Do you know about double test for pregnant mothers?

The double test is a process that includes a blood test combined with an ultrasound, to determine if the fetus has any defects right from the early pregnancy.

Having a series of tests done during pregnancy can be confusing and tiring. The reason is that you do not know what the purpose of these tests is, why you have to be tested ... In fact, performing pregnancy tests is very necessary to promptly detect abnormalities in pregnancy. Children can encounter, from there to have appropriate solutions. One of the tests that pregnant mothers should conduct is the double test test. This is a screening test that is done quite early in the first trimester.

What is the double test for pregnant mothers?

The double test is a blood test that is intended to identify any abnormalities associated with fetal chromosome development. If they do, they carry the risk of serious health conditions, disorders. These disorders can have a negative effect on an unborn baby's growth, even lasting in the child's later life.

By performing the double test, the doctor can know in advance the presence of a number of disorders such as Down syndrome, Edward's syndrome , heart-related diseases ...

When should pregnant mothers need to have a double test?

Usually, pregnant mothers will have to conduct a double test if there are the following risk factors:

Over 35 years old

In Vitro Fertilisation

Family history of a genetic disease

History of type 1 diabetes and insulin dependent.

The double test is done in the first trimester, when pregnant women are 11 weeks 1 day to 13 weeks 6 days. So, you should adhere to the antenatal check-up schedule during this time to get tested (if the doctor deems necessary) and the results are accurate.

Advantages of a double test test for pregnant mothers

Pregnant mothers will receive a number of benefits when performing a double test such as:

Detect some chromosomal related abnormalities

Determine whether the fetus is at risk for Down syndrome (detected 85 - 90% of cases)

In the case of a positive test, diagnostic procedures or further action may be taken to accurately identify the problem.

When doing a double test: If you get a positive result and diagnose a problem baby, you can choose to suspend the pregnancy with less complications due to being in the early stages of pregnancy.

Pregnant mothers need to prepare for the double test test?

Basically, a double test is a form of blood test, but you don't need to prepare anything before the test. If you are taking any medications during pregnancy, notify your doctor. On the other hand, in rare cases, you may be advised to stop taking the medication until the double test is completed. Additionally, this test does not require a pregnant woman to fast.

How is a double test for pregnant mothers conducted?

The double test procedure is generally quite simple, including a blood test combined with an ultrasound that measures the nape of the nape of the neck . When blood samples are taken, the doctor will observe to check for two main factors, hormones and proteins. The free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta. Additionally, a protein called PAPP-A or plasma protein A is involved in pregnancy, a protein that is very important for pregnant women.

How are test results interpreted?

Test results typically fall into two groups: high risk and low risk.  These results are not simply from a blood test but also based on the mother's age, fetal age, measuring the nape of the fetal nape when observed during an ultrasound ... All factors This will work together in making test results because women over 35 have a significantly higher risk of conceiving a baby with a malformation than younger women.

The results are presented as a ratio. An ratio of 1:10 to 1: 250 is known as high risk. A ratio of 1: 1,000 or more is considered low-risk.

These ratios will serve as a guide for the doctor to understand the probability of having a fetal disorder. Each proportion describes the risk of the baby having the disorder through the number of pregnancies, specifically as follows:

A 1: 10 ratio means 1 in 10 babies are at risk for the disorder, which is on the pretty high category.

A ratio of 1: 1,000 means that only 1 in 1,000 babies has the disorder, which is on the negligible category.

Depending on your risk level, your doctor may recommend other tests to further diagnose, for example a combination of triple tests in the second trimester or a combination of cell-free DNA in the first trimester. or perform invasive procedures such as placenta biopsy, amniocentesis .

How normal is a double test result?

In fact, the test can not conclude 100% of your baby is normal or abnormal but only helps to determine the proportion of risk that your baby is likely to face. The lower the risk ratio, the lower the risk of birth defects, making pregnant mothers relatively reassuring.

Disadvantages of double test

The exact results of the test depend on the capabilities of the physician and the equipment used to perform the procedure

This test is quite expensive to run. Therefore, people do not have to do it but only do it under the discretion of the doctor.

How much does a double test cost?

The cost of performing a double test can vary between cities and hospitals, ranging from 400,000 - 1,000,000 VND. Each pregnancy screening test has its own purpose, you should discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of each test with your doctor. If the results are not normal, wait for your doctor to confirm and advise before falling into anxiety and sadness.

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