Prenatal ultrasounds are a vital part of monitoring a baby’s development, but studies show they can miss up to half of fetal abnormalities. A new AI-powered tool, recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, aims to change that by helping doctors spot issues more accurately during routine scans.
Smarter Scans in Real Time
Developed by the American start-up BioticsAI, the software works alongside existing ultrasound machines. It analyses images instantly, checking for clarity and ensuring every part of the baby is visible. Using patterns from global datasets, the AI flags potential problems, such as heart or limb defects, and generates a report doctors can review right after the scan. Developers say the tool can also save clinicians about eight minutes per patient by streamlining documentation.
Filling the Gaps in Prenatal Detection
Congenital anomalies affect roughly 24 out of every 10,000 births in Europe. Research from Cochrane, which reviewed over seven million pregnancies, found that early scans (11–14 weeks) detect only 38% of birth defects, while mid-pregnancy scans (18–24 weeks) catch 51%. Performing both scans increases detection to 84%, leaving room for AI to improve early and accurate diagnosis.
AI Expanding Across the Globe
Europe is also adopting AI for prenatal care. French companies Diagnoly and Sonio Detect have received approval for tools that automatically assess fetal structures and heart development. As AI becomes more integrated into ultrasound screening, doctors and families can gain greater confidence in spotting and addressing potential issues before birth.
