A Gynaecologist, Dr. Prosper Igboeli, Wednesday, advised pregnant women to go for an ultrasound scan early to detect congenital disorders for proper management.

Igboeli said that congenital anomalies, also called birth defects, could be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life.

According to him, congenital anomalies are birth defects, congenital disorders, or congenital malformations, which conditions develop prenatally and may be identified before or at birth, or later in life.

Igboeli, who is the Managing Director of M and M Hospital, Fertility and IVF Centre, Abuja, gave the hint in an interview with press men.

He said that an early ultrasound scan, especially in the first trimester would help detect any congenital abnormalities which could occur in any conception.

The gynecologist called for the creation of more awareness on the issue of congenital anomalies as such would help the women address the problem early.

“It is known that congenital anomalies occur naturally in about two to three per cent of all pregnancies.

“Congenital abnormalities are a frequent complication of all conceptions everywhere in the world,’’ he said.

Igboeli called for early access to health care for pregnant women, as such would enable the health facility to prepare for emergencies that might occur.

He, therefore, advised that when any abnormality was discovered, the woman should be referred to a medical facility that had the capacity, capability, and infrastructure to handle such issues.

According to him, women who are pregnant should get at least one ultrasound in a good ultrasound centre that can quickly pick up abnormalities.

He called for improved prenatal management in the country, saying that centres taking care of pregnant women should be equipped with a good ultrasound scan.