sikiöseulontojen

Sikiöseulonnat, known in English as fetal screening or prenatal screening, are medical procedures performed during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. These screenings are not diagnostic tests but rather aim to identify pregnancies that may have a higher chance of carrying a specific condition. Common conditions screened for include Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome, as well as certain neural tube defects like spina bifida.

The process typically involves a combination of methods. First-trimester screening, often done between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, usually includes an ultrasound measurement called the nuchal translucency (NT) scan, which measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck, and maternal blood tests measuring specific pregnancy-associated hormones. Second-trimester screening, sometimes called the quadruple screen, involves maternal blood tests performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, measuring different hormone and protein levels. More recently, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has become available. NIPT analyzes fragments of fetal DNA found in the mother's blood and can be performed from around 10 weeks of pregnancy, offering a higher detection rate for certain chromosomal abnormalities.

If a screening test indicates a higher risk, further diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), may be offered. These diagnostic tests can confirm or rule out the presence of a specific condition but carry a small risk of complications. The decision to undergo prenatal screening is a personal one, and expectant parents are encouraged to discuss the options, benefits, and limitations with their healthcare provider.