Pre-Natal Screening & Test

Prenatal screening and tests are important for the health of both the mother and the child. It can help to identify any health problems that may be present before the child is born. This allows for early intervention and treatment.

About the Pre-Natal Screening & Test

The purpose of prenatal screening is to identify conditions that may lead to adverse outcomes so that steps can be taken to prevent or manage them.

There are a variety of prenatal tests available, which can be divided into two broad categories: screening tests and diagnostic tests.

Screening tests are used to identify risk for a particular condition, while diagnostic tests are used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Risk factors associated with the Pre-Natal Screening & Test

Prenatal screening and tests are a simple and safe way to ensure the health of both the mother and the child, but there are a few risk factors associated with prenatal screening and tests. It can give false-positive results. This means that the test can indicate that a woman has a high risk of having a baby with a birth defect when, in reality, her baby is healthy.

Pre-natal screening and tests can cause anxiety and stress for the pregnant woman and her family. This is because the test can create a sense of uncertainty about the health of the baby. Pre-natal screening and tests are not 100% accurate. This means that there is a chance that the test could miss a birth defect.

Despite these risk factors, prenatal screening and tests are often recommended for pregnant women.

Preparing for the Pre-Natal Screening & Test

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the pre-natal screening and test. First, you should make sure that you are well-hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water before the test so that the results are accurate. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

In addition, you will need to provide a sample of your blood. Be sure to bring along a list of any medications you are taking so that the medical team can determine if there will be any interactions.

What to expect from the Pre-Natal Screening & Test

It is an important part of prenatal care and should be done as early as possible in the pregnancy and typically done between the fifth and ninth week of pregnancy and involves a blood test and an ultrasound.

Below is a list of common Pre-Natal Screening and Tests:

Blood Tests: A variety of blood tests can be done to look for things such as anaemia, infections, and Rh status.

Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to get a clear picture of the baby and to check for things such as the baby's position, the date of the expected delivery, and multiple births.

Amniocentesis: This is a test that involves taking a small sample of the amniotic fluid for genetic testing. It is usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This is a test for genetic problems and chromosomal abnormalities.

Fetal monitoring is done to check the heart rate of the fetus,

Glucose testing is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Group B Strep Culture to check the level of this bacteria found in the lower genital tract of women (not all but a few).

Possible results of the Pre-Natal Screening & Test

The possible results of the Pre-Natal Screening and test include the following:

• A "positive" result, means that the baby has a genetic disorder or birth defect.
• A "negative" result, means that the baby does not have a genetic disorder or birth defect.
• A "borderline" or "inconclusive" result, means that the test results are not definitive and further testing may be needed.

When to see a doctor (Include the CTA)

If you're pregnant, it's important to see a doctor or midwife regularly. Prenatal care is the best way to keep you and your baby healthy.

You should start prenatal care as soon as you find out you're pregnant. In the first few weeks, you'll probably just see your doctor for a quick checkup. But as your pregnancy progresses, you'll have more frequent appointments.

During your prenatal visits, your doctor will:

• Take your medical history
• Check your blood pressure and weight
• Check the baby's heartbeat
• Measure your belly
• Check for signs of infection
• Ask how you're feeling emotionally and mentally
• Answer any questions you have
• You may also have some tests during your prenatal visits.

Conclusion

There are a variety of pre-natal screenings and tests available to expecting parents. These tests can help to ensure the health of the baby and the mother. Parents should speak with their doctor about which tests are right for them.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.