OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) 
during the second trimester and perinatal outcome.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review of FEB during the second trimester over 3 
years.
RESULTS: A total of 56 women were identified of 9067 screened (0.6%) women. 
Forty-seven agreed to genetic counseling (84%). Of those, 22 (39%) agreed to an 
amniocentesis. There were three cases of trisomy 21, one case of trisomy 18 and 
one case of fetal CMV infection. Twelve fetuses had an adverse outcome (21%), 
with only three of them having an echogenic bowel as the only finding.
CONCLUSIONS: In our study, almost 80% of the fetuses had an uncomplicated 
perinatal outcome. FEB was present as the only finding in only 5% of the fetuses 
with an adverse outcome. A potential association with placental abnormalities 
and a low prevalence of viral infections was observed. These findings may be of 
use in counseling parents.