Prenatal Testing Before Pregnancy – What Are Some Types Of Tests Conducted?
Published On - September 23, 2022
Prenatal testing, such as screening and diagnostic exams, can provide important details about the health of your unborn child. Recognize the advantages and hazards. You might think about an invasive prenatal diagnostic test if a screening test reveals a potential issue or if your age, family history, or medical history puts you at elevated risk of delivering a baby with a genetic condition. The only way to be certain of a diagnosis is via a diagnostic test. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus collection are two diagnostic procedures that have a small chance of miscarriage.
Know about some types of prenatal testing diagnoses that are conducted prior to pregnancy, in order to help detect abnormalities and take vital medical decisions.
- Ultrasound Screening:
Ultrasounds have been around since the 1940s and were originally designed to help doctors diagnose pregnancy. These ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the fetus inside the mother. Then, a doctor can look at these images and determine if the baby is developing normally.
- Amniocentesis:
Amnio tests are performed after 16 weeks gestation. Doctors insert a needle into the uterus and remove the amniotic fluid. This test is done to check for genetic defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS):
This test is done between 10-14 weeks gestation. Doctors take a sample of chorionic villi cells from the placenta. A chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test during pregnancy is used to detect chromosome abnormalities and some genetic disorders. You can find many chorion villus sampling testing centers in Kolkata carrying out this kind of exam with a lot of precision.
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT):
Non-invasive prenatal testing is done between 11-13 weeks gestation. NIPT screens for certain conditions like Down syndrome and Edwards Syndrome. NIPT uses ultrasound technology to analyze fetal DNA circulating in the maternal blood.
- Fetal Echocardiography:
Fetal echocardiograms are done between 15-20 weeks of gestation. This test looks at the heart of the fetus. Abnormalities can be detected early on in the pregnancy. In the facilities of most prenatal testing companies in Kolkata, you can find this type of test being done.
- Cervical Length Measurement:
Cervical length measurement is done between 14-22 weeks gestation. This test measures the cervix to determine how long the cervix is open. If the cervix is short, the baby may not be able to pass through easily.
- Doppler Flow Studies:
Doppler flow studies are done between 24-28 weeks gestation. This test checks the amount of blood flowing through the umbilical cord. An increase in blood flow indicates a higher risk of complications.
A moment of high anticipation and occasionally, a lot of concern, surrounds pregnancy. You could be concerned about the health of your unborn child. Although the majority of newborns are healthy at birth, it is vital to be aware of your options for learning more about the health of your baby. With effective prenatal testing before pregnancy, it can be easier to learn about fetal health and take decisions that are important for medical reasons.
