Prenatal tests – what are they and why should they be performed?
Prenatal tests – what are they and why should they be performed?
Pregnancy is an extremely important period in every woman’s life, full of joy, but also concerns about the health of the unborn child. Prenatal testing plays a key role in monitoring fetal development and detecting potential health problems at an early stage. In this article, we will discuss what prenatal tests are, what their types are and why they are worth doing.
What are prenatal tests?
Prenatal tests are a variety of tests and medical procedures performed during pregnancy to assess the health and development of the fetus. They may include both non-invasive and invasive tests, depending on the needs and risks of the pregnancy.
Types of prenatal tests
1. Non-invasive tests
• Ultrasonography (USG): Ultrasound examination is a basic and safe tool for assessing fetal development. It allows you to monitor the baby’s growth, assess the anatomy of the fetus, the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid. The three main ultrasound examinations performed at 11-14 weeks, 20-22 weeks and 28-32 weeks of pregnancy are particularly important.
• Biochemical tests: Blood tests such as the double test (PAPP-A and beta-hCG) in the first trimester and the triple/quadruple test in the second trimester can assess the risk of genetic defects such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome .
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): Advanced tests such as NIFTY, Veracity and Veragene, which analyze fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood, can detect the risk of genetic defects without the need for invasive procedures. NIPT is highly precise and safe for mother and baby.
2. Invasive tests
• Amniocentesis: A procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus, which allows for accurate genetic analysis. It is usually performed after the 15th week of pregnancy and carries a small risk of complications.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Taking a tissue sample from the chorionic villus, the structure that forms the placenta, performed between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy. It allows for early genetic diagnosis, but also carries a certain risk of complications.
Why is it worth performing prenatal tests?
1. Early detection of health problems
Prenatal tests allow for the early detection of genetic defects, developmental anomalies and other health problems of the fetus. Thanks to this, parents can better prepare for the birth of a child and take appropriate mTaksonomieedical steps.
2. Conscious planning and preparation
Knowledge about the health of the fetus allows parents to consciously plan and prepare for the birth of the child, especially if defects requiring specialized care after birth are detected.
3. Reduction of stress and uncertainty
Regular prenatal screening can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with pregnancy, giving parents a sense of control and peace of mind.
4. Adaptation of medical care
Early detection of health problems allows doctors to adjust the prenatal care plan and prepare appropriate medical actions that may be necessary during and after delivery.
Summary
Prenatal tests are a key element of care for a pregnant woman. They allow monitoring the health and development of the fetus, early detection of health problems, and conscious planning and preparation for the birth of a child. At Mediss Medical, we offer a wide range of prenatal tests to give future parents peace of mind and certainty that their child is developing properly. Take care of your health and the health of your child – perform prenatal tests regularly.
We invite you to our clinic, where our team of experienced specialists will provide you with comprehensive care at every stage of pregnancy.
