Diagnosis & Imaging
Fetal (prenatal) ultrasound
Fetal ultrasound is prenatal imaging that can detect enlarged ventricles and hydrocephalus in a baby before birth.
In short: Fetal (prenatal) ultrasound
- It images the developing baby before birth using sound waves.
- It can detect enlarged ventricles (ventriculomegaly).
- It allows early evaluation and planning.
- Findings may prompt additional tests such as fetal MRI.
What it is
Fetal (prenatal) ultrasound is imaging performed during pregnancy that uses sound waves to view the developing baby. It can detect enlarged ventricles (ventriculomegaly) and signs of hydrocephalus before birth.
Understanding Fetal (prenatal) ultrasound
Routine prenatal ultrasounds assess the baby's anatomy, including the brain, and can reveal enlarged ventricles. When ventriculomegaly or possible hydrocephalus is identified, it allows families and the care team to begin evaluation — looking for a cause and any associated conditions — and to plan for delivery and care. Findings on ultrasound may prompt additional tests, such as fetal MRI for more detail or testing for infections or genetic causes. Because the degree of ventriculomegaly and any associated findings affect the outlook, prenatal ultrasound is an important starting point that guides further evaluation and counseling.
Why it matters
Understanding fetal ultrasound helps families see how hydrocephalus can be detected before birth, allowing time for evaluation, planning, and counseling, with the specific findings guiding next steps.
Common questions
What can fetal ultrasound detect?
Enlarged ventricles and signs of hydrocephalus before birth.
Why does prenatal detection help?
It allows evaluation and planning.
What might it lead to?
Additional tests such as fetal MRI or testing for causes.
Bottom line
Fetal ultrasound is prenatal imaging that can detect enlarged ventricles and hydrocephalus, allowing early evaluation and planning.
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