General Tests to be conducted for pregnant women

Some of these problems may be due to genes &chromosomes. Foetus attains 23chromosomes from father &23 chromosomes from mother i.e. 46in total. Some times extra chromosomes like ‘trisometa-21’may be responsible for these problems in children. Some of them will face problems in learning (learning disability), like ‘DOWNS SYNDROME’, trisometa-21 etc. One out of 800 children is subjected to these syndromes. Age of the pregnant women is one of the factors influencing these complications in children. These complications can be detected by few tests.

NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY SCAN:

It is a ultra sound scan done in the first trimester (i.e11-14weeks) of pregnancy. The fluid present at the back of the neck is called ad nuchal transparency. It estimates the amount of this fluid.If the amount is less it may lead to downs syndrome .every pregnant women has to undergo this scan to take a right decision at right time. It helps to screen the proper growth of the baby, to identify twins etc. This scan is absolutely of no harm to the baby.

COMBINED TEST:

This test is done in the first trimester. Blood sample is collected from the mother & PAPP-A& free B –HCG are estimated.hcg is a hormone secreted in the early stages of pregnancy. It gives the signal of pregnancy & prevents menstrual cycle. Pregnancy test is done after 10days of conceiving.   The role of PAPP-A is not yet known properly. It’s a protein secreted from placenta. Low levels lead to Down’s syndrome.

TRIPLE TEST:

Blood test done  bet 15-18weeks.It is a screen for 3 hormones i.e AFP, BHCG, &UE-3  In the case of down’s syndrome AFP &EU-3 levels are decreased & HCG levels are increased

If the above tests are abnormal the following tests have to be performed.

CHORIONIC VILLAS SAMPLING:

After 10weeks of pregnancy placenta a protecting layer for foetus is tested by taking a small portion of it. This test has the risk of infection & over bleeding. About 1%women face the problem of abortion.

AMNIOCENTISIS:

Foetus is surrounded by a fluid called amniotic fluid. A small amount of it is collected & tested between 15-22 weeks of pregnancy. No complications are seen. But some times infection is observed. 1% females show the problem of abortion.

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