatric neurology, neonatology, paediatric surgery or genetics consultation is coordinated when it can help pregnancy or newborn planning.

Counselling focus

What parents need from a fetal brain consultation

A good fetal brain consultation must be scientifically honest and emotionally steady. The aim is not only to name a finding, but to explain what is known, what is uncertain, and what should be done next.

Questions we try to answer

Is the finding confirmed or still uncertain?

Is it isolated, or are there other fetal findings?

Is the finding mild, moderate, severe, stable or progressive?

Do we need follow-up scan, MRI or genetic testing?

What parents receive

Clear explanation of the ultrasound finding in simple language.

Balanced discussion of possibilities without exaggerated fear.

Practical next-step plan for follow-up and referral.

Coordination with the treating obstetrician and relevant specialists.

Safety & limitations

What fetal brain imaging can and cannot do

What it can do

It can clarify anatomy, measure ventricles, look for associated signs, guide further testing, plan follow-up, and help the family and obstetrician prepare for birth and newborn care.

What it cannot guarantee

No prenatal scan can guarantee normal development or predict future learning, movement or neurological outcome with complete certainty. Some brain changes evolve with gestation and need follow-up.

Important counselling point

Many fetal brain findings require time, serial scans, and sometimes multidisciplinary discussion. A single scan may not provide the full answer, especially when the fetal brain is still developing.

Patient education

Understanding fetal medicine and specialist review

Video: Dr. Kunda Shahane explains when specialist fetal medicine review is required.

FAQ

Fetal Brain Clinic — common questions

What is the difference between fetal neurosonography and a fetal brain clinic?

Fetal neurosonography is the detailed ultrasound examination. The fetal brain clinic includes that scan plus report review, counselling, follow-up planning, and coordination with MRI, genetics or paediatric specialists when needed.

At what pregnancy stage can the fetal brain be assessed?

Basic brain structures are assessed during routine scans, but targeted assessment depends on the suspected finding and gestational age. Some cortical development features become clearer later in pregnancy, so follow-up may be recommended.

Does ventriculomegaly always mean the baby has a brain problem?

No. Ventriculomegaly ranges from mild and isolated to complex. The key is exact measurement, associated anomaly search, genetic/infection risk assessment, and follow-up to see whether it remains stable or progresses.

When is fetal MRI advised?

Fetal MRI may be advised when ultrasound needs additional clarification, especially in selected corpus callosum, posterior fossa, cortical development or complex CNS findings. It is not necessary for every patient.

Will genetic testing be required?

Genetic testing is considered if the brain finding is severe, non-isolated, associated with abnormal screening, recurrent history, or there are additional fetal abnormalities. The recommendation is individualised after counselling.

Can the scan predict the baby’s long-term development?

No scan can predict long-term neurodevelopment with absolute certainty. The role of the clinic is to define anatomy, identify risk factors, guide testing and prepare an informed monitoring and birth plan.

Should I bring previous images or only the report?

Please bring both whenever possible. Original images or clips can be very helpful for comparison, especially in ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa and corpus callosum concerns.

Do I need to change my obstetrician?

No. Dr. Kunda Shahane works as a fetal medicine consultant alongside your treating obstetrician. The goal is collaborative care, not replacement of your primary doctor.

“In fetal brain counselling, the most important skill is not only seeing the anatomy — it is helping parents understand the finding with calmness, honesty and a clear plan.”

— Dr. Kunda Shahane

Related services

You may also need

Fetal Neurosonography Detailed fetal brain and spine scan. Anomaly Scan 20-week fetal structural assessment. Genetic Counselling Risk explanation and testing guidance. NIPT / Prenatal Screening Screening guidance after abnormal findings. Amniocentesis Diagnostic testing when clinically indicated. Fetal Diagnosis General fetal abnormality counselling. High-Risk Pregnancy Monitoring for complex pregnancy situations. GE Voluson Technology Advanced AI-enabled fetal imaging platform.

Need a fetal brain second opinion?

Share your scan reports or book a specialist appointment with Dr. Kunda Shahane at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dhantoli, Nagpur.

WhatsApp for Appointment Call Clinic

```

PCPNDT Act Notice

Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All ultrasound and prenatal diagnostic services at this centre are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications — fetal anatomy assessment, fetal wellbeing, and diagnosis of maternal-fetal conditions. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal and is not performed at this centre under any circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for general patient education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fetal brain findings require individualised interpretation based on gestational age, scan quality, associated findings and clinical context. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy.

```