What is Fetal Viability?
Fetal viability is a term that gets tossed around quite a bit when talking about pregnancy. It can refer to whether or not the fetus is developing as it should, has a strong heartbeat, and it is located within the uterus. This is what we look for when a patient first comes in for an ultrasound. But there is also something called the “age of viability.” Although there isn’t a hard cutoff as to when viability occurs, doctors often say this happens around 24 weeks of pregnancy, but the shortest viable age recorded for a surviving viable baby was born at 21 weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of what viability means, why it’s important to test for fetal viability and information on the age of viability.
Factors that Effect the Age of Viability
Every pregnancy is unique and the age of viability is determined by a couple of things. A baby’s survival at early ages depends on:
- Lung development
- Overall growth and weight
- Any health conditions in the baby or mother
If a pregnancy is not viable it will end in a miscarriage, and most of these miscarriages happen in the first trimester. Some women are predisposed to miscarriages due to several health factors and lifestyle choices, but other women experience miscarriages for no apparent reason.
Why is it important to check for fetal viability?
Checking for fetal viability is crucial for several reasons. Early confirmation of viability ensures the pregnancy is progressing as expected, with a strong heartbeat and proper implantation within the uterus. This initial assessment helps healthcare providers identify potential complications, such as ectopic pregnancies or early miscarriages, which can pose significant health risks to the mother.
Testing for Fetal Viability Throughout Pregnancy
Your healthcare provider uses tests to see how your baby is developing throughout your pregnancy. Common checks include ultrasound scans to measure growth and amniotic fluid levels. Heartbeat and movement are also tracked. Ultrasound can estimate your baby’s weight and measure lung maturity. Blood tests or amniocentesis might check for certain markers. These tests help doctors advise you on your baby’s health and chances of survival.
How Does Age of Viability Affect Abortions?
In Michigan, there is no gestational limit on abortions, meaning that a woman can receive an abortion at any point in her pregnancy. However, a late term abortion opens up a very real possibility that the fetus is born alive. Michigan state law requires that medical providers provide medical care to a baby born alive during an abortion, just as they would to any baby that is delivered. The mother can choose to surrender her parenting right and custody of the baby will be transferred to the state, but medical care must still be performed, regardless of who has custody of the baby.
Checking for Viability at PRC Grand Rapids
When you come into PRC Grand Rapids to receive a pregnancy test, we might also decide to perform an ultrasound. An ultrasound is an important first step after a pregnancy is confirmed, as it is the easiest and quickest way to determine fetal viability- and it is the only way to determine the location of the growing embryo. Like mentioned before, we check for a strong heartbeat, ask you basic questions about your lifestyle, and check the location of the pregnancy. If the pregnancy is determined to not be viable, we will talk with you about your next steps and what to expect.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment with us to help you get a better understanding of your pregnancy.