Although the majority of pregnancies goes smoothly and results in healthy babies, there is a small chance that a child could be born with a genetic illness or a physical oddity like a neural tube defect. Prenatal exams determine whether a growing fetus has such an anomaly.

Prenatal screening tests only provide information about the likelihood that a condition will be present in the unborn child; they are not 100% accurate. The following is how the outcomes of prenatal screening tests are interpreted:

• A “positive” test indicates that the risk of developing the ailment being tested for is higher than the cutoff. The lady is given the option of additional diagnostic testing, such as an amniocentesis, to confirm the danger.
• A “negative” test result indicates that the risk of developing a specific condition is less than the cutoff. It indicates that there is a low likelihood that the infant will have the illness; in this situation, no diagnostic tests are performed. 

Before scheduling an ultrasound in Varanasi for your prenatal Screening testing, it makes sense to read more about this.

Types of Prenatal Screening Tests

Numerous tests are carried out at different stages of pregnancy; the results of these tests are also impacted by the expectant woman’s age and medical history. The following tests are performed during prenatal screenings and ultrasounds in Varanasi:

1. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels – the placenta created during pregnancy produces the hCG hormone. If there are twins or more babies, the levels are unusually high. However, in a newborn with Down syndrome, elevated blood levels of hCG can potentially be a sign of chromosomal abnormalities.

2. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening – A blood test called AFP can reveal whether a newborn is at risk for neural tube defects such as spinal Bifida (a malformed spinal column) or anencephaly (the full or partial absence of a brain). Additionally, it is a sign of Down syndrome.

3. Glucose testing – Pregnancy blood glucose levels are monitored to look for the beginning of gestational diabetes.

4. Amniocentesis – In high-risk women (those over 35 or with a family history of the genetic condition), the amniotic fluid sample is removed to check for genetic or chromosomal aberrations.

5. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – Similar to amniocentesis, a CVS is performed earlier in pregnancy or when there is not enough amniotic fluid.

6. Foetal blood sampling (Cordocentesis or percutaneous umbilical cord sampling) – Direct blood sampling of the fetus is done from the umbilical cord to look for anemia or low oxygen levels in the fetus as well as maternal antibodies that could be harmful to the fetus.

The Role of Ultrasound

1. ultrasonography examinations for nuchal translucency (NT) during the eleventh and thirteenth week of pregnancy.

2. Ultrasound – To track the development of the fetus, ultrasounds are performed at various stages of pregnancy. Additionally, ultrasounds can identify physical or genetic anomalies such as cleft lip, heart defects, aberrant spine development, etc. Level 2 ultrasounds, also known as anatomy scans, are performed as the pregnancy develops to monitor the development of the baby’s numerous organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, sex organs, and so on. Most anatomy scans take place during the second trimester of pregnancy (between 18 and 22 weeks).

Conclusion

We hope that after reading the previous information, you now understand how important it is to choose a reputable institution when having an ultrasound in Varanasi. Make an appointment with our experts at Niraamaya if you’re searching for a reliable testing center in Varanasi right away.