Finding the Answer
Before Your Baby Is Born
Comprehensive fetal diagnosis at Mayflower brings together every modality of modern prenatal medicine — high-end ultrasound, fetal echo, neurosonography, Doppler, and invasive testing when needed — under the care of one specialist who has personally evaluated more than 20,000 fetuses.
What is Fetal Diagnosis?
Fetal diagnosis is the structured, specialist-led evaluation of an unborn baby to detect, characterise and counsel on any condition that may affect development, delivery or postnatal life. It is the foundation on which every other decision in fetal medicine is built.
More than a scan
A routine antenatal ultrasound checks growth and position. A fetal diagnostic evaluation is a different exercise altogether — systematic, protocol-driven, and performed by a specialist trained specifically to interpret what the images mean for your baby's future.
Built around your situation
No two pregnancies arrive at our clinic for the same reason. Each diagnostic plan is shaped around the specific concern — a high-risk screening result, an abnormal finding elsewhere, a previous affected baby, a family history, or simply the wish for an expert second opinion.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Specialist prenatal diagnostic evaluation by a fetal medicine consultant |
| Who performs it | Dr. Kunda Shahane — Central India's first fetal medicine specialist, FMF (London) certified |
| Conditions covered | Structural, chromosomal, genetic, infective and growth disorders |
| Modalities used | 2D/3D/4D ultrasound, Doppler, fetal echo, neurosonography, NIPT, amniocentesis, CVS, cordocentesis |
| Equipment | GE Voluson Signature Expert — AI-enabled premium fetal ultrasound |
| Typical duration | 30–60 minutes for the scan + dedicated counselling time |
| Report & follow-up | Detailed report shared with referring obstetrician; in-person counselling for every significant finding |
The Five Domains of Fetal Diagnosis
Conditions affecting a baby before birth fall into five broad families. Each requires a different diagnostic approach — and each is addressed under one roof at Mayflower.
Structural Anomalies
Conditions where an organ or body part has not formed normally — the largest category, and the one detailed ultrasound is best placed to identify.
- Congenital heart defects (CHD)
- Brain & spine anomalies
- Cleft lip and palate
- Limb & skeletal anomalies
- Abdominal wall, kidney, lung defects
Chromosomal Conditions
Differences in the number or structure of chromosomes. Screened through markers on ultrasound and blood tests; confirmed through invasive testing when indicated.
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards (T18) & Patau (T13)
- Turner syndrome & sex chromosome variations
- Microdeletions (DiGeorge, others)
- Translocations & structural rearrangements
Genetic Syndromes
Single-gene and inherited conditions — usually investigated when there is a family history, parental carrier status, or specific ultrasound findings that point to a syndrome.
- Thalassaemia & sickle cell disease
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Cystic fibrosis & metabolic disorders
- Skeletal dysplasias & ciliopathies
Fetal Infections
Maternal infections that may cross the placenta and affect the developing baby. Diagnosed through a combination of maternal serology, ultrasound features and, where needed, amniotic fluid testing.
- TORCH group — toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, HSV
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) surveillance
- Parvovirus B19 & fetal anaemia
- Zika & emerging infections
- Maternal varicella & syphilis
Fetal Growth & Wellbeing Disorders
Conditions where the baby is not growing or thriving as expected. Detected through serial biometry, Doppler studies, and biophysical assessment.
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR/FGR)
- Macrosomia (excessively large baby)
- Oligohydramnios & polyhydramnios
- Placental insufficiency
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
Whatever the Domain — One Specialist Manages It
Most centres can identify a problem. The harder work begins after — connecting findings across categories, ordering the right next test, coordinating with paediatric subspecialists, and counselling the family honestly. That is what Dr. Kunda Shahane does, in-house, end to end.
The Diagnostic Toolkit
Every modality of modern prenatal diagnosis is available at Mayflower — non-invasive screening, advanced imaging and, where genuinely needed, invasive testing. Tests are recommended only when they will meaningfully change management.
🔍 Non-invasive imaging
🧬 Genetic screening & diagnosis
Every Scan on the GE Voluson Signature Expert
The clarity of a fetal diagnosis depends on the clarity of the image behind it. Mayflower's flagship machine is the GE Voluson Signature Expert — India's most advanced AI-enabled fetal ultrasound system — used on every scan, every patient.
From Concern to Clarity — How the Pathway Works
Most families arrive at Mayflower along one of three routes: a positive screening test, an abnormal finding on a previous scan, or a clinical history that warrants specialist evaluation. Whichever the route, the path forward follows the same careful sequence.
Your existing reports, scans and obstetrician's referral note are reviewed before you arrive. Dr. Kunda begins the consultation already familiar with your case — so the time together is spent on what matters, not on retelling the history.
A detailed, protocol-driven ultrasound is performed — the depth and focus shaped by your specific clinical question. For a structural concern, every organ system is systematically examined. For a high NT, FMF protocol is followed. For a growth concern, a complete Doppler workup is added.
You are not sent home wondering. Findings — whether reassuring or concerning — are explained at the same visit, in language you understand, with the time you need to ask questions. Where appropriate, your partner or family is included in the discussion.
Where the diagnosis requires further confirmation — a fetal echo, a neurosonography, an MRI referral, NIPT, or invasive testing — the rationale is explained honestly. No test is recommended unless it will meaningfully change what happens next.
When a baby has a condition that needs postnatal specialist care, Dr. Kunda coordinates with paediatric cardiologists, paediatric neurologists, neonatologists, geneticists and your delivering obstetrician — so the right team is ready before the baby arrives.
A complete written report goes to your referring obstetrician. Follow-up scans are planned at appropriate intervals. You retain direct access to the clinic on WhatsApp for any anxiety or question between visits.
What Dr. Kunda Personally Evaluates
Beyond the standard checklist, the value of a specialist evaluation lies in the subtle observations — and in connecting findings that, on their own, might look unremarkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is fetal diagnosis different from a routine pregnancy scan?
Who should be referred for a fetal diagnostic evaluation?
Can every fetal abnormality be detected before birth?
How long does a fetal diagnostic evaluation take?
What happens if Dr. Kunda finds something abnormal?
Is fetal diagnosis safe for the baby?
Will my fetal sex be disclosed during the scan?
Can a fetal diagnosis evaluation be done for twin pregnancies?
"The phrase 'something is not right' is one of the most frightening sentences in pregnancy. My job is not just to find the answer — it is to sit with you while you understand it. A diagnosis is never just a report; it is the beginning of a conversation about your baby's future. That conversation deserves time, honesty, and a specialist who knows what comes next."— Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae), FIFM, FMF (London)
Central India's First Fetal Medicine Specialist · Mayflower Clinic, Nagpur
Ready for a Specialist Fetal Evaluation?
Send your reports on WhatsApp for a quick review before your visit, or call the clinic directly. Urgent cases — high-risk screening results, abnormal scan findings — are accommodated on priority.
Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. All ultrasound and prenatal diagnostic services at this centre are performed exclusively for lawful medical diagnosis and fetal wellbeing. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. Disclosure of fetal sex is not performed at this centre under any circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for patient education only and does not constitute medical advice. Prenatal diagnostic techniques have inherent limitations — a normal scan or test result does not guarantee the complete absence of any abnormality. Diagnosis and treatment decisions must be individualised, made after clinical examination and review of all relevant investigations by Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician. This website does not provide emergency medical services — in an emergency, contact your nearest hospital immediately.
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