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Screening Procedures in Pregnancy
Fetal DNA Test (NIPT)
Information about the baby's chromosome structure can be obtained from the mother's blood. It is more appropriate to request it after the 10th week of pregnancy. In our laboratory, Prenatalsafe or Veracity is performed.
What Is the Fetal DNA Test?
A blood sample is taken from the mother, the baby's DNA is separated, and the genetic analyses included in the standard analysis package are performed. The results give information about conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) first and foremost, as well as trisomy 18 and trisomy 13, and some rare genetic diseases.
If necessary and requested, the baby's blood group can also be determined with this test.
How Is the Fetal DNA Test Performed?
NIPT is the most sensitive screening test, but it is not a diagnostic test. A high-risk result must be confirmed by CVS or amniocentesis.
It does not show the baby's entire genetic structure, mutations or chromosome breaks. The fetal DNA analysis test from the mother's blood is performed in our hospital when needed.
Premature Birth Risk Screening
About 15% of all pregnancies result in premature birth. Unfortunately, premature birth is still the most frequent cause of newborn death worldwide.
Risks of Premature Birth
Caring for babies who start life early is an extremely specialized subject. Therefore, what matters is to prevent premature birth if possible. However, patients often present too late, and a premature birth that cannot be treated occurs.
Today, different methods are used to predict the likelihood of premature birth. These methods use evaluation of the cervix and the cervical canal.
With this evaluation;
- The length of the cervix
- The thickness of the cervix
- The structure of the cervix
- The structure of the cervical canal
- The structure of the lower uterine segment
- The state of infection in the cervix and vagina are evaluated and combined with the patient's data to calculate the possible risk of premature birth.
The follow-up of patients who show a risk of premature birth is made more frequent and additional treatments are planned.
Growth Restriction Risk Screening
There are many factors that affect the development of the baby in the womb. Some of these factors can be predicted in advance.
However, some cannot be predicted; these can be classified as fetal causes, placental causes and maternal causes.
The baby's possible growth restriction can be predicted in part. With these screening tests, pregnancies at risk of growth restriction are identified and closer pregnancy follow-up is provided.
Another important point is, in a pregnancy diagnosed with growth restriction, identifying the factors that halt the baby's development and determining the measures that can be taken.
Growth restriction risk screening is performed in Perinatology and High-Risk Pregnancies.
What Is the Group B Streptococcus Screening Test? When Is It Performed?
In all pregnant women, it is recommended that a culture be taken once from the vagina and rectum between weeks 36+0 and 37+6.
If this microorganism is present, an effort is made to protect the newborn's health by using preventive antibiotics during birth.
If no precautions are taken, it can cause infections severe enough to threaten the health of the mother and baby.
Group B streptococcus screening is applied to patients who need it.
What Is the Glucose Screening Test in Pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes (GDM), which is detected in pregnancy or starts in pregnancy and is considered an early stage of diabetes, is a group for which a screening test is recommended.
When Is Blood Sugar Checked in Pregnancy?
In a normal patient, routine screening is recommended at weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. However, if the patient is at risk, a glucose screening test can also be performed in the first trimester.
How Is Blood Sugar Checked in Pregnancy?
The patient drinks a liquid containing 50 grams of glucose and is evaluated according to the blood sugar values one hour later.
Fasting is not required for the 50 g screening test; the 75 g OGTT is performed in the morning after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Alternatively, a 75 gram glucose test, which is a one-step screening, can be performed.
What Is the Glucose Test in Pregnancy Used For?
The glucose tolerance test, which aims to protect the health of mother and baby through appropriate diet and treatment when the condition is screened for and detected, is performed in Perinatology and High-Risk Pregnancies.