This is the most important scan in pregnancy, which provides information on preventable complications in the pregnancy, like, preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. If picked up at right time, the risk of developing these complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes can be reduced by increasing fetal and maternal surveillance and adding tablet aspirin of 150 mg in certain cases.
Screening involves a scan and a blood test – to measure hormones free b-HCG, PAPP-A, and pLGF. Also, more than 60%of major structural defects and 93% of chromosomal problems can be identified at this time.
Babies with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21, the most common chromosomal problem) have an intellectual delay, and first-trimester combined screening remains the most cost-effective and efficient way of screening all pregnant ladies for Down syndrome. For more information on Down syndrome screening, click here.
