AI holds promise to advance fetal medicine and make it more accessible – experts
PUNE: KEM Hospital, Pune, successfully conducted the third edition of the National Conference on Fetal Medicine, bringing together leading experts to discuss advancements in prenatal diagnostics, fetal therapy, and the growing importance of fetal medicine as a specialized branch.
Experts at the conference highlighted that early intervention plays a vital role in improving outcomes for both mother and baby. Conditions such as fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, and placental insufficiencies can often be identified early, facilitating multidisciplinary planning, targeted treatment, and—in certain cases—life-saving fetal procedures before birth. The National level conference saw presentations and guidance from various renowned experts, including Dr. Manikandan Krishnan, a renowned consultant in fetal medicine, Prof. Suresh Seshadri, Director of MediScan Systems Diagnostic Ultrasound, Fetal Medicine and Training Centre in Chennai, Dr.Sudarshan S., a renowned fetal medicine expert, and Dr.Shreepad Karhade, HoD Fetal Medicine Department at KEM Hospital. The participants included gynaecologists, radiologists, and fetal medicine experts.
This conference was organised as part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to continuous medical education, complementing its strong focus on clinical excellence and research.
Fetal medicine is rapidly emerging as a critical field in modern healthcare, focusing on the early identification, monitoring, and management of conditions affecting the unborn baby. With advancements in ultrasound technology and fetal imaging, clinicians can detect developmental anomalies as early as the first trimester. This early diagnosis allows timely interventions, informed decision-making, and better preparedness for high-risk pregnancies.
KEM Hospital’s Department of Fetal Medicine has been a pioneer in providing comprehensive prenatal services in the region. The hospital offers advanced ultrasound evaluations, fetal echocardiography, growth and Doppler studies, genetic counselling, and coordinated care for high-risk pregnancies. Its multidisciplinary team—including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, geneticists, and obstetricians—ensures accurate diagnosis, compassionate counselling, and seamless care from pregnancy through delivery.
Dr. Manikandan Krishnan, a renowned fetal medicine expert, said that fetal medicine has four pillars – prevention, detection of abnormalities, treatment, and support through making the couple get answers as they are overwhelmed with a lot of questions in their mind.
The challenge is that a vast majority of people, because of a lack of awareness, come much later in the pregnancy, said Dr.Sudarshan S. fetal medicine expert based out of Chennai. We need to create awareness that they should come before they plan a pregnancy, where genetic counselling will also come into the picture. Speaking about the future of fetal medicine, he said that the research is going on multiple levels. We are doing a lot of research in AI to see how machine learning algorithms can be set up to read all the pictures and whether these algorithms can be incorporated in the ultrasound machines so that primary care level persons can also see any red flags and refer them further to the specialist. Advancements in research are also happening in abnormalities and genetic problems.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Xerxes Coyaji, Medical Director, KEM Hospital, Pune, said, “Fetal Medicine is transforming the landscape of prenatal care. Early and accurate diagnosis empowers families and clinicians alike, enabling timely interventions that can significantly improve perinatal outcomes. At KEM Hospital, our commitment is to ensure that every expectant mother has access to high-quality, evidence-based fetal care.”
Fetal Medicine Consultants Dr. Shreepad Karhade and Dr. Shweta Gugale emphasized that parents and the public need to be aware that certain conditions identified during fetal life can be treated while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. These treatment options are highly complex and require an advanced level of expertise, involving extensive training, close mentoring, and a highly skilled team of multidisciplinary subspecialists. “The right patient receiving the right treatment at the right time from the right team ensures the best outcome for the unborn child,” they noted.
The event was led by Organising Chairperson Dr. Vivek Joshi, with Organising Secretaries Dr. Shreepad Karhade and Dr. Shweta Gugale, supported by an experienced scientific committee. The conference underscored KEM Hospital’s commitment to expanding fetal medicine awareness and strengthening access to advanced prenatal care for families across