In most cases, the presence of "golf ball" does not pose any risk to the baby. In isolation, golf ball is an unimportant finding, which has no clinical significance. However, it may be associated with genetic anomalies, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Patau (trisomy 13), Edwards (trisomy 18), and Turner's syndrome.
For this reason, when the golf ball is identified on ultrasound of the heart of the fetus, the doctor does a thorough fetal examination to detect signs that may indicate some chromosome disease. If the fetus does not show any structural changes, golf ball is not important. The doctor will report the finding and accompany it until it disappears, which in the vast majority of cases occurs between the 22ª and the 25th week of pregnancy.
If there are signs of anomalies, such as increased nuchal translucency, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis. It is an examination that allows you to analyze the baby's chromosomes and accurately detect Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
However, it is important to note that in more than 90% of cases golf ball disappears, without risks or consequences for the baby.
For more information, talk to your obstetrician or prenatal care provider.
Read too:
What is "golf ball"?
Obstetric ultrasound with altered nuchal translucency? What can it be?
