Fetoscopy is done during pregnancy to allow a doctor to see the fetus through a thin, flexible instrument called a fetoscope. The fetoscope is inserted into the uterus through a small cut (incision) made in the belly. Fetal ultrasound is used to guide the placement of the fetoscope to protect the fetus. A camera can be attached to the fetoscope to take pictures.

Fetoscopy is usually done during or after the 18th week of a pregnancy. At this time, the structures of the placenta and the fetus are developed enough to be able to diagnose a serious problem.

Why It Is Done

Fetoscopy is done to:

• Evaluate the fetus for birth defects, such as spina bifida. Fetoscopy can detect some birth defects and inherited diseases that cannot be found by other tests.
• Collect samples of blood from the umbilical cord. The samples can be tested for diseases such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.
• Collect samples of tissue (usually skin) from the fetus. The tissue can be tested for some inherited diseases.

Because fetoscopy may cause problems for the mother and fetus, it is done only if there is a high chance the fetus is not normal or there is a strong family history of birth defects. It usually is available only at large medical centers.

How To Prepare

Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before having fetoscopy. You may be given antibiotics before the procedure to prevent an infection.

You will need to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of fetoscopy and agree to have the test done. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).