My sister is about 37 weeks pregnant. During her recent u/s, it was diagnosed that there is a \";5.8*3.6 cm sized well defined cyst in fetal lower abdomenseparate from urinary bladder\";. We are all very concerned. Her gyn tells her that she shouldnt worry too much and that an operation may be reqd on the baby after delivery.

Pls tell me the folowing:
1. how common is this and how fatal is it?
2. would it be wise to consult a paeditrician at this stage?
3. is surgery the only option? wont medication alone help as the baby would be too small to be operated upon
4. how would this affect the baby's health before / after surgery?
semo replied. Hi Annapoorna,
Is it an ovarian cyst - ie cyst on the ovary of baby or is it just a cyst on the abdomen? Anyway, a cyst by itself is not a thing to worry too much. Bz most of the cysts will go by itself with medication and some may need a laser surgery and it is less painful and with a minimal incision, so no blodd loss.
Regarding surgery, don;t worry, as there are well developed and sophisticated equipments available now and also there are specialised surgeons for doing surgery in a newborn and even in unborn baby. There is a famous surgeon in Newyork, who has been doing surgeries in unborn babies - Yes, in babies inside the mothers womb, even before they are born. So do not worry, and all mental and moral support to your sister.

best of luck,
semo