Down syndrome screening schedule during pregnancy
With the advancement of science and technology, pregnant women now attach great importance to the health of their fetuses, and Down syndrome screening is a very important examination. So when is the best time to do Down syndrome screening during pregnancy? This article will elaborate on the timing, function, accuracy of examination, and comparison with common pregnancy screenings for Down syndrome screening during pregnancy.
Schedule of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy
In terms of the timing of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy, it is usually recommended to conduct this test between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, because the levels of Down syndrome markers in fetal tissue and maternal blood are easier to detect at this time. If pregnant women miss this period, they can be screened again at 21-24 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, the cavity fingerprint test can be performed in the first trimester (7-14 weeks), but this method is only suitable for high-risk pregnant women.
The role of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy
Down syndrome screening during pregnancy is to detect whether pregnant women carry a fetus with Down syndrome to increase the birth rate of babies with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a common chromosomal abnormality that can cause mental retardation and physical underdevelopment. If the screening results of pregnant women indicate that they are high-risk, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and other tests are required to confirm the diagnosis.
The accuracy of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy
The accuracy of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy mainly depends on factors such as screening method, gestational age, and individual differences among pregnant women. A common screening method is the \”three-in-one\” screening method, which uses three markers of Down syndrome in blood during pregnancy (free beta human globulin (hCG), pregnancy-related substances (PAPP-A) and choline Screening based on ester acylase (AChE). The accuracy of this screening method can reach 85%-92%, but there is still the possibility of incorrect determination, so it needs to be combined with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Down syndrome screening during pregnancy compared with common pregnancy screening
Compared with other pregnancy screenings, Down syndrome screening during pregnancy has high accuracy, low risk, simple and non-invasive examination, and will not cause any impact on the fetus or pregnant woman. Common pregnancy screening tests include congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, and fetal Down syndrome. These pregnancy screenings are also important, but they usually require ultrasound, B-ultrasound and other examination methods to detect them, or they need to be examined after the newborn is born, which also poses certain risks to the fetus and pregnant women.
In summary, pregnant women and their husbands need to understand the timing and role of Down syndrome screening during pregnancy, as well as the accuracy of the examination and its comparison with common pregnancy screening, so as to better protect the health of the fetus during pregnancy. Prevent the occurrence of fetal malformations such as Down syndrome.
