The finding of fetal echogenic bowel has a number of pathologic associations, including aneuploidy, TORCH (particularly CMV) infections, cystic fibrosis, IUGR and FDIU.  It should therefore prompt a recommendation of amniocentesis, referral for genetic counseling (where available), TORCH and CF carrier status screening and close growth monitoring through later pregnancy.

That being said, echogenic bowel is often transient, and in the majority of cases fetuses with isolated echogenic bowel have normal postnatal outcomes.