What is First Trimester Screening?
First-trimester screening includes fetal ultrasound as well as blood testing for the mother. It is performed from weeks 11 to 13+6 weeks.
According to the Fetal Medicine Specialist In Noida, first-trimester screening can assist in determining the likelihood of the baby having certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or trisomies 18 or 13.
The first-trimester screening includes :
Ultrasound examination for fetal nuchal translucency (NT): This test uses ultrasonography to examine the back of the baby’s neck. It looks for excess fluid or skin thickness.
Blood tests- Dual marker: The blood tests measures two hormones, bHCG and PaPP-A present in the blood of all pregnant women
If your first-trimester screening results are abnormal, you may require further testing to make a diagnosis. This might be chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or ultrasonography.
Why may I require screening during the first trimester?
If the infant is screened during the first trimester, the risk assessment for common aneuploidies like trisomy 21 can be determined. Also, certain structural abnormalities can be picked up and we can accurately date the pregnancy.
Non invasive prenatal screening test based on cell-free fetal DNA can also be offered to women such as those over the age of 35.
What takes place during a first-trimester screening?
Ultrasound examination. It may be done via tummy as well as vaginally.
For transvaginal examination, a tiny ultrasound transducer is placed into the vagina during this examination.
A blood test will be performed. Blood is taken from a vein and transported to a laboratory for testing.
What occurs following a screening in the first trimester?
Following the completion of the tests, you will meet with your healthcare practitioner to discuss the results. The first-trimester screening is not 100% accurate and does not provide a diagnosis. If the findings are abnormal, your doctor will recommend further testing to make a diagnosis. You will be provided genetic testing and counseling if necessary.
Results
The findings of the first-trimester screening are reported as screen positive or negative, as well as as a probability, such as a 1 in 250 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Approximately 85 percent of mothers who are having a baby with Down syndrome are appropriately identified during the first trimester.
When reviewing your test results, keep in mind that first-trimester screening only reveals your overall chance of having a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18. A low-risk outcome does not guarantee that your kid will not develop one of these diseases. A high-risk result, on the other hand, does not guarantee that your baby will be born with one of these diseases.
If you are pregnant and concerned about the health of your unborn, contact Fetal Medicine Specialist, Dr.Neha Gupta today.
