When a woman is expecting a baby, she has to undergo multiple tests and undergo prescribed examinations. Each expectant mother can be given different recommendations. The same for everyone is a screening study. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.
Screening study
This analysis is assigned to all expectant mothers, regardless of age and social status. A screening study is carried out three times during the entire pregnancy. In this case, it is necessary to observe certain deadlines for passing tests.
Medicine is known for screening research methods, which are divided into two types. The first of these is a blood test from a vein. It determines the possibility of various pathologies in the fetus. The second analysis is an ultrasound screening test. When evaluating, it is necessary to take into account the results of both methods.
What diseases does the analysis detect?
A pregnancy screening is not an accurate way to make a diagnosis. This analysis can only reveal a predisposition and establish the percentage of risk. To obtain a more detailed result, it is necessary to conduct a screening study of the fetus. It is prescribed only if the risks of a possible pathology are very high. So, this analysis can identify the possibility of the following diseases:
- Down and Edwards Syndromes .
- Cornelia and Patau syndrome.
- Syndrome Smith-Lemley Opitz.
- Possible defects or abnormal development of the neural tube.
When is the analysis scheduled?
As already mentioned, a screening study is carried out three times during pregnancy. In this case, a blood test is done only twice. There are certain periods in which it is necessary to undergo an examination.
First trimester screening is scheduled from the eleventh to fourteenth week of fetal development. The second examination must be completed in the period from the twentieth to the twenty second week. The third ultrasound screening should be performed from the thirty-second to thirty-fourth week of pregnancy.
Any deviations from the established deadlines can give a false result. That is why it is better not to shift the analysis dates on your own, but to trust the doctor in the calculations.
First examination
The most exciting moment for the expectant mother is precisely the first protocol of ultrasound screening and obtaining the result of a blood test. It is worth noting that before this, an additional ultrasound is not normally prescribed. This means that a woman will see her baby for the first time on the screen.
Blood analysis
As already noted, the duration of the first examination can be carried out from 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, but it is preferable to conduct this analysis from 12 to 13. First, the woman will have to donate blood. The analysis is carried out strictly on an empty stomach. Material is taken from a vein. Previously, the expectant mother fills out a questionnaire, which indicates her age, features of the course of pregnancy and previous births (if any).
Next, the laboratory assistant examines the material obtained and notes the possible malformations of the fetus. After that, the computer processes all the data received and gives the final result. It is worth noting that for different ages, the risks can vary greatly.
Ultrasound diagnostics
After blood donation, a woman needs to undergo an ultrasound scan. The procedure can be carried out in two ways: by the vaginal probe or through the abdominal wall. It all depends on the ultrasound apparatus, the qualifications of the doctor and the duration of pregnancy.
During the examination, the doctor measures the growth of the fetus, notes the features of the location of the placenta. Also, the doctor must make sure that the child has all the limbs. One of the important points is the presence of the nasal bone and the thickness of the collar space. It is on these points that the doctor will subsequently rely when deciphering the result.
Second examination
Pregnancy screening in this case is also carried out in two ways. First, a woman needs to take a blood test from a vein, and only then undergo an ultrasound scan. It is worth noting that the deadlines for this diagnosis are somewhat different.
A blood test for a second screening
In some regions of the country, this study is not conducted at all. The only exceptions are those women whose first analysis yielded disappointing results. In this case, the most favorable period for blood donation is in the range from 16 to 18 weeks of fetal development.
The test is carried out in the same way as in the first case. The computer processes the data and produces the result.
Ultrasound examination
This inspection is recommended for a period of 20 to 22 weeks. It is worth noting that, unlike a blood test, this study is carried out in all medical institutions of the country. At this stage, the height and weight of the fetus are measured. The doctor also examines the organs: heart, brain, stomach of the unborn baby. The specialist counts the fingers on the arms and legs of the crumbs. It is also very important to note the condition of the placenta and cervix. In addition, dopplerography can be performed. During this examination, the doctor monitors the blood flow and notes possible defects.
During the second ultrasound screening, water should be examined. There should be a quantity normal for the given term. Inside the membranes should not be suspended or impurities.
Third survey
This type of diagnosis is carried out after 30 weeks of pregnancy. The most suitable period is 32-34 weeks. It is worth noting that at this stage they no longer examine the blood for defects, but only conduct ultrasound diagnostics.
During the manipulation, the doctor carefully examines the organs of the future baby and notes their features. The height and weight of the crumbs are also measured. An important point is normal motor activity during the study. The specialist notes the amount of amniotic fluid and its purity. Be sure to indicate in the protocol the status, location and maturity of the placenta.
This ultrasound in most cases is the last. Only in some cases, a second diagnosis is prescribed before childbirth. That is why it is so important to note the position of the fetus (head or pelvic) and the absence of cord entanglement.
Deviations from the norm
If during the examination various deviations and errors were detected, the doctor recommends that genetics appear. At the reception, the specialist must take into account all the data (ultrasound, blood and pregnancy features) when making a specific diagnosis.
In most cases, the possible risks are not a guarantee that the baby will be born sick. Often such studies are erroneous, but despite this, doctors may recommend additional studies.
A more detailed analysis is a screening study of the microflora of amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood. It is worth noting that this analysis entails negative consequences. Quite often, after such a study, there is a threat of abortion. Each woman has the right to refuse such a diagnosis, but in this case all responsibility falls on her shoulders. When confirming poor results, doctors suggest making an artificial termination of pregnancy and give the woman time to make a decision.
Conclusion
Pregnancy screening is a very important test. However, we must not forget that it is not always accurate.
After birth, a baby will be given a neonatal screening that will absolutely correctly show the presence or absence of any disease.