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Prenatal and Perinatal Screening Tests
We've got your back when it comes to your baby's health. Our prenatal and perinatal screening tests give you a clear picture of what's going on, so you can be prepared for anything. We'll help you identify potential genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, and other issues that might pop up. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights that'll help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and your baby's health.
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My Wild Ride with Prenatal Scans: Why I'm Glad I Did the 3rd One
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole prenatal scan experience. Let's start with the beginning - registering for prenatal care. I put it off till the last minute, mainly because my pregnancy coincided with the new year, and I was dealing with morning sickness. The first screening is a must, but it's a whole lot less stressful if you're prepared. I booked my appointment online, but I had to call to confirm. Don't be like me and put it off - register early and breathe a sigh of relief. The scans themselves are a total game changer - you get to see your little one inside and out, and it's a real bonding experience. I went for three scans, and each one was a little more amazing than the last. The 3D ultrasound is insane - you get to see your baby's face and movements in amazing detail. The ability to identify potential risks early on is a huge plus - it gives you peace of mind and time to prepare. The blood tests are a breeze - just a quick prick and you're done. The staff at the perinatal center are super friendly and make you feel at ease. You get to see your baby's heartbeat and movements in real-time - it's a truly magical experience. The scans are relatively quick and painless - you're in and out in no time. I've gotta say, the whole experience was worth it - I felt more connected to my baby than ever before.
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Kararİyi
Kalite8/10
DoktorBilgisi7/10
HizmetKalitesi9/10
My Wild Ride with Prenatal Scans: Why I'm Glad I Did the 3rd One
Hello, fellow future and seasoned moms!
I'm still trying to process the whole prenatal scan experience. Let's start with the beginning – registering for prenatal care. I put it off till the last minute, mainly because my pregnancy coincided with the new year, and I was dealing with morning sickness. Plus, I wasn't exactly excited to rush to the clinic, especially after getting all my recommendations online from my doctor.
So, after registering, the midwife told me about the first screening I needed to do. I got a referral to our perinatal center, and I called them the same day. You can book an appointment with a doctor online, but you need to call to book a screening. The operator gave me the date and time of my appointment and confirmed my gestational age on that day. The first screening is strictly done between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It's pointless to do it earlier or later, as the results won't be accurate.
1 screening.
I went to my first screening appointment at the time I booked it in the morning. I was nervous and anxious, like I think many future moms feel.
Since there's always a queue for ultrasound, CTG, and other tests, I arrived at the perinatal center a bit early. You need to register first, but that doesn't take long. The queue moves quickly too, as the doctors work efficiently.
The first screening was the most complex and important of all three. It's what allows you to identify potential risks during pregnancy and determine the next course of action. They call it the genetic double. It's made up of two stages – the ultrasound and a blood test to check for genetic risks during pregnancy.
The ultrasound for the first screening is just like a regular ultrasound during pregnancy. You lie down on the exam table, take off your clothes from the waist down, and the doctor spends a lot of time examining your little one on the monitor. There's a big screen on the wall opposite the exam table where you can see your baby too. I saw some girls come in with their boyfriends or husbands to see their baby for the first time.
For me, this was a really nerve-wracking moment because I'd only had two ultrasounds before. One was really early on when I started spotting, and the other was taken at the local clinic when I registered for prenatal care. It's funny how they always talk about free prenatal care in the news, but to actually get registered, you need to bring an ultrasound result.
I have to admit, the waiting time for the ultrasound was agonizing. The doctor is super thorough, and it takes a while to get through the whole procedure. I'd find myself staring at the monitor, then glance over at the nurse asking questions while the doctor was moving the ultrasound gel around my stomach. And then, the doctor would just zone in on something and start scanning some more. I'd get super anxious and feel like I was in a crazy movie director's shoes, running around the walls during a movie premiere. The doctor would just remain silent, and I'd nervously ask if everything was okay. The response? 'Go for a walk and come back after you've had your blood work done.'
Of course, my panic mode would kick in, and I'd start getting all worked up, thinking something was seriously wrong. I'd get up and head to the blood work lab in another room. I'd sit outside the lab for a bit, trying to calm down and eat a banana, but I still went in for the blood work in a pretty frazzled state.
It turned out they not only took blood but also measured my blood pressure. They took my blood pressure on both arms, and the readings were 130/80 – way higher than my usual range. I'm a hypotonic person, and I'm used to readings between 110-120/80. The doctor told me it was likely due to my anxiety from waiting for the ultrasound. They took blood from a vein, and since these tests aren't exactly quick, we had to wait for the results. The screening results would be sent to my primary gynecologist, and then we'd get a consultation based on those results.
I went back to the ultrasound room, and I was waiting for my turn again. That's when I noticed this girl who had been there for her ultrasound, just like me, and she was also sent out to wait. She had been there for a while, and they had already scanned her three times. So, I went in, they took a look at me again, and sent me home. It wasn't until later that I realized the ultrasound tech was probably pretty new and inexperienced, and she was re-scanning us just to make sure she didn't miss anything.
What really got to me was the complete silence during the ultrasound. No one says a word to you, no explanations, no reassurances. You just lie there, frozen, waiting for the results. I get that the tech needs to focus, but it's nice to have some kind of confirmation that everything is okay. The lack of communication really unnerved me during all three scans. It's not like that with other doctors, who usually explain what they're doing and what they're looking for. But these ultrasound techs just sit there in silence, and then at the end, they'll say one word and send you on your way. The ones I had at the private ultrasound places I went to later were way more chatty.
I sent the ultrasound results to my OB-GYN right away (the one I paid for), and she got back to me saying everything was fine. The first ultrasound is really important, because it's one of the first times you get to see the baby's body, heart rate, and all that. It's also when they check to make sure the baby is developing properly, and you can see the limbs and all that. So, my OB-GYN assured me that the scan is pretty accurate.
Prenatal / Perinatal ScreeningSo, I went back to my OB-GYN with the results of the first screening, but I ended up getting coronavirus symptoms the very next day. I didn't even make it to the appointment because the doctor basically kicked me out, shouting, 'Go to the waiting room!' – which, of course, I didn't. I spent the next two weeks fighting off the virus, and guess who sent me to the hospital for a check-up? Yep, the same doctor. But here's the thing: by the time I went in for the blood test, I was already infected with coronavirus (symptoms didn't show up until the next day), which could've skewed the results. Although that's not entirely accurate, I think my viral infection and high blood pressure might've messed up the test results.Fast forward a month, and I finally got the results of the first screening. Both the perinatal center and my OB-GYN get these results. They use them to calculate the overall risk of various pregnancy complications, genetic disorders in the baby, and so on. It's all based on mathematical probability, and they give each patient an individual risk factor score.
Prenatal / Perinatal ScreeningI got flagged for three potential risks. The most concerning one was pre-eclampsia, which came in at 1 in 39. I also had two other risks: premature birth and growth restriction, but they were significantly lower. Luckily, I didn't have any genetic abnormalities flagged.
After the screening, I got a prescription for 75mg of aspirin and a referral to a perinatal center for a consultation with a gynecologist and geneticist.
The worst part is that you have to wait a month for the screening results, then another week or so for your next OB appointment, and then another month to get in to see the gynecologist and geneticist at the perinatal center – because appointments are booked out a month in advance.
The OBs at my local clinic aren't exactly experts on screening results, and they don't want to deal with the extra complexity. Luckily, I had my go-to doctor on speed dial and was getting accurate info on all my test results.
About a month later, I got in to see the gynecologist at the perinatal center. Along with the standard recommendation to take the aspirin, I also got a list of recommendations to help manage the risk of pre-eclampsia. This included daily blood pressure checks and using at-home test strips (Uribel) to monitor protein levels. I also got scheduled for a glucose tolerance test at 22 weeks.
And to top it all off, I needed to get the results of a cervicometry test, which my local gynecologist didn't even bother to order. A cervicometry test, or measuring the cervix, helps determine potential risks for premature labor. Guess what? My screening results showed I had a risk factor for that.
I also had a risk factor for low birth weight. No big deal – just a routine ultrasound check.
The real kicker was my consultation with a geneticist. Since I was over 35 when I got pregnant, I automatically got referred for a NIPT test. Apparently, it's the most accurate diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities. The geneticist explained that my hormone levels weren't quite balanced, which made me feel like I'd been punched in the gut. I'd just had a great ultrasound, and then this test was suddenly a thing? It's only done with a blood draw and sent to Moscow, and it's not cheap. Plus, you have to wait a whole month for the results – which means you'll be four months pregnant by the time you get them.
Genetic prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus is done by analyzing extracellular DNA extracted from the blood of the pregnant woman. Non-invasive prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities (NIPT) is the most accurate screening method for assessing the risk of the most common aneuploidies.
I have to admit, I was totally freaked out after the first ultrasound. I was in tears when I left the perinatal center. That evening, I sent a message to my gynecologist, and she reassured me that it was no big deal and that the screening was completely normal. My husband and I talked it over, and he basically said the same thing – don't overthink it. I didn't do any further tests, but then I heard another girl in the waiting room talking about how she'd gotten a good result from her NIPT. I thought to myself, 'This genetic test is probably recommended for everyone.' By the way, it's now covered by the public health insurance.
Screening 2.
The second screening was scheduled for the same day as the first one. It just so happened to fall on Cosmonaut Day. Unlike the first screening, the second one only involves an ultrasound to check the overall condition of the fetus and how the placenta is developing. This ultrasound also includes Dopplerometry, which measures the maternal bloodstream – one of the most important indicators for the baby's successful development.
This time, the ultrasound went smoothly and without any issues. The doctor told me that the Dopplerometry showed some issues with the placental blood flow. I was really upset – I even cried in the hallway. I'd already heard about potential problems with placental blood flow from my gynecologist, and I'd heard other horror stories too.
Prenatal / Perinatal ScreeningMy doctor was also concerned about the results of this test, and she told me to get an appointment with a hematologist ASAP. Since appointments are booked a month in advance, I had to wait until mid-May. By then, I needed medical help right away. I'll write a separate review about my visit to the hematologist because describing all my doctor's appointments is a long and exhausting process. To put it simply, I was prescribed Clexane and blood clotting monitoring. I also had to monitor my blood clotting tests in parallel..Prenatal / Perinatal ScreeningSo, my ultrasound appointments didn't end there; they continued every two weeks. That's what my private doctor recommended. Now, let's move on to the third screening..3 Screening.
Now, this is the interesting part because the Ministry of Health cancelled the third screening altogether. That means if you develop placental blood supply issues, you might not even find out about it. So, I recommend doing a Doppler scan at least once after the second screening.
Since I went for Doppler scans a few times, I effectively did the third screening three or four times (or maybe even more). One ultrasound was a bonus after my visit to a perinatal gynecologist at her kind suggestion.
I've noticed that all the screening results from the perinatal check-ups are sent to the gynecologist in the maternity ward. And it's up to them to interpret these results and provide recommendations for further treatment. If the gynecologist is competent and takes their job seriously, that's great. But if not, you're on your own. It's every person for themselves, as they say. I've observed that all municipal medical institutions love to play the game of 'not me'. They're always trying to pass the buck and shift the responsibility for monitoring pregnancies onto each other.
Prenatal / Perinatal ScreeningAssessing the effectiveness of screenings.I've gone through all three (four, five) screenings and I want to share a bit about their results. In the end, I was identified with three potential risks on the first screening and a disruption of maternal blood flow on the second test. The first and most likely risk is pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum complication characterized by high blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg after the 20th week of pregnancy, proteinuria, and other symptoms indicating kidney and cardiovascular system dysfunction. For a long time, the condition has no obvious symptoms and is often discovered during a routine check-up with a gynecologist.
I'm glad to report that I didn't experience any increased blood pressure or protein in my urine, which is a good thing, considering my hypotonic condition. The only possible symptom of preeclampsia I could've had was placental insufficiency and a relatively low birth weight. And even that's a stretch, given the ultrasound results I got. The tech told me I was carrying a baby that was growing at a rate faster than average, despite my belly size saying otherwise. Looking back, I think the low birth weight was more due to a lack of essential nutrients and my overall poor diet, rather than anything related to preeclampsia.
The second risk I was worried about was preterm labor, and it turned out to be a real concern. I attribute it to cervical insufficiency and placental abruption, which happened to me at 35 weeks.
The third risk, low birth weight, also played out, as my baby weighed in at 2600g at 37.2 weeks.
As it turns out, all the risks calculated during my first screening came to fruition.
It's worth noting that the first screening is based on a mathematical model that calculates risks based on statistical data. So, it's not surprising that it might not always be 100% accurate. In my case, it incorrectly identified the risk of preeclampsia as high blood pressure.
I highly recommend going through perinatal screening, as it's:
Completely safeHigh-tech and modernFree (if you don't need additional ultrasounds)Helps identify potential risksAllows you to start treatment and prevent complications.Overall, I'm glad I went through the screenings, as they helped me identify potential risks and take necessary precautions. I hope this review has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of what to expect during prenatal screenings.
Thanks for reading!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the deal with the first screening - do I really need to do it?
Absolutely - the first screening is a must, and it's usually done between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It's pointless to do it earlier or later, as the results won't be accurate.
How do I book my appointment?
You can book your appointment online, but you need to call to confirm. Make sure to book early, as spots fill up fast!
What can I expect during the scan?
You'll get to see your baby's face and movements in amazing detail, and you'll even get to hear their heartbeat. It's a truly magical experience!
Are the scans painful?
Nope - the scans are relatively quick and painless. You might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it's nothing to worry about.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely - bring your partner, mom, or best friend along for the ride. It's a great bonding experience for the whole family!
How long does the whole process take?
The whole process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. You'll get to see your baby, and then you'll get to discuss the results with the doctor.
What if I have questions or concerns?
Don't hesitate to ask - the staff at the perinatal center are super friendly and happy to answer any questions you might have.
Can I see the results online?
Yes - you'll get to see the results online, and you'll even get to share them with your partner or loved ones.
Are the scans covered by insurance?
Yes - the scans are usually covered by insurance. Make sure to check with your provider to confirm.
check_circlePros
- •The 3D ultrasound is a total game changer - you get to see your baby's face and movements in amazing detail.
- •The ability to identify potential risks early on is a huge plus - it gives you peace of mind and time to prepare.
- •The blood tests are a breeze - just a quick prick and you're done.
- •The staff at the perinatal center are super friendly and make you feel at ease.
- •You get to see your baby's heartbeat and movements in real-time - it's a truly magical experience.
- •The scans are relatively quick and painless - you're in and out in no time.
- •You get to see your baby's growth and development in real-time - it's amazing.
- •The scans can help identify potential health issues early on - it's a huge relief.
cancelCons
- •The first screening can be a bit of a stress fest - try to relax and breathe through it.
- •You have to call to book the screening, which can be a bit of a hassle.
- •The waiting game before the results can be agonizing - try to stay positive and focus on the good stuff.
- •Some of the equipment can be a bit outdated - but hey, it gets the job done.
- •The paperwork can be a bit overwhelming - take your time and don't be afraid to ask for help.
- •The cost can be a bit steep - but trust me, it's worth every penny.
