Prenatal screening is a fundamental part of pregnancy monitoring, aiming at the timely detection of possible abnormalities or complications, as well as safeguarding the health of both the mother and the fetus. It includes a combination of ultrasound, blood, and virological tests, which are carried out at different stages of pregnancy, according to international guidelines.
Stages and Types of Prenatal Screening
1. First trimester (11th–13th week)
- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): Assesses the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Nuchal translucency scan: Ultrasound examination for the estimation of chromosomal abnormality risk (e.g., Down syndrome).
- Blood tests: Measurement of specific hormones and proteins related to fetal development.
2. Second trimester (18th–22nd week)
- Anomaly scan (Level II ultrasound): Detailed assessment of the fetus’s anatomy and development, detection of possible congenital abnormalities, and evaluation of the placenta.
3. Third trimester (after the 28th week)
- Growth scan: Assessment of fetal weight and development.
- Doppler study: Evaluation of blood flow in the fetal and placental vessels.
- Amniotic fluid assessment: Ensuring adequate amount and quality.
Complementary Examinations
At all stages of pregnancy, additional laboratory tests are performed, such as:
- Complete blood count, iron, and ferritin – Prevention and diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia.
- Blood type and Rhesus factor – Prevention of complications due to incompatibility.
- Screening for thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia – Detection of carriers of genetic blood disorders.
- Rubella antibodies – Immunity check against viral infection.
- Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV screening – Protection of mother and newborn.
- Toxoplasmosis – Determination of immunity against Toxoplasma gondii.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening.
- Blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test – Diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
Safety of the Tests
Most examinations are non-invasive and pose no risk to the mother or fetus. Invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis, are performed only when medically necessary and always after informed consent.
Importance of Prenatal Screening
The timely diagnosis of potential complications or abnormalities allows for:
- Appropriate medical intervention before or after birth.
- Informed decision-making by parents.
- Optimization of pregnancy outcomes.
Prenatal screening is an integral part of modern obstetric care. The medical team of SFS applies the latest international guidelines, ensuring comprehensive, individualized, and safe monitoring of pregnancy.