Abstract:
Up to the middle of the last century the fetus was hidden
from view until birth and was inaccessible for diagnosis.
The discovery and technical improvement of imaging
modalities such as ultrasound, X-rays and magnetic
resonance imaging meant that the fetus is no longer
hidden until birth. The fetus is now potentially a patient
who can be examined, subjected to diagnostic
investigations and treated. As a consequence, congenital
abnormalities are diagnosed earlier today with a more
accurate assessment of prognosis and better-informed
counselling.
