What tests are done at 12 weeks pregnant

Screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

You will be offered a screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is to assess your chances of having a baby with one of these conditions.

Down's syndrome is also called trisomy 21 or T21. Edwards' syndrome is also called trisomy 18 or T18, and Patau's syndrome is also called trisomy 13 or T13.

If a screening test shows that you have a higher chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, you'll be offered further tests to find out for certain if your baby has the condition.

What are Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome?

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome causes some level of learning disability.

People with Down's syndrome may be more likely to have other health conditions, such as heart conditions, and problems with the digestive system, hearing and vision. Sometimes these can be serious, but many can be treated.

Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

Sadly, most babies with Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome will die before or shortly after birth. Some babies may survive to adulthood, but this is rare.

All babies born with Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome will have a wide range of problems, which can be very serious. These may include major complications affecting their brain.

Read more about Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome.

What does screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome involve?

Combined test

A screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is available between weeks 10 and 14 of pregnancy. It's called the combined test because it combines an ultrasound scan with a blood test. The blood test can be carried out at the same time as the 12-week scan.

If you choose to have the test, you will have a blood sample taken. At the scan, the fluid at the back of the baby's neck is measured to determine the "nuchal translucency". Your age and the information from these 2 tests are used to work out the chance of the baby having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

Obtaining a nuchal translucency measurement depends on the position of the baby and is not always possible. If this is the case, you will be offered a different blood screening test, called the quadruple test, when you're 14 to 20 weeks pregnant.

Quadruple blood screening test

If it was not possible to obtain a nuchal translucency measurement, or you're more than 14 weeks into your pregnancy, you'll be offered a test called the quadruple blood screening test between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. This only screens for Down's syndrome and is not as accurate as the combined test.

20-week screening scan

For Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome, if you are too far into your pregnancy to have the combined test, you'll be offered a 20-week screening scan. This looks for physical conditions, including Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome.

Can this screening test harm me or my baby?

The screening test cannot harm you or the baby, but it's important to consider carefully whether to have this test.

It cannot tell you for certain whether the baby does or does not have Down's syndrome, Edward's syndrome or Patau's syndrome, but it can provide information that may lead to further important decisions. For example, you may be offered diagnostic tests that can tell you for certain whether the baby has these conditions, but these tests have a risk of miscarriage.

Do I need to have screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome?

You do not need to have this screening test – it's your choice. Some people want to find out the chance of their baby having these conditions while others do not.

You can choose to have screening for:

all 3 conditions
Down's syndrome only
Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome only
none of the conditions

What if I decide not to have this test?

If you choose not to have the screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, you can still choose to have other tests, such as a 12-week scan.

If you choose not to have the screening test for these conditions, it's important to understand that if you have a scan at any point during your pregnancy, it could pick up physical conditions.

The person scanning you will always tell you if any conditions are found.

Getting your results

The screening test will not tell you whether your baby does or does not have Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndromes – it will tell you if you have a higher or lower chance of having a baby with one of these conditions.

If you have screening for all 3 conditions, you will receive 2 results: 1 for your chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome, and 1 for your joint chance of having a baby with Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

If your screening test returns a lower-chance result, you should be told within 2 weeks. If it shows a higher chance, you should be told within 3 working days of the result being available.

This may take a little longer if your test is sent to another hospital. It may be worth asking the midwife what happens in your area and when you can expect to get your results.

You will be offered an appointment to discuss the test results and the options you have.

The charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) offers lots of information about screening results and your options if you get a higher-chance result.

Possible results

Lower-chance result

If the screening test shows that the chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is lower than 1 in 150, this is a lower-chance result. More than 95 out of 100 screening test results will be lower chance.

A lower-chance result does not mean there's no chance at all of the baby having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

Higher-chance result

If the screening test shows that the chance of the baby having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome is higher than 1 in 150 – that is, anywhere between 1 in 2 and 1 in 150 – this is called a higher-chance result.

Fewer than 1 in 20 results will be higher chance. This means that out of 100 pregnancies screened for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome, fewer than 5 will have a higher-chance result.

A higher-chance result does not mean the baby definitely has Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

Will I need further tests?

If you have a lower-chance result, you will not be offered a further test.

If you have a higher-chance result, you can decide to:

not have any further testing
have a second screening test called non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) – this is a blood test, which can give you a more accurate screening result and help you to decide whether to have a diagnostic test or not
have a diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) straight away – this will tell you for certain whether or not your baby has Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, but in rare cases can cause a miscarriage

You can decide to have NIPT for:

all 3 conditions
Down's syndrome only
Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome only

You can also decide to have a diagnostic test after NIPT.

NIPT is completely safe and will not harm your baby.

Discuss with your healthcare professional which tests are right for you.

Whatever results you get from any of the screening or diagnostic tests, you will get care and support to help you to decide what to do next.

If you find out your unborn baby has Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome

If you find out your baby has Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome a specialist doctor (obstetrician) or midwife will talk to you about your options .

You can read more about what happens if antenatal screening tests find something.

You may decide to continue with the pregnancy and prepare for your child with the condition.

Or you may decide that you do not want to continue with the pregnancy and have a termination.

If you are faced with this choice, you will get support from health professionals to help you make your decision.

For more information see GOV.UK: Screening tests for you and your baby

The charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) runs a helpline from Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm on 020 7713 7486.

The Down's Syndrome Association also has useful information on screening.

The charity SOFT UK offers information and support through diagnosis, bereavement, pregnancy decisions and caring for all UK families affected by Edwards' syndrome (T18) or Patau's syndrome (T13).

First trimester screening - Mayo Clinic

Overview

Nuchal translucency measurement

First trimester screening includes an ultrasound exam to measure the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of a baby's neck (nuchal translucency). In Down syndrome, the nuchal translucency measurement is abnormally large — as shown on the left in the ultrasound image of an 11-week fetus. For comparison, the ultrasound image on the right shows an 11-week fetus with a normal nuchal translucency measurement.

First trimester screening is a prenatal test that offers early information about a baby's risk of certain chromosomal conditions, specifically, Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and extra sequences of chromosome 18 (trisomy 18).

First trimester screening, also called the first trimester combined test, has two steps:

A blood test to measure levels of two pregnancy-specific substances in the mother's blood — pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
An ultrasound exam to measure the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency)

Typically, first trimester screening is done between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy.

Using your age and the results of the blood test and the ultrasound, your health care provider can gauge your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18.

If results show that your risk level is moderate or high, you might choose to follow first trimester screening with another test that's more definitive.

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Why it's done

First trimester screening is done to evaluate your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome. The test also provides information about the risk of trisomy 18.

Down syndrome causes lifelong impairments in mental and social development, as well as various physical concerns. Trisomy 18 causes more severe delays and is often fatal by age 1.

First trimester screening doesn't evaluate the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Because first trimester screening can be done earlier than most other prenatal screening tests, you'll have the results early in your pregnancy. This will give you more time to make decisions about further diagnostic tests, the course of the pregnancy, medical treatment and management during and after delivery. If your baby has a higher risk of Down syndrome, you'll also have more time to prepare for the possibility of caring for a child who has special needs.

Other screening tests can be done later in pregnancy. An example is the quad screen, a blood test that's typically done between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. The quad screen can evaluate your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18, as well as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Some health care providers choose to combine the results of first trimester screening with the quad screen. This is called integrated screening. This can improve the detection rate of Down syndrome.

First trimester screening is optional. Test results indicate only whether you have an increased risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18, not whether your baby actually has one of these conditions.

Before the screening, think about what the results will mean to you. Consider whether the screening will be worth any anxiety it might cause, or whether you'll manage your pregnancy differently depending on the results. You might also consider what level of risk would be enough for you to choose a more invasive follow-up test.

More Information

Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests

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Risks

First trimester screening is a routine prenatal screening test. The screening poses no risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

How you prepare

You don't need to do anything special to prepare for first trimester screening. You can eat and drink normally before both the blood test and the ultrasound exam.

What you can expect

First trimester screening includes a blood draw and an ultrasound exam.

During the blood test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.

For the ultrasound exam, you'll lie on your back on an exam table. Your health care provider or an ultrasound technician will place a transducer — a small plastic device that sends and receives sound waves — over your abdomen. The reflected sound waves will be digitally converted into images on a monitor. Your health care provider or the technician will use these images to measure the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of your baby's neck.

The ultrasound doesn't hurt, and you can return to your usual activities immediately.

Results

Your health care provider will use your age and the results of the blood test and ultrasound exam to gauge your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18. Other factors — such as a prior Down syndrome pregnancy — also might affect your risk.

First trimester screening results are given as positive or negative and also as a probability, such as a 1 in 250 risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome.

First trimester screening correctly identifies about 85 percent of women who are carrying a baby with Down syndrome. About 5 percent of women have a false-positive result, meaning that the test result is positive but the baby doesn't actually have Down syndrome.

When you consider your test results, remember that first trimester screening indicates only your overall risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18. A low-risk result doesn't guarantee that your baby won't have one of these conditions. Likewise, a high-risk result doesn't guarantee that your baby will be born with one of these conditions.

If you have a positive test result, your health care provider and a genetics professional will discuss your options, including additional testing. For example:

Prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening. This is a sophisticated blood test that examines fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether your baby is at risk of Down syndrome, extra sequences of chromosome 13 (trisomy 13) or extra sequences of chromosome 18 (trisomy 18). Some forms of cfDNA screening also screen for other chromosome problems and provide information about fetal sex. A normal result might eliminate the need for a more invasive prenatal diagnostic test.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). CVS can be used to diagnose chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome. During CVS, which is usually done during the first trimester, a sample of tissue from the placenta is removed for testing. CVS poses a small risk of miscarriage.
Amniocentesis. Amniocentesis can be used to diagnose both chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. During amniocentesis, which is usually done during the second trimester, a sample of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing. Like CVS, amniocentesis poses a small risk of miscarriage.

Your health care provider or a genetic counselor will help you understand your test results and what the results mean for your pregnancy.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Citizens | Ministry of Health of the Kaliningrad Region

Gestational age	Analyzes	Events (registration, medical examinations, doctor visit schedule)
Up to 12 weeks		Early registration in the antenatal clinic Taking medications: folic acid throughout the first trimester, no more than 400 mcg / day; potassium iodide 200-250 mcg/day (in the absence of thyroid disease)
At first appearance		An obstetrician-gynecologist collects anamnesis, conducts a general physical examination of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary system, mammary glands, anthropometry (measuring height, body weight, determining body mass index), measuring the size of the pelvis, examining the cervix in the mirrors, bimanual vaginal study
Not later than 7-10 days after the initial visit to the antenatal clinic		Inspections and consultations: - general practitioner; - a dentist; - an otolaryngologist; - an ophthalmologist; - other medical specialists - according to indications, taking into account concomitant pathology
First trimester (up to 13 weeks) (and at first visit)	1. General (clinical) blood test. 2. Biochemical blood test (total protein, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase (hereinafter - ALT), aspartate transaminase (hereinafter - AST), glucose, total cholesterol. 3. Coagulogram - platelet count, clotting time, bleeding time, platelet aggregation, activated partial thromboplastin time (hereinafter referred to as APTT), fibrinogen, determination of prothrombin (thromboplastin) time. 4. Determination of antibodies of classes M, G (IgM, IgG) to the rubella virus in the blood, to the herpes simplex virus (HSV), to cytomegalovirus (CMV), determination of antibodies to toxoplasma in the blood. 5. General analysis of urine. 6. Determination of the main blood groups (A, B, 0) and Rh-affiliation. In Rh-negative women: a) examination of the father of the child for group and Rh-affiliation. 7. Determination of antibodies to pale treponema (Treponema pallidum) in the blood, determination of antibodies of classes M, G to the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and HIV-2 in the blood, determination of antibodies of classes M, G to the antigen of viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C in blood. 8. Microscopic examination of the discharge of female genital organs for gonococcus, microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge for fungi of the genus Candida. 9. PCR chlamydial infection, PCR gonococcal infection, PCR mycoplasma infection, PCR trichomoniasis.	Visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist every 3-4 weeks (with the physiological course of pregnancy). Electrocardiography (hereinafter - ECG) as prescribed by a general practitioner (cardiologist). Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy are accepted: - folic acid no more than 400 mcg / day; - potassium iodide 200-250 mcg / day (in the absence of thyroid disease)
1 time per month (up to 28 weeks)	Blood test for Rh antibodies (in Rh-negative women with Rh-positive affiliation of the father of the child)
11-14 weeks	Biochemical screening for serum marker levels: - pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), - free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hereinafter - beta-CG)	In the office of prenatal diagnostics, an ultrasound examination (hereinafter referred to as ultrasound) of the pelvic organs is performed. According to the results of complex prenatal diagnostics, a conclusion of a geneticist is issued.
After 14 weeks - once	Culture of midstream urine	To exclude asymptomatic bacteriuria (the presence of bacterial colonies more than 105 in 1 ml of an average portion of urine, determined by a culture method without clinical symptoms) to all pregnant women.
In the second trimester (14-26 weeks)	General (clinical) analysis of blood and urine.	Visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist every 2-3 weeks (with the physiological course of pregnancy). At each visit to the doctor of the antenatal clinic - determination of the circumference of the abdomen, the height of the fundus of the uterus (hereinafter referred to as VDM), uterine tone, palpation of the fetus, auscultation of the fetus with a stethoscope. Potassium iodide 200-250 mcg/day
1 time per month (up to 28 weeks)	Blood for Rh antibodies (in Rh-negative women with Rh-positive affiliation of the father of the child)
16-18 weeks	Blood test for estriol, alpha-fetoprotein, beta-hCG	Only at late turnout unless biochemical screening for serum marker levels at 11-14 weeks
18-21 weeks		The second screening ultrasound of the fetus is performed in the antenatal clinic
In the third trimester (27-40 weeks)	1. General (clinical) blood test. 2. Biochemical blood test (total protein, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase (hereinafter - ALT), aspartate transaminase (hereinafter - AST), glucose, total cholesterol). 3. Coagulogram - platelet count, clotting time, bleeding time, platelet aggregation, activated partial thromboplastin time (hereinafter referred to as APTT), fibrinogen, determination of prothrombin (thromboplastin) time. 4. Determination of antibodies of classes M, G (IgM, IgG) to the rubella virus in the blood, determination of antibodies to toxoplasma in the blood. 5. General analysis of urine. 6. Determination of antibodies to pale treponema (Treponema pallidum) in the blood, determination of antibodies of classes M, G to the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and HIV-2 in the blood, determination of antibodies of classes M, G to the antigen of viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C in blood. 7. Microscopic examination of the discharge of female genital organs for gonococcus, microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge for fungi of the genus Candida.	A visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist every 2 weeks, after 36 weeks - weekly (with the physiological course of pregnancy). At each visit to the doctor of the antenatal clinic - determination of the circumference of the abdomen, VDM, uterine tone, fetal palpation, auscultation of the fetus with a stethoscope. Potassium iodide 200-250 mcg/day
24-28 weeks	Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
28-30weeks	In Rh-negative women with Rh-positive blood of the child's father and the absence of Rh antibodies in the mother's blood	Administration of human immunoglobulin antirhesus RHO[D]
30 weeks		A certificate of incapacity for work is issued for maternity leave
30-34 weeks		The third screening ultrasound of the fetus with dopplerometry in the antenatal clinic. Inspections and consultations: - general practitioner; - a dentist.
After 32 weeks		At each visit to the doctor of the antenatal clinic, in addition to determining the circumference of the abdomen, the height of the fundus of the uterus (hereinafter referred to as VDM), the tone of the uterus, determine the position of the fetus, the presenting part, the doctor auscultates the fetus with a stethoscope.
After 33 weeks		Cardiotocography (hereinafter referred to as CTG) of the fetus is performed
Throughout pregnancy		In antenatal clinics there are schools for pregnant women, which are attended by expectant mothers along with fathers. In the process of learning, there is an acquaintance with the changes in the body of a woman during physiological pregnancy, acquaintance with the process of childbirth, the correct behavior in childbirth, the basics of breastfeeding.
Over 37 weeks		Hospitalization with the onset of labor. According to indications - planned antenatal hospitalization.
41 weeks		Planned hospitalization for delivery
No later than 72 hours after delivery	All women with an Rh-negative blood group who gave birth to a child with a positive Rh-belonging, or a child whose Rh-belonging is not possible to determine, regardless of their compatibility according to the AB0 system	Re-introduction of human immunoglobulin anti-rhesus RHO[D]
postpartum period		1. Early breastfeeding 2. Recommendations for breastfeeding. 3. Consultation of medical specialists on concomitant extragenital disease (if indicated). 4. Toilet of the external genital organs. 5. Dry processing of seams (if any). 6. Removal of external non-absorbable sutures (if any) on the 5th day. 7. Early discharge.
Daily postpartum		1. Examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist; 2. Inspection and palpation of the mammary glands.
3 days after birth		Ultrasound of the pelvic organs
After delivery by caesarean section	1. Complete blood count, general urinalysis. 2. Biochemistry of blood (according to indications).	Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

prices for tests for pregnant women

During fetal development, 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 it is the 8th week of pregnancy, 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;
Fetal attachment site;
Rule out 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;
Optometrist;
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;
Malposition of the fetus, in which transabdominal ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation is uninformative.

So, what information does 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 consult a specialist. 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 talk only 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 results of screening, it is possible to identify:

The baby has Down's 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 gestation

The next scheduled ultrasound is performed at 22 weeks of gestation. 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;
Assesses the brain and its activity;
The condition of the placenta, umbilical cord vessels is assessed;
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. Tests at 22 weeks of gestation are designed to assess the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. Here, the role is played not by hormonal changes, but by the exacerbation of chronic pathology. Therefore, timely screening and assessment of the woman's condition allows you to plan further tactics for managing pregnancy.

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