Sonographers should be aware of the prevalence, etiology, prenatal sonographic features, management and prognosis for both common and rare fetal abnormalities. Most major fetal abnormalities can now be diagnosed at the routine 11-13 and 18-23 weeks scans.

Requirements for certification

The requirements for obtaining the FMF certificate of competence in fetal abnormalities are:

1. Attendance of the internet based course on fetal abnormalities.
2. Attendance of a World Congress in Fetal Medicine and a FMF Advanced Course in Fetal Medicine.
3. Submission of a log-book of a series of images from one normal fetus at 18-23 weeks.
4. Demonstration to a FMF approved examiner of competence in carrying out a 18-23 weeks scan and good knowledge of the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of fetal abnormalities.

You will find it useful to attend the internet-based course on fetal abnormalities which you can find here.

The full FMF certificate in fetal abnormalities will be awarded only to candidates who have successfully completed the two year FMF clinical fellowship in London or provided a satisfactory proof of practical assessment (awarded on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the FMF). For candidates who successfully complete the theoretical components and submit a satisfactory logbook of images, either a certificate of completion for the theory or a certificate of competence based on images will be awarded.

Logbook of images

The images should demonstrate the following (18) views:

• Transverse view of the head at the level of the septum cavum pellucidum for measurement of biparietal diameter, head circumference, hemisphere and cerebral ventricles
• Suboccipital-bregmatic view of the head for measurement of cerebellum and cisterna magna
• Transverse views of the face through the orbits and the upper lip and maxilla
• Sagital view of the face (profile) demonstrating the nasal bone
• Four-chamber view of the heart
• Views demonstrating the outflow tracks of the heart
• Transverse view of the abdomen at the level of the stomach and umbilical vein for measurement of the abdominal circumference
• Transverse views of the abdomen to demonstrate the kidneys
• Transverse or longitudinal view to demonstrate the umbilicus
• Transverse or longitudinal view to demonstrate the bladder
• Longitudinal view to demonstrate measurement of the femur
• Longitudinal view to demonstrate the leg and foot
• View of the open hand
• One or two longitudinal views demonstrating the whole spine
• Transverse view of the sacral spine
• Longitudinal view demonstrating the relation between the lower end of the placenta and the cervix

Please send your completed logbook of 18 images to:

anomaly@fetalmedicine.org