The recent development of high resolution ultrasound imaging, for example, has proven vital in detecting subtle heart defects in developing fetuses. Imaging techniques work together with genetic tests to help clinicians gather information at the outset of embryonic development, with the goal in mind to intervene as soon as possible, or at least to be prepared for circumstances outside of medical control. Naturally, the next step after detecting a fetal abnormality is developing the technology to do something about it. Research in the field of fetal therapy has grown enormously in the last few years, with an emphasis on surgical procedures that can be performed before a child is born. Less dramatic fetal therapies have proven effective already.
Some treatments given to pregnant mothers before they give birth help the fetus to survive later on.
Steroid treatment for women who are expected to deliver early, for example, can help fetal lungs to mature early in preparation for life outside the womb. Other treatments, like fetal transfusions, bring physicians closer to practicing medicine directly on the fetus. Advancing surgical techniques and medical treatments focus continually increasing attention on those earliest stages of life. Yet high technology brings questions about quality of life and extraordinary means of treating fetuses. We have to view all of these procedures as medicine, and we have to practice good medicine.