Common Tests

Common Tests during pregnancy
The Triple or Quad Screen Test

Looks for 3 specific things:
Alpha-fetoprotein , or AFP, a protein that the fetus produces Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta Estriol, an estrogen hormone produced by both the fetus and placenta The test can additionally measure levels of inhibin-A, a protein produced by the placenta and ovaries. If this test is added to the Triple screen, it is called a quad screen. Inhibin A is more specific in detecting Downs Syndrome. These test measure levels of AFP, hCG and estriol. The results are analyzed along with the mother's age, weight, ethnicity and stage of pregnancy in order to assess risk of genetic disorders.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org

High levels of AFP may suggest that the developing baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly. However, the most common reason for elevated AFP levels is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy. Low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol may indicate that the developing baby has Trisomy 21( Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) or another type of chromosome abnormality.
The primary reason for conducting the test is to screen for genetic disorders.
When is the triple screen test performed?

Between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy . The test involves drawing maternal blood.

Who should take this test?
All pregnant women should be offered the triple screen, but it is specifically recommended for women in these groups:
Have a family history of birth defects

Are 35 years or older
Have used possible harmful medications, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
Have DM, especially those who use insulin

Had or been exposed to a viral infection during pregnancy.
Have been exposed to high levels of radiation


Chorionic Villus Sampling
Chorionic villus sampling is a test for identifying chromosome abnormalities and other inherited disorders. It is recommended for women with a history, or whos partner has a history, of genetic defects or inherited disorders.
When is chorionic villus sampling performed?

CVS is usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks from your last menstrual period, and may be chosen over amniocentesis because it may be performed earlier in the pregnancy.
How is chorionic villus sampling performed?

CVS involves removing some chorionic villi cells from the placenta at the point where it attaches to the uterine wall with a needle

Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a test that is recommended if there is an abnormal Triple screen test. It is a test for genetic abnormalities, neural tube defects, and can be done to assess fetal lung development
When is amniocentesis performed?

Amniocentesis is normally performed between 14 and 20 weeks gestation
How is amniocentesis performed?

Amniocentesis is performed by inserting a needle into the amniotic sac and drawing out a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing
Chordocentesis is another test similar to amniocentesis, except that the sample is obtained from chord blood rather than amniotic fluid and does not allow for testing of neural tube defects
Amniocentesis

Biophysical Profile (BPP)
The biophysical profile combines ultrasound evaluation with nonstress testing (NST) and is used to assess fetal health during the third trimester. BPP is done if there is a question about fetal health and well being resulting from either an unexpected examination finding, maternal/fetal symptoms such as loss or decreasing of movement of the fetus, or if the pregnancy is high risk BPP is done after 32 weeks
Kick Counts
Fetal monitoring test done by the mother to assess fetal health. Mother will count number of kicks /movement in given period of time (usually 1 hour), typically at night or when fetus is usually most active, and report this to the clinician. If clinician determines based on kick counts that there may be a problem with the health of the fetus, Fetal Nonstress testing or BPP can be performed for further assessment http://www.americanpregnancy.org

Ultrasonography in pregnancy
May not be indicated in normal pregnancy Can be performed at any point in pregnancy, but is most commonly performed in mid second trimester as routine screen Can assess fetal growth and development
May be able to detect defects of the neural tube, heart or other developing organs May be able to detect sex of fetus
Is non invasive
http://www.womancarepc.com/services/prenatal_care/prenatal_guide/screening.asp

Common Tests

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Common Tests

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Common Tests during pregnancy

The Triple or Quad Screen Test

Common Tests during pregnancy

When is the triple screen test performed?

Common Tests during pregnancy

Have a family history of birth defects

Have used possible harmful medications, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy

Have DM, especially those who use insulin

Have been exposed to high levels of radiation

Common Tests during pregnancy

When is chorionic villus sampling performed?

How is chorionic villus sampling performed?

Common Tests during pregnancy

When is amniocentesis performed?

How is amniocentesis performed?

Common Tests during pregnancy

Common Tests during pregnancy

Common Tests during pregnancy

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