While the baby is in the womb, the woman undergoes a lot of research. It is worth noting that some analyzes on the pathology of the fetus allow you to identify a lot of diseases that are not treated. This is what will be discussed in this article. You will learn how to diagnose fetal pathology during pregnancy (tests and additional studies). Also, find out what should normally be the results of a survey.
Fetal pathology tests
Almost every two weeks, the expectant mother has to take tests: blood, urine, a smear on the flora and others. However, these studies do not show the condition of the baby. Analyzes on the pathology of the fetus are given at certain periods established by medicine. The initial study is conducted in the first trimester. It includes a blood test for fetal pathology and ultrasound diagnostics. Further, the study is shown only to those women whose first results were not very good. It is worth noting that this applies only to blood tests. Ultrasound diagnosis (analysis for fetal pathology) is carried out in the second and third trimesters.
Who is assigned the study
Every expectant mother can request an analysis for chromosomal pathologies of the fetus in the first trimester. However, there are categories of women to whom this diagnosis is prescribed without their desire. Such groups of persons include the following:
- women over 35 years old;
- if the parents are blood relatives;
- those expectant mothers who already had pathological pregnancies or premature births;
- women who have children with various genetic pathologies;
- expectant mothers with a long threat of abortion or those who have taken illegal drugs.
Of course, you can challenge the doctor’s decision and refuse such studies. However, this is not recommended. In the other case, the baby may be born with some abnormalities. Many pregnant women avoid such tests. If you are sure that at any outcome of the events you will not interrupt the pregnancy, then feel free to write down the rejection of the diagnosis. However, before doing this, weigh the pros and cons.
When is the diagnosis of fetal pathologies
So, you already know that the study is conducted in the first trimester. Analysis can be performed from 10 to 14 weeks of gestation. However, many doctors insist that a diagnosis be carried out at 12 weeks, in order to find out if there is a fetal development pathology . Causes (tests show a positive result) and diagnoses are clarified a bit later.
If a positive result was obtained at the first blood test, then an additional study is carried out for a period of 16 to 18 weeks. Also, this analysis can be carried out for some groups of women at their own request.
Ultrasound diagnostics for the detection of pathologies is carried out at 11-13 weeks, 19-23 weeks, 32-35 weeks.
What allows to identify the study
An analysis of the pathology of the fetus (decoding will be presented later) allows you to identify the likelihood of the following diseases in the baby:
- Syndromes of Edwards and Down.
- Patau and de Lange Syndrome.
- Violations in the work and structure of the heart system.
- Various neural tube defects.
Remember that the result of the analysis is not a definitive diagnosis. Decryption must be done by a geneticist. Only after consultation with a specialist can we talk about the presence or absence of the likelihood of pathology in the baby.
Blood tests for pathology
Before the diagnosis, some preparation is necessary. For several days, it is recommended to abandon fatty foods, smoked sausages and meat products, as well as a large number of spices and salt. It is also necessary to exclude possible allergens from the diet: chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, red vegetables and fruits. Immediately on the day of the collection of material, you should refuse any meal. You can drink water no later than four hours before blood sampling.
Taking tests for fetal pathology is quite simple. You only need to expose the elbow of the arm and relax. The laboratory assistant will take a blood sample and let you go home.
How is a blood test done?
Doctors carefully examine the material obtained. This takes into account the woman's age, weight and height. Laboratory assistants study the chromosomes that are in the blood. For some deviations from the norm, the result is entered into the computer. After that, computer technology gives a conclusion that spells out the probability of a particular disease.
At the first screening, the diagnosis is carried out on two homons. Later, in the second trimester, laboratory assistants examine from three to five substances. In a period of two to four weeks, the expectant mother can get ready-made tests for fetal pathology. The norm is always indicated on the form. Next, the result is displayed.
Analysis for fetal pathology: norm, decoding
As mentioned above, only a geneticist can make a final diagnosis. However, your gynecologist can provide a decryption of the result. What are the norms of test results? It all depends on the gestational age and the level of chorionic gonadotropin in the woman’s blood at the time of the study.
Weeks of pregnancy | PAPP protein | Chorionic Gonadotropin |
10-11 | 0.32 to 2.42 | 20,000 to 95,000 |
11-12 | 0.46 to 3.73 | From 20,000 to 90,000 |
12-13 | 0.7 to 4.76 | 20,000 to 95,000 |
13-14 | From 1.03 to 6.01 | 15,000 to 60,000 |
In the second trimester, the following indicators are still evaluated: Inhibin A, Placental Lactogen and Unconjugated Estriol. After calculations of computer technology, a result is issued in which the following values can be:
- 1 to 100 (the risk of pathology is very high);
- 1 to 1000 (normal values);
- 1 in 100,000 (the risk is very low).
If the obtained value is lower than 1 to 400, then the expectant mother is offered to undergo additional studies.
Ultrasound diagnostics on pathology
In addition to a blood test, the expectant mother should undergo an ultrasound diagnosis. The first screening evaluates the overall structure of the unborn baby, but special attention is paid to the size of the nasal bone and the thickness of the collar space. So, normally in children without pathologies, the nasal bone is clearly visible. TVP should be less than 3 millimeters. Be sure to take into account the duration of pregnancy and the size of the baby during diagnosis.
In the second trimester, ultrasound diagnostics can identify pathologies of the heart system, brain and other organs. During this period, the child is already large enough and you can clearly see all of his body parts.
Additional diagnostics
If during the diagnosis a high risk of pathology was identified, then the expectant mother is recommended to undergo additional studies. So, it can be a blood sampling from the umbilical cord or taking material from an amniotic fluid. Such a study can accurately identify possible deviations or refute them. However, remember that after diagnosis, there is a high risk of premature birth or spontaneous miscarriage.
If the likelihood of pathology is confirmed, then the expectant mother is offered to terminate the pregnancy. However, the last decision always remains with the woman.
Summarizing
So, now you know what diagnostic measures exist to identify pathologies in the future baby. Go through all the tests on time and always listen to the doctor’s recommendations. Only in this case you can be sure that your child is completely healthy and has no deviations.
There is one belief: in order for pregnancy to proceed normally, you need to tie a small baby thing, for example, takes it. A knitting pattern (crochet) beret can be found in the needlework magazine. You can also buy a finished product. Good test results and a pleasant pregnancy!