Should i have first trimester screening

Talk with your doctor about the tests that are right for you. The first-trimester screening combines the results of two tests. First-trimester screening also may be done as part of an integrated screening test.

This combines the results of the first-trimester tests with those of second-trimester screening a blood test called the triple or quad screening. You would get the results after the second-trimester test is done. For the nuchal translucency test, your doctor or an ultrasound technologist spreads a gel on your belly.

Then he or she gently moves a hand-held device called a transducer over your belly. Images of the baby are displayed on a monitor. The doctor can look for and measure the thickness at the back of the baby's neck. A simple blood test is all that's needed for the rest of the first-trimester screening.

The health professional taking a sample of your blood will:. There are no known physical risks to having the tests, other than a possible bruise on your arm from the blood test. The doctor looks at the test results—along with your age and other factors—to find out the chance that your baby may have certain problems.

A screening test shows the chance that a baby has a certain birth defect. The accuracy of a screening test is based on how often the test correctly finds a birth defect. It's possible that a screening test will be positive—meaning the test result is abnormal—but the baby doesn't have the problem.

This is called a false-positive test result. And it's also possible that a screening may show that a baby doesn't have a birth defect when he or she does have it. This is called a false-negative test result. A false-positive result can cause stress and lead to unnecessary testing such as chorionic villus sampling [CVS].

Many women who have a positive screening test result are actually carrying a healthy baby. A "positive" result means that there is a higher-than-average chance your baby has Down syndrome or trisomy If the result is "negative," it means that your baby probably doesn't have those birth defects. But it doesn't guarantee that you will have a normal pregnancy or baby.

Your doctor may tell you the result of your test as a set of numbers. Doctors often use a certain number as a cutoff for a positive result. For example, your doctor may say the cutoff is 1 out of This means that if your result is 1 out of or 1 out of a number less than such as 1 out of , you have a positive result and your baby has a higher chance of a birth defect.

If your result is 1 out of , this means that you have a negative result and your baby has a lower chance of a birth defect. If you have a positive test result, your doctor may want you to have the diagnostic test chorionic villus sampling CVS or an amniocentesis test in the second trimester to find out if your baby has a problem.

But it's your choice whether to have another test. If the test shows there might be a problem, another test must be done to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. The screen is considered safe, but it's your decision whether or not to have it.

The benefit of screening in the first trimester is more time for parents to prepare for or address any health problems their baby may have. When getting any screening, remember that there's a chance of false-positive or false-negative results:.

Women whose results show a high risk for carrying a baby with a chromosomal abnormality are offered diagnostic testing, usually through chorionic villus sampling CVS in the first trimester or amniocentesis in the second trimester.

Those who are not shown to be high risk in the first trimester are still offered a second trimester screening. That screening, which consists of more blood tests, checks for chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects, and helps to confirm the findings from the first trimester screen. The blood screening is usually done between 9 and 14 weeks. Women who also get an ultrasound have one between 11 and 14 weeks.

Blood screening results usually are ready within a week or two. Ultrasound results can be immediate. When both the blood test and ultrasound are done, doctors usually calculate the results together.

One in every 25 women tested will be told they are at increased risk. This does not mean there is definitely something wrong with your baby, but you may wish to think about having further diagnostic tests. There may be costs for these screening tests. You may be able to claim part of this cost from Medicare external site. Please ask when you book your appointment about the costs and any rebates available. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only.

It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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