Sikiöseulonta

Sikiöseulonta, also known as prenatal screening, refers to a range of tests performed during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects in the fetus. These screenings are not diagnostic tests; they identify pregnancies that have a higher chance of being affected, prompting further diagnostic testing if desired. Common examples include combined screening, which typically combines maternal blood tests measuring specific hormones with a nuchal translucency ultrasound measurement. Other methods may include non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyzes fetal DNA fragments circulating in the mother's blood. The aim is to provide expectant parents with information to make informed decisions about their pregnancy management and care. The timing of these screenings varies, with many performed in the first or second trimester. The results are usually expressed as a risk percentage. If a screening test indicates a higher risk, diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may be offered to provide a definitive diagnosis. Participation in sikiöseulonta is voluntary, and genetic counseling is often available to discuss the implications of the tests and their results.