If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and you have risk factors for having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities, talk with your obstetrician about genetic testing. You may want to consider a first-trimester screening, one of the most advanced tests available for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. At the forefront of prenatal testing for two decades, the High Risk Pregnancy Center in southern Nevada performs your screening and interprets your results with unsurpassed skill and expertise.
First Trimester Testing: Screen for Chromosomal Abnormalities Early with Leading-Edge Expertise
Get peace of mind early in your pregnancy with advanced testing.
We conduct the first trimester screening between 11 and 13 weeks. It involves blood tests combined with special ultrasound testing.
If the test indicates an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality, your High Risk Pregnancy Center specialist may recommend further testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, or noninvasive fetal chromosome screening from a simple maternal blood sample, to obtain further information about your pregnancy.
First Trimester Testing: Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities
As an expectant parent, the first trimester is a time of joy and anticipation. It’s also a time of prenatal checkups, blood tests, and exams to ensure both mother and baby are doing well. First-trimester screening tests have an essential role to play.
These tests provide valuable information about the health and well-being of your baby. In particular, they can help to spot the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 21 (commonly known as Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. While many pregnancies progress smoothly, some do carry a risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The early detection of these conditions allows parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy.
First-Trimester Screening Tests
Combined First-Trimester Screening
Combined first-trimester screening is often performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. This test assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities using a combination of blood test results and an ultrasound scan. The blood test looks for specific proteins within the blood, while the ultrasound scan measures the thickness of the nuchal translucency, a fluid found at the back of the baby’s neck. First-trimester screening is not a diagnostic test. It simply measures the risk or chance of certain genetic conditions occurring. If required, more advanced diagnostic testing can be undertaken.
Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Screening
Cell-free DNA screening is a more accurate screening test for common chromosomal abnormalities. In cell-free DNA screening, a blood sample from the mother is analyzed to look for fetal DNA circulating in the blood. A cell-free DNA test can be done before ten weeks of pregnancy and until delivery.
As with combined first-trimester screening, cell-free DNA screening is not a diagnostic test. It is used to estimate whether your fetus is at a higher or lower risk of having certain chromosomal conditions.
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In cases where test results from either of these screening tests indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic testing. This may take the form of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tests or amniocentesis.
Benefits of First-Trimester Screening
Understanding what first-trimester tests are available and knowing which ones are most suitable for your case gives you a chance to make informed decisions about your pregnancy. It’s crucial to approach these tests with an open mind, recognizing that they are tools for gathering information rather than definitive answers. The results can guide you and your healthcare team in developing a plan to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Remember, knowledge is a powerful ally, and your healthcare provider is there to support you every step of the way. Speak to your doctor or healthcare specialist to learn more about first-trimester testing and the most appropriate screenings.