Prenatal screening (before birth) is a set of diagnostic tests necessary to identify any pathological processes in the fetus before it is born. Such a study helps to identify many congenital diseases and genetic diseases. The examination is carried out at certain stages of pregnancy. How and when is prenatal screening performed during pregnancy? And why is it needed?
Why is prenatal screening performed?
Prenatal screening includes ultrasound and biochemical analysis of venous blood for hormones. In most cases, it is carried out 3 times – in the first, second and third trimester.
Prenatal screening allows
- assessing the individual risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities;
- identifying groups of high perinatal risk, which include preeclampsia, developmental delay in the fetus;
- preventing the pregnancy complications.
Some pregnant women do not see the point of doing prenatal screening. Since all relatives are healthy, what risks and pathologies can be? However, this examination plays a large role and it is necessary for the early detection of possible anomalies (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, neural tube defects, etc.). This allows you to prescribe an effective treatment for genetic diseases on time. If after screening the doctor has detected abnormalities, pregnancy is controlled with special attention and control. If the pathology is severe and incompatible with life, then the doctor must inform the patient.
It is important to know that all the obtained screening results do not serve to make a diagnosis. Such surveys only determine the likely risks and no more. Screening during pregnancy is an excellent occasion to get information about the development of the child, professional advice from a geneticist and undergo, if necessary, all additional examinations.
Is prenatal screening harmful to health?
Modern equipment makes pregnancy screening absolutely safe both for the pregnant woman and the fetus, but it helps doctors determine the tactics of pregnancy management. Despite the fact that screening is a fairly accurate examination, it does not give a 100% guarantee.
The accuracy of prenatal screening depends on a number of factors like
- professionalism of a specialist;
- compliance with the rules of the pregnant preparation for the examination, etc.
When do I need to be screened?
- First screening during pregnancy. It is best done between the 11th and 13th weeks. It should not be done before, because before the 11th week of pregnancy, many indicators are difficult to accurately determine. In the process of ultrasound, the exact gestational age is determined, the physique of the fetus, its size, heart rate, amniotic fluid volume, placenta structure and size, condition and tone of the uterus are evaluated. After an ultrasound of the pregnant woman, a biochemical screening is done, for this a blood test is done.
- Second screening during pregnancy. It’s implemented in the period of 18-20 weeks. An ultrasound and a blood test are done, but the last one is given if the pregnant woman did not do the first screening. At this stage, it is possible to determine not only the size, but also the position of the fetus, as well as the bone structure, condition of internal organs, etc.
- Third screening during pregnancy. It is carried out on the 30–34th week. Final screening helps the doctor determine if a cesarean section or natural birth is needed. The basis of the third screening is the same ultrasound.
How to prepare for prenatal screening?
All pregnant women must undergo prenatal screening. It does not require any special preparation. However, if a pregnant woman has a cold, her temperature has risen and she is not feeling well, then screening is best rescheduled for another day. After all, each of these factors can distort the analysis data.
Prenatal screening can be done at the LITA Reproductive Medicine Clinic in Kiev. We have modern equipment and first-class specialists, thanks to which we guarantee accurate research results. We recommend screening for all pregnant women, regardless of age and the presence of hereditary diseases.
Take care of your health and the health of the baby – do not miss the opportunity for early diagnosis!