Prenatal Screening
Prenatal screening refers to a set of tests that must be performed early in pregnancy or before a couple begins trying to conceive. This is a very important series of tests for the mother’s safety, but above all for the child’s safety. This checkup includes tests that assess the mother’s overall health, with the goal of identifying any issues that could lead to complications during pregnancy or childbirth and addressing them promptly.
Pre-pregnancy screening is performed on both prospective parents and includes the following general tests:
- Complete blood count. A complete blood count may reveal anemia or another blood disorder that can be treated before conception.
- Blood glucose test. This test determines whether there is diabetes or a predisposition to it during pregnancy. In such cases, proper management of the condition before conception is essential; otherwise, there is a risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus, preeclampsia, etc.
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Mowing Test
These two tests determine whether the couple carries the gene for thalassemia or sickle cell disease. The woman is also tested to see if she is immune or if she has rubella, or if she has been infected with Toxoplasma, Listeria, Chlamydia, etc.
- syphilis test
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- HIV test
- Vaginal fluid culture to detect fungi, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Chlamydia, etc.
- Thyroid function test.
- Pap smear
- Blood type and Rh factor testing. Rh-negative women require special care during pregnancy.
Indications for prenatal screening
Maternal age under 16 or over 35, low socioeconomic status of the parents, maternal weight under 50 kg, poor nutrition, smoking, use of medications and alcohol, anemia. Parents with chromosomal abnormalities, a previous child with a chromosomal abnormality, sex-linked disorder, congenital metabolic disorder. Family history of open neural tube defects. History of reproductive problems (long-term infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortions, pregnancy following assisted reproduction).