You are probably waiting for a new guest with new hopes these days, right? This is a very special time, and we are also very concerned about the health of the baby in the womb. So, today we are going to talk about an important test that can tell you about the baby's health in advance. This is called the "First Trimester Screening".
What is this so-called First Trimester Screening?
Simply put, this is a series of tests that are performed during the first three months of your pregnancy (the first trimester) to get an idea of the health of your unborn baby. It mainly consists of two parts:
1. Testing a blood sample taken from you.
2. Performing an ultrasound scan.
It is based on the information gathered from both of these that the doctors come to a conclusion about the baby's health. Imagine, this is like the baby's first health report.
Why are we doing this test? What do we expect from it?
Now you may be wondering, "Why is this test so important?" This test mainly checks whether your baby is at risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities . You may have heard of Down syndrome. It also gives some indication of the possibility of conditions like Edward syndrome.
Not only that, this test can also give some idea about some birth defects (for example, whether the baby has any heart problems).
However, there is one very important thing you need to remember here: This is only a screening test , not a diagnostic test.
That means, this test cannot tell with 100% certainty that the baby has autism. It only gives an indication of whether or not there is a risk . It's like seeing smoke and thinking, "Oh, there might be a fire somewhere." Just seeing that smoke doesn't tell you exactly where the fire is. You have to look further for that. This is the same thing.
Do I have to take this test?
This is really your decision. Doctors say that it is safe to have this test. However, whether or not to have this test is a decision that you and your family can make together, and after talking to your doctor.
One of the main benefits of having this test is that it can help you know early if your baby is at risk of developing any health problems. This gives parents more time to deal with them, seek further testing if necessary, or plan for any special care they may need after the baby is born.
However, as with any test, there is a small chance of getting false results . It's good to be aware of that as well.
- `False-positive`: This means that even though the test shows that there is a "risk", you can still have a healthy baby. Imagine, sometimes the sky darkens and it looks like it will rain, but it doesn't? This is like that.
- `False-negative`: This is when a test shows "no risk", but in a very rare case the baby could be born with a health problem. It's like a light drizzle falling suddenly on a clear day.
If you have any questions or concerns about these things, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor . He/she will explain everything to you.
How is this first trimester screening done?
As we mentioned before, this test is conducted in two parts:
1. Blood sample test:
This involves taking a small amount of blood from you and sending it to a lab. Sometimes a small drop of blood can be taken from your fingertip, or more commonly, a small amount of blood can be taken from a vein.
- What does this blood test look for? It measures the levels of two special proteins in your blood.
- What do the results mean? If these protein levels are lower or higher than normal, it could mean that the baby is at slightly higher risk of having a chromosomal abnormality.
2. Ultrasound Scan Exam:
You've probably already done this.
- How is it done? You lie down on a bed, a doctor or a trained technician applies a gel to your lower abdomen, and moves a small device (an ultrasound probe) around. When the sound waves from this device hit the baby and bounce back, they create an image of the baby on a computer screen.
- What does this test look for? One thing that is specifically looked at here is the thickness of a layer of fluid under the skin at the back of the baby's neck . Doctors call this ``Nuchal Translucency - NT''. If this NT value is higher than normal, meaning there is more fluid in that area, it can also be a sign of a chromosomal abnormality or other complication. This scan is also sometimes used to check for the presence of a ``Nasal Bone'' in the baby's nose.
What do you do if the test results show that there is a risk?
Imagine that this first trimester test showed that your baby is at risk. Don't worry. As we said before, this is just a test that indicates risk.
- Next steps: If so, your doctor will suggest some more specific diagnostic testing . These tests can confirm whether or not your baby actually has a problem.
- What are those tests?
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This is a test usually done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. A small sample of the placenta is taken and examined.
- Amniocentesis: This is usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This involves taking a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and testing it.
Both of these tests are usually performed by experienced doctors, and the results are largely accurate.
What if the risk is low?
Even if the first trimester screening shows no significant risk, doctors usually recommend another series of tests in the second trimester, known as ``Second Trimester Screening.'' This also mainly involves blood tests.
- What is checked during the second trimester screening? This can further confirm the results of the first screening, reassess the risk of Down syndrome, and screen for other conditions such as neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida).
What is the best time to have this first trimester screening?
It is important to know this too.
- Blood test: Usually done between 9 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
- Ultrasound scan (NT scan): This is done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Your doctor will schedule these tests for you.
How long does it take to know the results?
- Blood test results: These usually take about a week or two to get back.
- Ultrasound scan results: With an NT scan, the doctor can get an idea almost immediately. Sometimes they'll tell you about it right there.
Different ways to calculate results
There are several ways doctors calculate this risk:
- `(Combined First Trimester Screening)` (Combined First Trimester Screening): This is often done. Here, the risk is calculated by combining the results of the first trimester blood test, the results of the NT scan, and other factors such as your age.
- Integrated Screening: Some doctors perform tests in the first trimester, then wait until the blood tests in the second trimester are completed, and then combine the results of all these tests to give a final risk report.
- Serum Integrated Screening: Some people do not do the NT scan in the first trimester, but only do blood tests in both the first and second trimesters, and combine those results to look at risk.
Which method your doctor uses to calculate your results may depend on things like your age, your health, other risk factors, and the facilities available at your testing location. So it's best to talk openly about all of this with your doctor.
So, what are the things we need to remember from all of this?
Okay, we've talked a lot about this ``First Trimester Screening''. Finally, keep these important points in mind.
- This is a screening test: This only tells you whether you are at risk or not. It does not confirm a disease.
- Early knowledge is an advantage: If there is a risk, knowing about it in advance gives you time to deal with it and take the necessary steps.
- Your decision is important: Whether or not you want to have this test is your choice. Talk to your doctor to make the best decision.
- Be aware of false results: There is a small chance of getting `false-positive` and `false-negative` results. But don't worry about it, and follow your doctor's instructions.
- Talk to your doctor: Talk to your doctor about any questions, concerns, or fears you have. They are there to help you.
Remember, all these tests are done for the good of you and your beloved baby in your womb. So, keep your mind at ease and enjoy this journey. Wishing you and your baby all the best!
` Pregnancy, First Trimester Screening, Down syndrome, Nuchal Translucency, Baby's health, Prenatal tests
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