What characterizes fetal anomalies?

Fetal anomalies are characterized by any variation from the normal development of a fetus, which can manifest in several ways, including structural, functional, or metabolic abnormalities. This broad definition encompasses physical defects, such as congenital malformations, as well as functional issues that may impact the organ systems or overall metabolism of the fetus.

The emphasis on both structure and function means that fetal anomalies can range from visible defects, like those seen in congenital heart disease, to internal issues that may not be immediately apparent but significantly affect health and development. Therefore, option B accurately captures the comprehensive nature of fetal anomalies by acknowledging the different types of abnormalities that can arise.

In contrast, the other options provide a narrower or inaccurate definition. For instance, focusing solely on functional abnormalities does not encompass structural anomalies, and limiting the discussion to abnormalities detected exclusively through genetic screening ignores many conditions that may be identified through imaging or physical assessments. Similarly, the notion of “normal appearance with predicted function” does not align with the understanding of anomalies, as any anomaly implies a deviation from typical expected characteristics.