Do I need a first trimester screening?

The first comprehensive examination of the baby is carried out long before his birth. So, for a period of 11 to 14 weeks, obstetricians and gynecologists recommend that almost all their patients undergo screening of the first trimester. Do not be afraid of this phrase, they will not do anything terrible with the future mother and child. This study includes a routine ultrasound diagnosis and a special blood test from a vein, which is taken from mom in the laboratory. That is why the screening of the first trimester is also called a double test.

This period is the most favorable for identifying possible genetic failures in the baby. Based on the results of the analysis and ultrasound, a specialist can identify various malformations of organs or body systems and predict whether there is a chance that the child has Down syndrome, Klinefelter or Edwards. Screening of the first trimester shows only the probability of genetic diseases, and in the course of further studies they can either be confirmed or refuted.

The principle of this study is based on the fact that during ultrasound, the doctor not only looks at whether the baby's legs and arms are in place, but also conducts certain measurements. The length of the baby is measured, its compliance with the age of the fetus is checked. A fairly important indicator is the thickness of the cervical fold – the collar zone. This is the area between the soft tissues and the skin in which fluid accumulates. Excessive increase in its size indicates a high risk of developing genetic diseases. The nasal bone is also measured: by the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, it should already be about 3 mm.

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You will definitely be told if the specialist does not like the results of the screening of the first trimester. The thickness standards for the collar zone, for example, vary depending on the period of pregnancy: at 11 weeks, its average thickness is 1.2 mm, and at 14 – 1.5 mm. But there is no reason to panic if this zone is 2-2.5 mm. Even if the values are increased, do not panic. Taking into account the fact that the accuracy of measurements depends on the equipment and the level of professionalism of the ultrasound diagnostics doctor, it makes no sense to evaluate the results of this study without analysis.

In the laboratory, screening of the first trimester is a biochemical analysis, during which the content of free b–hCG and plasma protein A is examined (PAPP-A) in the blood of the expectant mother and compare them with the average values that should be. The laboratory on the form indicates the results obtained and their norms for each week. Only a combination of tests and ultrasound results can give a relatively clear picture of how pregnancy is proceeding. Screening of the first trimester cannot be considered reliable if you only donate blood or only do an ultrasound. Moreover, these studies should be done almost on the same day to eliminate the possibility of error due to timing discrepancies.

You should not abandon the study just because you are afraid of getting bad results. Even if this happens, no one can force you to terminate your pregnancy, you will simply be advised to go for further research to accurately confirm or refute the diagnosis. But if you know in advance about possible problems, you will be able to prepare appropriately for the birth of a special baby.