We'll also send a report to your doctor within 24 hours. We will give you a copy of your report shortly after your appointment, or we can send it by email. In the unlikely event that the scan or blood test reveals anything of concern the sonographer will telephone your doctor immediately.
Testing for Down syndrome During the ultrasound scan the sonographer measures the fluid beneath the skin at the back of your baby's neck - known as the nuchal translucency. This measurement is combined with other information to estimate the risk of Down syndrome. The blood test, which you may have any time after 10 weeks or on the same day as your scan, is used to measure the levels of two hormones in your blood, which provide another indication of risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Although the blood test is optional we recommend it as it increases the accuracy of this test. If your risk level is high Our ultrasound specialists are extremely experienced in performing scans for women in pregnancy and take time and great care to explain what is happening. If your ultrasound scan indicates a risk of abnormal development your sonographer will answer your questions and explain the context.
The test can only provide an indication of risk and there are further tests that offer a more accurate assessment. These allow a close analysis of foetal chromosomes as a screen for genetic abnormalities, and require a simple blood sample taken from your arm, so it is perfectly safe. For more information on these, please follow the links above.
Invasive tests such as chorionic villus sampling CVS or amniocentesis are usually not required, but some parents do wish to have these when clarification is sought. These involve the insertion of a fine needle to draw cells from the amniotic fluid surrounding a baby in the case of amniocentesis or from the chorion, or the sheath surrounding the amniotic sac in the case of chorionic villus sampling. This scan should be ideally performed between 12 weeks 5 days and 13 weeks 6 days of your pregnancy.
As well as checking that your baby is growing well and confirming your due date the main aim of the scan includes:. Ultrasound is safe to use throughout your pregnancy. Sometimes we need to do a vaginal scan. Occasionally there is some discomfort from probe pressure on a full bladder or from the vaginal probe manipulation. If this is extremely painful please let us know. We are able to take some important measurements which allows us to give you an accurate risk assessment for your baby.
You have the option of getting the results of the scan on the day by our consultant. Please let reception know at the time of booking. An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body and baby. Sound waves are used instead of radiation which makes them safe. Your doctor will organise this for you. You can have your blood test done any time from 11 weeks of pregnancy. We offer the most sensitive and comprehensive risk assessment for your baby between We are currently the only practice in Tasmania that does this.
Our sonographers are trained to the highest standards to perform these specialist measurements of you and your baby. When you choose to have your First Trimester scan with us, you can be confident that the risk assessment results you receive are the best available in obstetric scanning today.
You will then have your blood pressure taken on both arms and your height and weight will be measured if you are not sure. Sometimes your measurements are taken before you have your scan and sometimes after. When the sonographer takes you through to the scanning room you will be asked to lie on the table and expose your tummy. Personal risk of Down syndrome Most babies are normal. On the other hand, each woman, regardless her age, has a small risk of having a baby with a physical or mental handicap.
The only way of knowing for certain whether a baby has a chromosomal anomaly or not, is to do an invasive procedure such as a chorionic villus sample or amniocentesis. The most accurate, but most expensive, screening test for Down syndrome is non-invasive testing of fetal DNA.
To refine the risk assessment, the nasal bone, heart rate and blood flow in a vein between the umbilical cord can also be evaluated.
After the ultrasound evaluation, the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies trisomy 13 and 18 will be discussed with you. Based on the risk assessment you can decide whether you would like invasive testing by mean of a chorionic villus sample or amniocentesis usually if the risk is higher than or non-invasive DNA testing. The risk assessment remains a screening test.
Optimal conditions include a blood test done between 8 to 10 weeks and an ultrasound performed by someone with the specific training and whose ultrasound examinations are subject to independent quality contro l. Although the blood tests are done previously, their results are only taken into account once the ultrasound results are available.
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