Antenatal screening tests include various tests that are applied intermittently to evaluate the development of the baby and to observe the effects of pregnancy on the mother. While the mother and baby are systematically evaluated with standard screening tests, various health problems that may arise during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period are emphasized. Triple screening tests applied during the second trimester of pregnancy are extremely important, especially in order to detect high-risk pregnancies beforehand, to detect chromosomal-related diseases such as Down syndrome before birth, and to ensure that the birth takes place in the healthiest way for both mother and baby.
What is the Triple Screening Test?
Pregnancy screening tests are applied to determine the risks for different diseases that may occur in the baby. The triple screening test, which is applied in the second trimester of pregnancy, primarily detects high-risk pregnancy and guides the physician to make a detailed examination. Like all medical tests, the triple screening test is not 100% diagnostic, it only has a guiding role for a more detailed examination of the process. Although it has been applied for birth control, it is preferred for the detection of important chromosomal anomalies such as trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 and neural tube defects that can cause serious developmental problems in the baby before birth. In addition, in line with many recent studies, it is possible to say that the results of the triple screening test give an idea about many other health problems related to the baby in addition to genetic diseases. Thanks to this test, in which MS AFP, hCG and unconjugated estriol (uE3) levels are evaluated, it is possible to detect high-risk pregnancies early. It is one of the serious pregnancy complications that puts the healthy development of the baby at risk. With the sudden increase in the blood pressure of the mother, various organ dysfunctions occur, especially the kidneys. The result of this In this case, the blood flow to the placenta decreases and the baby develops serious health problems due to circulatory disorders. In line with the studies on screening tests in recent years, it is possible to say that this serious pregnancy complication risk, which can lead to organ loss and even death in the mother, can be detected in the early period thanks to the triple screening test. In addition, the evaluation of AFP, hCG and unconjugated estriol (uE3) levels combined with maternal age may help in early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the baby and some similar adverse pregnancy outcomes.
How is the Triple Screening Test Performed?
Pregnancy is a complex process that progresses extremely complex and can cause various health problems for both mother and baby. It is extremely important to pay attention to regular pregnancy controls in order to be able to notice problems that may arise during pregnancy and to evaluate the development of the baby correctly. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the baby may be an indicator of many underlying diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly continue the doctor's controls planned from the beginning of the pregnancy and to have the routine screening tests performed completely. . Usually 16-18. For this test, which is applied during the gestational weeks, first a blood sample is taken from the mother and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), total beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3) values in the blood are measured. Then, these results are divided by the median values in accordance with the gestational week and converted to MoM (Multiple of Median) unit. While evaluating the results obtained, the age of the mother, the gestational week from which the blood sample was taken, and many other criteria are calculated specifically for the patient and taken into account. This triple test, which was initially applied only to detect Down syndrome, is preferred today to detect many genetic diseases in the prenatal period. screening tests, It can be applied in different periods of pregnancy with different methods. Although the results of the double test in the first trimester give information about many diseases, it is often requested to re-evaluate this test together with the triple screening test in the future. Triple screening test is among the tests performed during the second trimester (second trimester) of pregnancy and is often performed between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. In order for the test to give a reliable result, it is extremely important to measure the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), total beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (E3) values in the blood at the right time. For this, routine controls should not be disrupted and the test should be performed on the day determined by the physician.
What Does Triple Screening Test Height Mean?
Unconjugated estriol (E3) measured in triple screening test, beta-human chorionic Evaluation of gonadotropin (hCG) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels alone often results in misinterpretation of the test. In order to reach a reliable result, these values should be interpreted together with the maternal age, the gestational week from which the blood sample was taken, and other such determining factors. However, if the triple test results are different from normal, it may indicate an increased risk in terms of some diseases, especially chromosomal abnormalities. is the sign. However, despite the high AFP value, neural tube defect or chromosomal anomaly may not be present, and it can be said that complications such as low birth weight, premature birth complications, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), oligohydramnios, fetal distress, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and fetal/neonatal death are more common in these pregnancies. . In addition, the risk of gestational hypertension increases in pregnant women who are evaluated as chromosomally normal but whose hCG level is high in the blood. Again, close follow-up is recommended for preterm delivery, low birth weight and IUGR for pregnant women with higher than normal hCG levels. Finally, it is known that measuring unconjugated estriol level lower than normal in the triple screening test is also associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. should; While the mother is closely monitored in terms of preeclampsia, the baby should be followed up in terms of complications such as intrauterine growth retardation and fetal death. Regular pregnancy follow-up is critical in order to follow the development of the baby in the most accurate way and to detect genetic problems that may arise at an early stage. Many pregnancy problems that affect the health of both the mother and the baby can be easily detected with routine controls and standard screening tests. For this, from the day the pregnancy is noticed, a specialist physician should be consulted; The entire pregnancy process should be continued under close follow-up in line with the physician's recommendations. Do not forget to have the triple screening test in order to be able to recognize serious health problems that may arise regarding the development of the baby without delay and to keep the healthy pregnancy process under control.
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