Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and spectrum of congenital anomalies detected on obstetrical ultrasound in pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Tahir Hospital, Tandlianwala, Pakistan, over four months. A total of 100 pregnant women aged 20–35 years with singleton intrauterine pregnancies in the second trimester were enrolled using convenience sampling. Comprehensive obstetrical ultrasound examinations were performed using a Toshiba Xario Prime ultrasound system with a standardized scanning protocol. Fetal anatomical structures were systematically assessed for congenital anomalies. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between maternal risk factors and the presence of congenital anomalies.
Results: The mean maternal age was 26.79 ± 3.77 years, and the mean gestational age at examination was 20.35 ± 2.50 weeks. Congenital anomalies were detected in 20% (n=20) of cases. Central nervous system anomalies were the most prevalent (50%, n=10), followed by gastrointestinal anomalies (20%, n=4), genitourinary anomalies (10%, n=2), and other system-related anomalies (20%, n=4). Hydrocephalus was the most frequently observed specific anomaly (15%, n=3). Consanguinity showed a statistically significant association with congenital anomalies (χ² = 5.14, p = 0.023). Maternal age, chronic illness, and family history did not show significant associations.
Conclusion: Obstetrical ultrasound is an effective modality for early detection of congenital anomalies. The predominance of central nervous system anomalies and the significant association with consanguinity underscore the importance of routine antenatal screening and genetic counselling.