Prenatal ultrasounds are a vital tool for monitoring baby development, but studies show they miss up to half of fetal abnormalities. A new AI-powered system cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration aims to change that.
Smarter Ultrasounds in Real Time
The software, developed by American start-up BioticsAI, works alongside existing ultrasound machines. As images are captured, it analyzes them instantly, checking for quality, suggesting adjustments, and ensuring every part of the fetus is visible. Using patterns learned from global datasets, it flags potential issues such as heart or limb defects. After the scan, it produces a comprehensive report doctors can review, potentially saving eight minutes per patient in paperwork.
Closing the Detection Gap
Routine prenatal scans often miss many congenital anomalies. A Cochrane review covering over seven million pregnancies found that an early scan between 11 and 14 weeks detects just 38% of birth defects, while a mid-pregnancy scan at 18-24 weeks catches 51%. When both scans are performed, detection rises to 84%, but some conditions can still go unnoticed. AI-assisted screening could help doctors catch problems earlier and more reliably.
Global Momentum in AI Prenatal Care
Europe is also adopting AI solutions for fetal health. French companies Diagnoly and Sonio Detect have received approval for systems that automatically evaluate fetal structures and heart health during scans. As AI tools gain traction, they are poised to become an essential part of modern prenatal care, helping doctors spot issues sooner and giving parents greater peace of mind.
