Perinatal screening is a special complex that is recommended for almost all pregnant women in the early stages. This study is conducted to completely exclude possible fetal abnormalities arising from a chromosomal or gene disorder. Such birth defects are most often not amenable to treatment, which is why it is so important to conduct ultrasound treatment at an early stage. The term "screening" in translation means "screening."
Screening for newborns for hereditary diseases consists of a triple ultrasound examination and a biochemical blood test. You do not need to be afraid of this procedure, it is completely safe for both the mother and the baby.
Doctors recommend conducting perinatal screening in the first trimester, in the interval from 10 to 14 weeks, while the optimal period is from 11 to 13 weeks. The study helps to evaluate the course of pregnancy according to all the required parameters, the fact of the development of multiple pregnancy. However, the main goal of ultrasound at this time is to identify the thickness of the collar space of the embryo. The collar space itself is a zone of fluid accumulation between the soft tissues of the neck area. In the event that the obtained value exceeds the permissible norm, the risk of a genetic abnormality in the development of the fetus is likely.
It is impossible to conclude only by ultrasound; a whole range of studies is required that are included in perinatal biochemical screening. Only on the basis of a comprehensive study can conclusions be drawn. In general, a biochemical blood test is also called a "double test", and they do it for a period of 10-13 weeks. During this study, women examine the level of two placental proteins in the blood.
According to the results of ultrasound examination, calculation of possible genetic risk, as well as after obtaining data on the protein level, the risk is calculated using a computer program. Such a specialized program allows you to take into account even such factors as the ethnicity of a woman, her age, weight. Also, when calculating, the fact of the presence of hereditary diseases in the family and family, the presence of various chronic diseases is taken into account. After a comprehensive study, the doctor studies the results and is able to attribute pregnancy to a risk group, such as Edwards syndrome and Down syndrome. However, even in this case, such a threat is not a diagnosis, but only suggests an opportunity. Only an experienced geneticist who can prescribe a further examination, a chorionic biopsy can accurately determine . This procedure is more complicated, an instrument is introduced into the abdominal wall and a part of the chorion is taken. Such a biopsy is more dangerous, as it can lead to some complications.
Perinatal screening should be done precisely at this time, since the accuracy of the result is maximum precisely in this period. In the case when the tests are submitted too late or early, the accuracy of the result decreases several times. If a woman has an irregular menstrual cycle, then due to ultrasound, you can accurately determine the gestational age. The next such examination must be completed at a later date, approximately 16-18 weeks.
The first perinatal screening is a very exciting and touching event. A woman will meet her baby for the first time, see his arms, legs, face. From a routine medical examination, it turns into a real celebration for mom and dad baby. The main thing to remember is that any deviations from the norm are simply referred to the risk group, and are not a diagnosis. In this case, you don’t need to be upset, it is better to just conduct an additional examination.