During pregnancy, doctors request a number of tests to determine the well-being of the mother and baby or to determine any problems that may exist. Among these, investigating the baby's congenital defects is an important part of the test. Infections that the pregnant woman may have should be investigated as they may affect the baby. These tests are performed at the beginning of pregnancy and provide guidance on whether the baby will be affected by the infection. To explain in order;
The first examination tests are the mother's blood values and infection indicators. Blood count, thyroid function tests, liver and kidney function tests, blood sugar, hepatitis markers, toxoplasma and rubella infection tests are requested and evaluated at the first examination.
The double screening test, performed between 11-14 weeks, is one of the most important tests of pregnancy. This test, performed by measuring the thickness of the nuchal translucency, provides an idea about the baby's risk of having Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal anomaly originating from the 21st chromosome. It is observed in approximately one in 750 births. Therefore, all pregnant women's babies are screened for this chromosomal anomaly risk. Those at risk are determined and directed to amniocentesis. Because a definitive diagnosis can only be made by culturing the cells in the fluid sample taken from the baby's amniotic sac. The cells taken are the baby's epithelial cells. These are multiplied in a culture environment and it becomes possible to determine the baby's chromosomal structure. Amniocentesis is not an innocent procedure, it poses a risk of miscarriage . Therefore, screening tests actually show us, doctors, which patients we should recommend amniocentesis to or who is at high risk. Patients who miss the double test period or cannot have it can have a triple test or quadruple test between 15-18 weeks.
There is a special ultrasonography procedure performed between the 21st and 24th weeks. This procedure, called second-level ultrasonography or detailed ultrasonography, is performed by obstetricians and gynecologists who have received special training. Those who receive this training are called Perinatologists. The doctor who performs routine examinations refers the pregnant woman to a perinatologist between these weeks and all the baby's systems are examined in detail. In particular, heart anomaly screening is at the forefront of this evaluation. Blood flow to the baby and the uterus is also evaluated to obtain clues about hypertension or developmental delay that may occur in the later stages of pregnancy. All of these are delivered to the pregnant woman's physician in a report.
The screening test for pregnancy-related diabetes (gestational diabetes) is one of the important tests of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes, which can seriously affect the mother and the baby, is a disease that must be investigated. All pregnant women are screened with a 50-gram glucose tolerance test starting from the 24th week of pregnancy. Pregnant women with high test results are diagnosed with a 100-gram glucose tolerance test.
In addition to these important screening tests, tests may be requested for special situations. Routine blood and urine tests are repeated as the pregnancy progresses.
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