WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Prenatal Tests: The Inside Scoop

Ins and Outs of Prenatal Testings and Screenings 🤰
Prenatal testings and screenings play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the expectant mother and her baby. These medical assessments help identify potential risks, genetic conditions, and developmental abnormalities early in pregnancy, allowing healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and support.
Let's explore the ins and outs of prenatal testings and screenings:
1. Types of Prenatal Testings and Screenings 🩺🔍
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create images of the baby and the uterus. They are used to assess fetal development, check for any abnormalities, and determine the baby's due date.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests, such as the complete blood count (CBC) and blood glucose screening, are conducted to assess the mother's overall health and identify conditions like anemia and gestational diabetes.
  • Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Testing: This non-invasive blood test analyzes the baby's DNA present in the mother's blood to screen for genetic conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
  • Sequential Integrated Screening: This combines two blood tests and an ultrasound to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects.
  • Amniocentesis: This diagnostic test involves taking a small sample of the amniotic fluid to check for genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): CVS involves collecting a sample of the placental tissue to diagnose genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities.
2. When Are Prenatal Testings and Screenings Performed? 📅🗓️
  • First Trimester: During the first trimester, prenatal screenings like ultrasound and blood tests can help estimate the baby's due date, assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, and check for any structural issues.
  • Second Trimester: Prenatal screenings during the second trimester include more detailed ultrasound scans and sequential integrated screening to assess the baby's development and risk of genetic conditions.
  • Third Trimester: While prenatal screenings are less common in the third trimester, healthcare providers may perform additional ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth and position.
3. Informed Decision-Making 🧠💡
  • Risk Assessment: Prenatal testings and screenings provide information about potential risks, allowing parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth journey.
  • Counseling and Support: Understanding the results of prenatal tests may require emotional support and counseling. Healthcare providers offer guidance and resources to help parents navigate their options.
4. Pros and Cons of Prenatal Testing ✅❌
  • Pros: Early detection of potential health issues, preparation for the baby's needs, and peace of mind knowing your baby's health status.
  • Cons: Some tests may carry a slight risk of miscarriage, and receiving inconclusive results may cause anxiety for parents.
All you need to know
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
N
Natalie
11 Oct 2023

Prenatal tests are absolutely the worst. Went in today to get poked 2 times in 2 different spots. They took 9 tubes of blood out of me, guess its a good thing I pushed my glucose test back from today.

3 comments
N
Natalie
i honestly have no idea, my obgyn gave me a form to take to the hospital and all labs are preformed there. the only reason i didnt get my glucose done today was because it wouldve taken til after the laboratory closed so we decided to push it back.
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rambo’s Wife
22 May 2023

I know finding a good prenatal may be difficult so I wanted to share mines and just maybe might be helping another mama out. I use these… any vitamin I use I make sure it’s GMP Certified (that means it was chemically tested to make sure what on the label is actually inside the bottle). Plus u can never go wrong with Kosher #prenatal #prenatalvitamins #kosher #gmpgertified #vitamins #natural #1sttrimester #firsttrimester

9 comments
B
Blocked user
A lot of these have fake vitamins. Do your research.
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rambo’s Wife
What do u mean by fake vitamins, can u further explain because these have been GMP Certified ontop of that there are in stores like GNC, HSA ect. Last but not least it is Kosher approved things that are kosher and Halal are considered more healthier and more natural
27 Mar 2024

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