An FA Scan is essential to further assess the other organs of the affected baby to look for other soft markers and malformation. The more soft markers there are, the higher the risk of chromosomal abnormalities would be. These expecting mothers, especially those older than 36 years of age, would be recommended to undergo amniocentesis (aspiration of the amniotic fluid) to confirm the baby’s chromosomes. If the baby’s chromosomes are confirmed to be normal, then, pyelectasis may also be the very early beginning of urinary tract problems. Then, serial ultrasound scans would be needed to monitor the progress of this dilatation.

If this baby is affected by Down Syndrome, the next pregnancy theoretically should be at higher risk as the mother is getting older. However, it may not always be so. Thus, all future pregnancies should have prenatal testing to confirm the baby’s chromosome. If this pyelectasis baby is normal chromosomally, then the recurrence risk is 6 times in all future pregnancies. Overall, 3% of all chromosomally and structurally normal babies have transient pyelectasis. The dilatation would resolve by itself before birth.

From: Parenthood Magazine May 2008