Pregnancy is a normal and natural process. In some cases, existing diseases of the expectant mother before pregnancy (diabetes, high blood pressure, goiter, heart diseases, etc.) or problems encountered during pregnancy lead to the emergence of risks. Such pregnancies are called risky pregnancies or problematic pregnancies.
Risky pregnancies can, in some cases, threaten the health and even the life of both the pregnant mother and the unborn baby. Pregnancies in such a situation must be followed more closely by a risky pregnancy specialist (perinatologist). Perinatologist is a gynecologist and obstetrician who is trained and experienced in the identification and management of problematic pregnancies. Perinatology is a sub-branch specialty approved by the Ministry of Health and issued with a sub-branch specialization certificate.
In certain periods of pregnancy (especially for nuchal translucency and Down Syndrome screening in the 11-14th weeks of pregnancy; between the 18-23rd weeks). It is necessary to be evaluated by perinatology specialists (to determine the anatomical problems in the baby's body). Perinatologists do not only follow problematic pregnancies; It also monitors healthy pregnancies and gives birth.
The 11-14th week of pregnancy. Nuchal translucency measurement with ultrasonography, dual-combined screening test, and evaluation of a perinatologist are required for the diagnosis and control of some congenital disabilities that may develop between weeks 15-18.
Most of the babies to be born are healthy. On the other hand, injuries (anomalies) may be observed in some babies. 17-23 weeks of pregnancy in the womb. It is possible to detect a significant part of the severe structural abnormalities at birth by a perinatologist with a detailed fetal ultrasonographic examination (also called detailed ultrasonography, 2nd level ultrasonography, etc.) performed between weeks 15-18.
Prenatally. Growth retardation may occur in approximately 10% of babies. In a significant part of these, due to problems in the placenta (partner), sufficient blood cannot be pumped to the baby, the amniotic fluid in the baby decreases and the expected progress in measurements made with ultrasonography does not occur. In such a case, the baby's Bi (Ultrasonography, Doppler, biophysical profile, non-stress test), and determination of birth time are made by the perinatologist.
11-14 and 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. In babies whose risk of Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome is found to be high in the screening tests performed between the weeks of weeks and whose markers or disabilities are observed during ultrasonography, chorionic villus sampling (taking a sample from the placenta), amniocentesis (taking a sample from the amniotic fluid), cordocentesis (taking a sample from the vessels in the umbilical cord) are used for diagnosis. interventions may be required. These procedures have very low risks such as pregnancy loss and premature birth. These procedures must be performed by perinatology specialists.
In recent years, in the sample taken from maternal blood, free fetal DNA is separated and 13,18,21. It is anticipated that this evaluation will be possible for all chromosomes in the future. These types of tests are not yet diagnostic tests, but are positioned between existing screening tests and genetic diagnosis tests. It should be remembered that these tests are not diagnostic tests, and in case of suspicious results, a procedure such as amniocentesis may be used. You can get information about these tests, which have certain limits, by contacting a perinatologist.
If your child was born with a congenital anomaly in your previous pregnancies, or if your pregnancy was terminated for this reason, or if you have a pregnancy with a chromosomal anomaly, you should definitely consult a perinatologist when planning a pregnancy and during your pregnancy.
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