Fetal medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy. In this interview, Dr. Simran Dua, Consultant Radiologist & Fetal Medicine Specialist shares her personal journey into the field, reflects on advancements in prenatal care, discusses the importance of early diagnosis, and offers valuable advice for women planning motherhood.
What inspired you to specialize in radiology and fetal medicine?
My inspiration to pursue fetal medicine comes from a deeply personal experience. My elder sister was born with an open neural tube defect, which unfortunately was not diagnosed on the antenatal ultrasound facilities available at that time. My family faced significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges associated with her condition, and that experience left a lasting impact on all of us.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have secured a seat in Radiology through NEET-PG and later receive specialized training in fetal medicine in Bangalore. Today, helping expectant parents through accurate prenatal imaging and counselling is much more than a profession for me—it is an opportunity to contribute to better outcomes for families facing situations similar to what my own family experienced.
How has fetal medicine evolved in recent years?
Fetal medicine has evolved remarkably over the last few decades. The introduction of high-resolution ultrasound machines has transformed the field completely. Advances such as Doppler studies, fetal echocardiography, first-trimester screening, 3D imaging, and genetic testing including NIPT have significantly expanded our ability to detect fetal abnormalities. Conditions that were once difficult or even impossible to identify during pregnancy can now be recognized much earlier, allowing for better planning and management.
What are some common misconceptions expectant parents have about prenatal scans?
One common misconception is that the dating scan is not very important. In reality, it provides the most accurate assessment of gestational age and forms the foundation for interpreting all subsequent scans.
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