For expectant parents
An abnormal ultrasound, suspected diagnoses and birth planning – explained calmly and clearly.
Sometimes something is noticed on the pregnancy ultrasound – for example a small lower jaw or an unusual head shape. This is understandably worrying, but it does not automatically mean a serious condition. A targeted further assessment and a conversation at a specialist centre – ideally before birth – help to put the situation in context and to plan the birth well.
An abnormal ultrasound finding is a reason for a calm, targeted further assessment – not for panic. Many findings can only be properly interpreted with additional examinations, and some suspicions are not later confirmed.
Common reasons for a presentation are a small or set-back lower jaw (micrognathia), an unusual head shape or suture pattern (suspected craniosynostosis) or signs of a facial cleft. A specialist team can put the finding in context.
A lower jaw that looks small on ultrasound can be a sign of a Robin sequence – but need not be. The key question is whether breathing and feeding could be affected after birth. That is exactly what the prenatal planning focuses on: so that everything is prepared just in case.
In some situations an additional examination such as a fetal MRI can provide further information. Whether such an examination is sensible is decided individually by the treating doctors based on the specific question. Not every abnormality requires further imaging.
When a finding is known, the birth is usually planned so that the necessary expertise is on site. This may mean that birth in a centre with neonatology and craniofacial experience is recommended. The aim is for your child to be well cared for from the first moment – and for you as parents to be prepared and supported.
Whether a particular mode of birth is recommended depends on many factors and is an individual medical decision. A craniofacial finding alone does not automatically determine the mode of birth.
That a prenatal presentation at a specialist centre makes the birth more safely plannable for certain findings is widely accepted.
How reliably a finding can be interpreted prenatally depends greatly on the individual case and the quality of the examination. Some diagnoses are only clear after birth.
Prenatal diagnostics continue to develop; possibilities and limits shift with new techniques.
We advise expectant parents and professionals – confidentially and in your language.
Get in touchA small lower jaw (micrognathia) can be a sign of a Robin sequence, but need not be. What matters is prenatal planning so that breathing and feeding can be well supported after birth. A specialist team can put the finding in context.
For certain findings a presentation before birth is often sensible, to plan the birth well and clarify open questions. Whether and when is best discussed with your obstetrician and the centre.
A fetal MRI can provide additional information in some situations. Whether it is sensible is decided individually by the treating doctors based on the question. Not every abnormality requires an MRI.
Usually so that the necessary expertise is on site – often in a centre with neonatology and craniofacial experience. The specific mode of birth is an individual medical decision that depends on many factors.