12 week ultrasound brain

Nuchal translucency scan - 12 week scan, down's syndrome screening.

This is often parents’ favourite scan – you will be amazed at just how much detail you can see and if everything looks normal, the risk of miscarriage and major abnormality becomes very small. If you haven’t had a scan yet, this scan will:

Make sure that the pregnancy is in the right place
Count how many babies there are!
Accurately date your pregnancy and decide on a definite due date for you
Look at the basic structure of the baby

But the main purpose of this particular scan is to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome. Down’s syndrome is something that affects about 1 in 700 pregnancies overall, but it becomes more common as a mother gets older. It happens because the egg that is released at conception has an extra copy of chromosome 21 and this in turn leads to every cell in the baby having an extra copy of chromosome 21.

This causes a wide range of both physical disability and learning difficulties. At the moment there still isn’t a completely safe test that will tell you that your baby definitely does or doesn’t have Down’s syndrome, but the NHS offers everyone combined first trimester screening, which is a test performed at around 12 weeks using a combination of ultrasound scan findings and a basic blood test to assess the likelihood of whether your baby is or isn’t affected. The key ultrasound marker at this stage is the nuchal translucency measurement, or the space at the back of the baby’s neck. At this stage in the baby’s development it is normal for some fluid to build up in this space at the back of the baby’s neck – it happens to every baby so a little bit of fluid is entirely normal, but a baby with problems will often retain more fluid and the nuchal translucency measurement is increased. As well as being a good marker for babies with Down’s syndrome, an increased nuchal translucency measurement can also pick up other genetic conditions, such as Edwards’ syndrome (where the baby has an extra copy of chromosome 18) and Patau’s syndrome (an extra copy of chromosome 13), and some other structural problems, including heart abnormalities.

The nuchal translucency scan is best done during the 12th week, but it can be done from 11 weeks and 3 days up until 14 weeks and your local NHS hospital will offer you an appointment to have this done at around this time. Nevertheless, some parents may opt to have this done privately instead.

Reasons why patients choose to have it done at Beard Mill Clinic include:

Plenty Of Time

Each appointment at Beard Mill Clinic is allocated one hour to make sure that there is plenty of time to do the scan and discuss the results with you.

Wealth Of Experience

Victoria has spent over 20 years working with Professor Kypros Nicolaides who has been the leading pioneer in developing the nuchal translucency scan and screening for abnormalities at this stage of pregnancy. During this time, she has been directly involved in developing the risk calculation software and in teaching other people how to perform the nuchal scan. In doing this, she has come to understand the screening process inside out and can use her expertise to give you the best possible advice.

Extra Markers

Victoria is trained and certified to look at the additional markers for Down’s syndrome that are not routinely offered at most other scanning clinics. These additional markers include:

Looking at the baby’s nose bone and its profile
Listening to the flow of blood across a valve in the baby’s heart (the tricuspid valve)
Measuring the resistance in the vessel that takes blood into the baby’s heart (the ductus venosus)

Babies with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have a small or absent nose bone, with a flat profile. They often have leakage across the tricuspid valve and reverse flow in the ductus venosus. So adding in these additional markers will take the average detection rate of the standard technique of 80% up to 95%.

Same Day Results

When the blood has been taken in advance of the scan, Victoria is able to process all the results straight away and explain both the scan findings and blood results to you, showing you how your measurements fall within the context of the “normal” range and how this then affects your own specific risk for Down’s syndrome.

The risk calculation software used at Beard Mill Clinic displays simple graphs which really help you understand what the risk means and Victoria gives you plenty of time to ask questions and clarify anything you are not sure about. You then take away a comprehensive report with all the results clearly documented.

Even if the blood results are not available, Victoria will give you as much explanation as she can based on the scan findings and help you to understand how the blood results fit into the risk assessment. She is able to process blood samples within 24 hours, so will ring you the following day with the final result and then e-mail you your report.

Early Blood Tests

The blood test that is used to screen for Down’s syndrome is usually taken at the time of the nuchal translucency scan, but the research data suggests that the results are actually more accurate if the blood is taken at 9 weeks, rather than 12 weeks. So wherever possible, Victoria will try to arrange for you to have your blood test before your scan. This has the double advantage of giving you the best possible result and ensuring that the blood results are ready when you come for your scan, so that your risk can be discussed with you face-to-face, rather than given to you by letter a week or two later, or over the phone.

Of course this isn’t always possible to arrange, in which case, it can be done at the same time as the scan. But as an added incentive, Victoria will offer to do a quick scan if you come to Beard Mill Clinic early to have the bloods taken, allowing you to hear the heart beat and to check your dates. There is no additional charge for this.

Awkward Babies

Some of the patients who contact Beard Mill Clinic about the nuchal translucency scan do so because it hasn’t been possible to measure the nuchal when they went for their routine NHS appointment. This is often because the baby wasn’t in the right position, but Victoria has the luxury of much more time and has not yet failed to get a nuchal measurement. So if you find yourself in this position, do ring to make an appointment.

Referral For Further Tests

In most cases, patients will be reassured by their result, but if your risk of Down’s syndrome is high, or a problem is suspected, Victoria will arrange a direct referral to your own NHS consultant and ensure you receive the right follow-up.

Full Explanation

Taking the measurements is the easy bit, interpreting the results and communicating these to the parents can sometimes be the more challenging part of screening. And this is where Victoria’s expertise comes into its own.

Through her training, she has acquired a deep understanding of how the individual components of the screening tests work and endeavours to explain this as fully as she can.

She is passionate about providing each and every patient with the best possible standard of screening and then equipping them with the knowledge and understanding to use this information appropriately.

12 Week Scan | SO + GI Scan

At 12 Weeks: Nuchal Translucency Scan

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan, or “12-week scan,” is an ultrasound performed in the first trimester between 11. 5 weeks and 13 weeks, six days. This scan is combined with a blood test that looks at two specific hormones of pregnancy: the free-Beta hCG and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A). This combined test is an extremely accurate non-invasive screening test available to help identify a fetus at risk for Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal abnormalities and some major structural abnormalities. The sensitivity of this only recently eclipsed by NIPT. An ultrasound screening test is non-invasive and does not have any side effects or complications.

However, it will not give a yes/no answer to whether a problem such as Down syndrome is present. The only way to diagnose Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities is by having a diagnostic test — either a CVS or an amniocentesis — and testing the fetal cells. These tests are invasive and require a needle to be passed into the maternal abdomen and uterus and therefore carry a small risk of miscarriage.

Many patients do not wish to have the diagnostic test because of the small risk of miscarriage and prefer to have the ultrasound screening test, the NT scan, to help them decide if they wish to proceed to testing the fetus. Unfortunately, while NT combined with the first trimester biochemical blood test is a very accurate screening test available for chromosomal abnormalities, it will not detect all fetuses affected with Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities.

Chromosomal abnormalities occur when there is a change in the number or structure of the chromosomes. Normally we have 46 chromosomes, 23 pairs numbered 1-22 and a pair of sex chromosomes.

Boys have XY and girls have XX. The most common chromosomal abnormality seen at birth is Down syndrome. In Down syndrome, an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present, giving a total of 47 chromosomes.

Accredited practices:

To be certain your NT scan is performed correctly, it is important that you have your scan performed at an accredited practice. A NT computer package was developed by the London Fetal Medicine Foundation in the 1990s and was based on more than 100.000 pregnancies.

Strict auditing of the NT ultrasound work performed by every accredited practice in the world is undertaken several times a year. This ensures that the NT scan test is being performed correctly. Recently, the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has taken over regular auditing of Australian practices.

Advantages of the 12 week NT scan

There are several advantages to undergoing a 12-week NT scan, including:

Estimate individual risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormality
Screen for spina bifida
More accurately date the pregnancy
Diagnose multiple fetuses
Diagnose early pregnancy failure
Allow early detection of some major abnormalities

NT and Down Syndrome

At the end of the first trimester, there is usually a small amount of fluid beneath the skin of the fetus at the back of the head and neck. This fluid is called the nuchal translucency (NT), and can be easily and accurately measured to within a tenth of a millimetre.

When there is extra fluid and the NT measurement is thicker than normal, there is an association with chromosomal anomalies such as Down syndrome and some structural abnormalities in the fetus. Not all babies with an increased NT measurement have Down syndrome or any structural abnormality.

The extra fluid at the back of the head and neck usually disappears by 18 weeks. The fluid in itself is not an abnormality and does not harm the baby but may simply be the sign of a potential problem. The baby is measured from head to bottom to determine the crown-rump length and the nuchal translucency is measured. These measurements are entered into the computer program with the patient’s date of birth and the first trimester biochemistry blood test. The computer then calculates the patient’s age-related risk for Down syndrome and the new individual risk for this pregnancy. The findings are then discussed with the patient. The combined NT result will provide the patient with a risk assessment. This will either be a high risk (risk is greater than 1 in 300) or a low risk (risk less than 1 in 300). As this is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, even with a low calculated risk, Down syndrome is not completely excluded and can still occur occasionally.

Free-BhCG and PAPPA and Down Syndrome

Free- BhCG (Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin) and PAPP-A (Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A) levels can be assessed from a blood test. This is best done at 10 weeks, some two weeks prior to the NT scan but it can also be done just before or on the same day as the NT scan. The PAPP-A level tends to be lower and the BhCG level tends to be higher in pregnancies affected by Down syndrome.

Accuracy of Nuchal Translucency

When the ultrasound is combined with the first trimester blood test (BhCG and PAPPA) and nasal bone, the detection rate increases to 95%. None of these screening tests can give 100% detection. If a pregnant woman wants to completely exclude a chromosome abnormality, then she should consider having prenatal testing with either a CVS or an amniocentesis. Genetic counselling is also recommended. The results of the examination will be available to you shortly after the examination. One of our genetic counsellors or doctors will be available to discuss the result and the options for further testing.

3D / 4D images at 12 weeks:

12 week fetal ultrasound

First trimester prenatal screening
Ultrasound at 12 weeks for Down syndrome
Ultrasound at 12 weeks for Edwards syndrome
Ultrasound at 12 weeks for Patau syndrome
Ultrasound at 12 weeks for Turner syndrome
Ultrasound at 12 weeks for Triploid Syndrome
Biochemical prenatal screening
Fetal development by week
Our apparatus
other types...
Pregnancy management
Fetometry data at various times

The cost of ultrasound in the first trimester up to 10 weeks is 450 UAH. The price includes biometrics according to protocols, 3D/4D visualization.

The cost of ultrasound in the first trimester for a period of 10 weeks 6 days is 550 hryvnia. The price includes prenatal screening, biometric protocols, 3D/4D visualization.

The cost of a comprehensive prenatal screening by PRISCA (ultrasound + beta hCG + PAPP with the calculation of the individual risk of chromosomal pathologies (for example, Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome) - 1005 hryvnia.

Fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation takes a number of very important measurements to identify the risk group for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. It has been established that the most optimal time for screening the first trimester of pregnancy is 12 weeks of pregnancy (from 11 to 13 weeks and 6 days). At ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation , in addition to the length of the embryo (coccygeal-parietal size - KTR), the size of the fetal head (head circumference, biparietal size, frontal-occipital size) is measured. Mandatory ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation is an assessment of the structures of the fetal brain, the symmetry of the hemispheres. Normally, the fetal brain on ultrasound looks like a butterfly. The long bones of the fetus (shoulder, ulna, radius, femur, tibia, fibula) are measured, the symmetry of the limbs and their motor activity are assessed. With ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation, the transverse size of the abdomen of the fetus, the circumference of the abdomen are measured, the presence of the stomach, heart in typical places is noted. When conducting an ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation, the presence of heart defects can be suspected with sufficient resolution of the ultrasound scanner and the proper experience and education of the ultrasound operator. There are published data on the diagnosis of transposition of the great vessels, the common atrioventricular canal, cardiac ectopia, etc., registered during fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation.

First trimester prenatal screening

In addition to the above measurements, fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation screens for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. It has been established that most chromosomal pathologies are accompanied by an increase in the collar space located in the neck of the fetus. This feature is due to the fact that with chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus, in particular with Down syndrome, the skin has increased folding, i.e., roughly speaking, there is more skin. Fluid accumulates under such skin, which contributes to the visualization of a thickening of the collar zone during ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation. In fetuses with a karyotype disorder (with chromosomal diseases), the thickness of the collar zone is 2.5 mm (or more) greater than the average value for a given gestational age in fetuses with a normal karyotype.

Fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation in Down syndrome

In addition to the enlargement of the nuchal area in trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), 60–70% of fetuses do not visualize the nasal bones. It is noticed that people with Down syndrome have a short nose. In the process of embryogenesis, the nose with Down syndrome (nasal bones) is formed later than in fetuses with a normal karyotype. Also, from 15 to 21 weeks of gestation, there is an increased frequency of shortening of the nasal bones compared with the average values for this gestational age in fetuses with Down syndrome.

Fetuses with Down's syndrome have a shortening of the upper jaw, which is manifested by smoothing of the contours of the face.

In fetuses with Down's syndrome, dopplerometry determines the pathological nature of the curves of blood flow velocities in the venous duct. Assessment of the nature of blood flow in the venous duct is one of the mandatory screening parameters when performing ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks as part of the prenatal screening of the first trimester. Reverse blood flow in the venous duct is considered pathological.

Fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation with Edwards syndrome

Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) is characterized by early manifestations of fetal growth retardation and a tendency to bradycardia (decrease in fetal heart rate). Moreover, up to a certain period of pregnancy, the fetus develops normally (more often up to 8 weeks of pregnancy).

Fetuses with Edwards syndrome show a lack of visualization of the nasal bones.

In fetuses with Edwards syndrome, a single umbilical artery is a common finding. Normally, the umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein.

Ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of pregnancy with Patau syndrome

With trisomy 13, 70% of fetuses have tachycardia (increased heart rate).

Fetuses with Patau syndrome may also have early detection of fetal growth retardation.

Fetuses with Patau syndrome have megacystis (bladder enlargement).

Fetal holoprosencephaly in Patau's syndrome (impaired brain formation) and omphalocele are more often combined signs detected by fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation.

Ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation with Turner syndrome

In Turner syndrome, 50% of fetuses have tachycardia (rapid heart rate over 160 beats per minute) and early signs of fetal growth retardation (the size of the fetus ceases to correspond to the gestational age, usually from 8 weeks of gestation.

Ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation with Triploid syndrome

Triploidy is characterized by early signs of slowing down the development of an asymmetric type.

Bradycardia (heart rate below 120 beats per minute), holoprosencephaly (impaired division of the brain into sections, and, accordingly, the impossibility of normal mental development of the child), omphalocele (eversion of the abdominal organs into the hernial sac in the umbilical cord) are also characteristic of triploidy.

Posterior fossa cysts, choroid plexus cysts. Cysts are represented by the accumulation of fluid in the brain. The presence of bilateral cysts is considered an unfavorable sign, while the isolated presence of one small cyst in the brain (in particular, choroid plexus cysts), the absence of other markers of chromosomal diseases are not regarded as a pathology and require dynamic monitoring.

Early pyelectasis (dilation of the renal pelvis) is also a marker of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

All of these data can be recorded with a fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation. It is important to note that the presence of these markers is not a diagnosis that reliably confirms the presence of a chromosomal pathology in the fetus. If several markers of fetal chromosomal pathologies listed above are detected during ultrasound, invasive prenatal diagnosis is recommended to obtain material of fetal origin. These procedures include amniocentesis and chorionbiopsy. After receiving a section of the chorion (placenta) or amniotic fluid, the chromosome set of the child is determined (karyotyping). Only karyotyping is the reason for the diagnosis of a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus.

Biochemical prenatal screening

Ultrasound data are supplemented with biochemical markers of chromosomal pathologies. The "double test" includes the determination of beta-hCG and pregnancy-associated protein A (PAPP-A) in the mother's fasting blood. Normative values are calculated according to the average values for a given gestational age and are defined as MoM. MoM indicators from 0.5 to 2 are considered normal. Moreover, the changes should deviate from unity in one direction. That is, if beta hCG is 1.3 MoM, and PAPP-A is 1.4 MoM, this is normal, while the PAPP-A indicator of 0.6 MoM with hCG 1.3 MoM may indicate the implementation of an unfavorable development of pregnancy on later terms, for example, the development of late preeclampsia. Deviations in the "Double test" from normal (beyond 0.5-2 MoM) may be alarming due to the presence of a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. But the "Double test" is evaluated only in combination with screening Fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks gestation . Down syndrome is characterized by an increase in beta hCG by several times (2.5-3 MoM and above) with normal or reduced PAPP-A. An important condition for conducting the "Double Test" and assessing its reliability are the timing - exclusively from 11 weeks to 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy (obstetric period).

Thus, prenatal screening of the first trimester of pregnancy takes into account the age of the pregnant woman (after 35 years, the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormality in this woman is higher), ultrasound data, biochemical marker data (“Double test” and “Triple test”).

Of course, the most important of the three indicators (ultrasound, biochemical screening, woman's age) is still ultrasound in prenatal screening.

For high-quality ultrasound screening, it is important to exclude the presence of the listed markers of chromosomal pathologies. Indispensable assistance in prenatal ultrasound screening of the first trimester is the use of 3d 4d ultrasound during pregnancy. With the help of 3d 4d ultrasound during pregnancy, volumetric reconstruction of parts of the body of the fetus and the fetus as a whole is performed. With the help of 3d 4d ultrasound during pregnancy, unilateral aplasia (absence) of the nasal bone is excluded. The unilateral absence of the nasal bone is also a marker of chromosomal pathology, and during a conventional ultrasound, depending on the side of the scan, you can see one nasal bone and not notice the absence of the second bone on the other side. 3d 4d Ultrasound during pregnancy allows you to prevent such a mistake, the price of which is not measurable.

In our antenatal clinic, ultrasound of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation and consultations are given up to 1 hour for each patient, this allows us to assess all the risks from her genetics, make a full-fledged high-quality screening, provide photographs and video recording to confirm the data of the study protocol. And most importantly, we will add to your confidence that everything is in order with your child, that he is developing normally, which you yourself can see. When conducting pregnancy in our clinic, ultrasound is included in the price of the basic package (including 3d 4d ultrasound during pregnancy).

read more: 13th week of pregnancy

3D and 4D ultrasound during pregnancy

Fetometry data at various times

Ultrasound diagnostics of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities

Evaluation of the correct development of the fetus by ultrasound

Female Ultrasound

Hydrotubation (echohydrotubation): study of the patency of the fallopian tubes (ultrasonic hysterosalpingoscopy)
Transvaginal
Ovaries
Uterus
Mammary glands

Vascular ultrasound

Duplex Scan
Cerebral vessels
Neck vessels (duplex angioscanning of the main arteries of the head)
Veins of the lower extremities

Male ultrasound

Transrectal (trusion): prostate
Scrotum (testicles)
Vessels of the penis

Ultrasound of organs

Appendicitis
Abdomen
Gallbladder
Stomach
Intestines
Bladder
Soft tissue
Pancreas
Liver
Kidney
Joints
Thyroid
Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)

Ultrasound diagnostics of diseases

Varicose veins: ultrasound diagnosis of varicose veins
Hypertension: Ultrasound diagnosis of hypertension
Thrombosis: ultrasound diagnosis of vein thrombosis
Ultrasound diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
for kidney stones
for cholecystitis

Pediatric ultrasound

Hip joints in newborns (if hip dysplasia is suspected)

prices for tests for pregnant women

During the development of the fetus, ultrasound is one of the key methods of examination. There is no exact schedule for ultrasound, so the doctor focuses primarily on the condition of the patient, the condition of the fetus, the presence of somatic pathology. If we take a physiologically occurring pregnancy, then ultrasound is performed in each of the trimesters.

Ultrasound at 8 weeks is the first time this study is recommended. The eighth week is the first critical period, therefore, it is most rational to carry out diagnostics during this period.

Since the 8th week of pregnancy is going on, a transvaginal examination is performed more often, which is more reliable. At this time, transabdominal ultrasound is used less and less. The transvaginal method does not pose any threat to either the mother or the fetus.

Ultrasound at 8 weeks can confirm

Normal uterine pregnancy;
Dimensions of gestational sac;
Whether the pregnancy is multiple;
Place of attachment of fetus;
Exclude the presence of malformations;
Exclude various obstetric complications.

If the doctor confirms a physiologically proceeding pregnancy on ultrasound, does not reveal complications, the fetus develops according to age norms, then the next ultrasound is prescribed at 12 weeks. This period is another critical period when it is necessary to assess the condition of the woman and the unborn baby.

If the first two critical periods are mainly related to hormonal changes, then the next period - 22 weeks, is most often associated with sexual infections. Therefore, we also perform an ultrasound at 22 weeks. Pregnancy can provoke the development of latent infections, which, in turn, can lead to certain complications.

Tests at 8 weeks of pregnancy

There are no exact recommendations for registering pregnant women, but doctors recommend starting monitoring at the antenatal clinic before 12 weeks. There is a mandatory list of tests in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and an additional one, which is appointed by the gynecologist individually.

Tests at 8 weeks of gestation:

CBC;
OAM;
Swab;
Determination of blood group and Rh factor;
Tests for major venereal diseases.

In addition, the 8th week of pregnancy is the period of visiting the following doctors:

Therapist;
Ophthalmologist;
ENT;
Dentist.

Accordingly, if any pathology is detected, any of these specialists has the right to prescribe an additional analysis in their direction. If this pregnancy proceeds with complications, or if there are previous complications in the anamnesis, then the laboratory and instrumental complex may expand.

You will have to take tests regularly, so you should prepare in advance for the next tests at week 12.

Ultrasound at 12 weeks pregnant

As we mentioned earlier, the next critical period is the 12th week of pregnancy. Therefore, the next ultrasound is performed at this time. Here we are not talking about a simple study, but about screening, which allows you to identify intrauterine malformations of the fetus.

In contrast to the ultrasound at 8 weeks, this is predominantly a transabdominal examination. Transvaginal ultrasound is performed only for certain indications:

Low insertion of the placenta;
Presence of isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
Pelvic inflammation;
Atypical location of myomatous nodes;
Incorrect position of the fetus, in which transabdominal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation is uninformative.

So, what information does an ultrasound give a gynecologist?

Detection of deviations in the growth and development of the fetus;
Possibility to suspect congenital anomalies;
Exact gestational age;
Palpitation;
Cord entanglement;
Characteristics of amniotic fluid;
Condition of the placenta.

It must be clearly understood that ultrasound during pregnancy is only one of the methods of examination, therefore, if there are any deviations in the indicators, you should not panic, you should get a specialist consultation. The doctor, interpreting the results, always relies on many factors, which allows him to adequately assess the true state of the future mother and fetus.

Even if deviations in some indicators are confirmed, doctors still only talk about a certain probability of developing a particular pathology. In this case, a second screening may be prescribed, or a similar study is carried out at a later date. In any case, the final decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy is made exclusively by a specialist.

Tests at 12 weeks of pregnancy

As we have already said, 12 weeks is the time for screening. For this, an ultrasound examination is prescribed, the external indicators of the woman are evaluated, and a blood test is performed.

Particular attention is paid to two coefficients: β-hCG and PAPP-A. It is believed that in the presence of deviations according to these parameters, one can judge the presence of fetal pathologies. According to the level of hCG, doctors predict the further management of pregnancy and the possibility of miscarriage or premature birth.

Accordingly, according to the screening results, it is possible to identify:

The baby has Down syndrome;
Multiple pregnancy;
Specify term;
Detect toxicosis;
Determine the risk of miscarriage;
Check for other chromosomal abnormalities.

Thus, tests at the 12th week of pregnancy are decisive for solving a number of issues related to the further development of the fetus. It should be clearly understood that screening is not 100% reliable, therefore, if you receive any deviations from normal results, you should immediately contact a specialist who can correctly assess such changes in indicators.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks of pregnancy

The next scheduled ultrasound is performed at 22 weeks of pregnancy. Here, for the doctor, it is not the condition of the mother or the size of the fetus that is important, but the assessment of the formation of various organs and systems, as well as bones.

So, the 22nd week - the fetus has already formed all the main organs and systems, and on the monitor screen the child acquires the outlines familiar to future parents. Accordingly, the following indicators come to the fore:

All internal organs should form. During an ultrasound, the doctor evaluates their location, how they function;
The spine is also studied, the presence of bones and their sizes are determined;
Assessing the brain and its activity;
Assess the condition of the placenta, umbilical cord vessels;
Composition of amniotic fluid;
Condition of the cervix.

Unlike ultrasound at 8 weeks, ultrasound at this time is performed transabdominally. 22 weeks is already the second trimester, and right now the question is being decided whether there are serious deviations in the development of the fetus, and further actions of obstetricians. The question of whether to continue a further pregnancy is decided not by one doctor, but by a whole council, based on numerous research results.

Tests at 22 weeks pregnant

Week 22 is when the second screening is more common. This analysis is prescribed in the period from 18 to 24 weeks, but this time is considered optimal. Accordingly, during repeated screening, the doctor already makes final conclusions about the condition and development of the fetus, the presence of deviations.

In addition to ultrasound, the doctor prescribes mandatory tests to monitor the woman's health. The expectant mother again takes a general blood and urine test, where the most important are a number of indicators: hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, ESR, protein in the urine.

During the examination, the gynecologist must measure the woman's height, weight, blood pressure, and measure the abdomen.