OVERVIEW

There are some compulsory tests we must undergo during pregnancy journey at a given point in time to have a healthy baby. These tests are done to rule out the possibilities of Down syndrome, Edwards’s syndrome, and Turner syndrome.

There are 3 trimesters, each of 3 months in a pregnancy journey.

1 to 3 months- 1^st trimester

4 to 6 months- 2^nd trimester and

6 to 9 months – 3rd trimester

Marker tests are generally done towards the end of 1^st trimester or in 2^nd trimester. These marker tests along with ultrasound reports are reviewed together and then the final reports are prepared to have a good pregnancy and a healthy child.

Double marker test– It is performed between 12-13 weeks or 11 weeks 4 days to 13 weeks 4 days. A scan called NT Scan is also done at the same time as a double market test so, that some parameters from NT scan and some parameters from the mother’s blood are taken at the same time to prepare a report. Its Sensitivity is 95-96 %. It is cheaper when compared to other tests like NIPT.

Triple marker test-It is performed during 2^nd trimester or 16 to 23 weeks.

 Quadruple marker and Penta marker – can also be performed. The procedure is almost the same as the above tests where the blood from the mother is drawn and screening is done for chromosomal disorders.

 NIPT AND AMNIOCENTESIS

NIPT (Noninvasive prenatal testing) – This is a costlier and more accurate test done to screen chromosomal disorders.

One should undergo one test from double, triple, quadruple, and Penta marker tests. If found high risk in any of these, then should go for NIPT or amniocentesis, or cordocentesis.

Amniocentesis– USG guided needle is inserted inside the mother’s uterus to get tissue sampling from the placenta or amniotic fluid. Then it is examined to get a confirmatory result.

Amniocentesis has chances of abortion. But, NIPT doesn’t have any chances of abortion.

Those parents whose 1^st issue is syndromic and planning for 2^nd issue must go for these tests.

Watch the video by Dr. J.P. Pani