A STUDY ON FETAL CONGENITAL ANOMALIES AND ASSOCIATED MATERNAL RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Congenital anomalies are important contributors to perinatal morbidity, mortality, childhood disability, and long-term healthcare burden. Early antenatal detection and identification of associated maternal risk factors are essential for timely counseling, surveillance, and pregnancy management. In a tertiary-care context, this study evaluated the frequency and pattern of foetal congenital abnormalities as well as their correlation with specific maternal risk factors600 pregnant women between 11 and 24 weeks of gestation who were visiting Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital in Chennai participated in an 18-month hospital-based cross-sectional study. Participants underwent structured interviews and routine antenatal ultrasonography. Maternal risk factors evaluated included consanguinity, previous anomalous pregnancy, positive family history of congenital anomalies, and maternal diabetes mellitus. SPSS version 22 was used to analyse the data, and p<0.05 was chosen as the statistical significance level. Fetal congenital anomalies were detected in 54 pregnancies, giving an overall prevalence of 9.0%. CNS anomalies were the most common, followed by cardiovascular and genitourinary anomalies. Most abnormalities were detected between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation. Congenital anomalies occurred more frequently among women with a previous inconsistent pregnancy, positive family history, maternal diabetes mellitus, and consanguinity, with statistically significant associations observed. Structured antenatal screening combined with systematic maternal risk assessment can facilitate early identification of fetal congenital anomalies. Early registration, targeted surveillance, appropriate counseling, and timely referral are important for improving maternal and fetal care.