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Prenatal examination is to answer the question whether the fetus is developing properly and whether it is at risk of any genetic diseases. They are most often chosen by women over 35, because it is at this age that there is the greatest risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Prenatal testing can be performed at an early stage of pregnancy and in many cases it reassures future parents.
Prenatal examination – what is it
Prenatal examination is divided into invasive and non-invasive. Most parents, fearing for their child, choose non-invasive methods. Often, the results of non-invasive tests will determine whether invasive tests will be necessary. In fact, every expectant mother decides to undergo a non-invasive prenatal examination. It is an ultrasound of the fetus, which should be performed three times during a properly running pregnancy. Thanks to this simple and widespread examination, it is possible to detect a number of defects in a child. If disturbing symptoms are detected, it is worth opting for a genetic ultrasound. It differs from the usual in the degree of sensitivity. Genetic ultrasound, which should always be performed by an experienced doctor. This type of examination takes about an hour, which is longer than a standard ultrasound examination. With this method, it is possible to detect Turner syndrome, Down syndrome in a child. It also shows anencephaly, hydrocephalus, and spina bifida. Another non-invasive test is the PAPP-A test, performed from the mother’s blood and based on the reading of the fetal ultrasound parameters. During it, the concentration of PAPP-A protein and the level of beta hCG are assessed. This gives an answer to whether the child is at risk of developing Dwon-Edwards-Patau syndrome.
Prenatal screening – what does it look like?
As can be seen from the earlier part of the article – prenatal testing are different, so it is difficult to answer the question unequivocally, what it looks like the entire procedure for conducting them. For some time, however, we have been able to perform the NIFTY test in Poland. The test is quite sensitive and the material is collected from the mother’s blood, which is then subjected to special isolation. In this way, the doctor can carefully analyze the baby’s DNA and see if there is a risk of disease.
Invasive tests are the most accurate, but they always carry some kind of risk. They rely on the collection of cells that come directly from the fetus. The most frequently used material for research is the amniotic fluid. Due to the fact that the cells are taken from a direct source, these studies are precise. There is practically no possibility of a mistake. It is worth noting that collecting the material may result in a miscarriage. Other prenatal testing is amniocentesis, fetoscopy, trophoblast biopsy.
Prenatal examination – price
For free prenatal examination women over 35 can apply. Such tests can also be used by women whose families have been diagnosed with genetic diseases. If a woman is not at risk and wants to undergo a prenatal test, she must prepare a certain sum. For example, amniocentesis costs from PLN 1300 to PLN 2000, and the PAPP-A test is about PLN 250. We will pay the most for a modern method – the NIFTY test. It will amount to approximately PLN 2400. However, you shouldn’t do research prenatalunless there is a good reason to do so. Each step of this type performed during pregnancy should be consulted with a physician who should make the final decision.
Also read: Antiviral drugs in pregnancy and the risk of malformations in the newborn