Impact of first-trimester ultrasound on early detection of major fetal anomalies: Nationwide population-based study of over 1 million pregnancies
More detailed first-trimester anatomical screening protocols are associated with significantly higher early detection rates of major fetal anomalies. While current practices vary considerably across England, this study provides population-level evidence suggesting that systematic first-trimester screening could improve the timeliness of anomaly detection. These findings support the consideration of standardized national guidance to reduce inequity and enhance prenatal care.
Authors
- P.S. Pandya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6462-6905)
- Nicholas Aldridge (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7246-2779)
- J. Karim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1199-6283)
- Annette McHugh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4763-0666)
- Aris T. Papageorghiou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8143-2232)
- Jennifer M. Broughan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4450-2147)
Institutions
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- NHS Lanarkshire (GB)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- NHS England
- University College London (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS Medicine
- Published
- 2025-11-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004709
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.49