Pregnancy is an exciting period in a woman's life that requires her to take special
responsibility and a serious attitude towards her health. To keep the situation under control
and take timely measures to eliminate possible complications, physicians have established an
antenatal care protocol for pregnant women, defined a list of necessary examinations, and
recommendations.
1st Trimester (Weeks 0–12)
- Ultrasound: The first fetal heart ultrasound during pregnancy is typically performed
at 6–8 weeks to confirm fetal viability and detect the heartbeat. - Blood and Urine Tests: blood typing, complete blood count, general urine analysis,
biochemical blood analysis, infection tests. - Screening Tests: Genetic risks, such as Down syndrome, are assessed during weeks
11–14 using Nuchal Translucency measurement and the Double Marker Test. - Lifestyle Recommendations: Information is provided regarding folic acid and
vitamin supplementation and nutrition.
2nd Trimester (Weeks 13–24)
- Monthly Check-ups: The baby's development is monitored monthly via ultrasound.
- Triple or Quad Screen Test (Weeks 16–20): Genetic risk screenings are performed.
- Detailed Ultrasound (Weeks 20–22): Organ development, heart, brain, and spine are
examined in detail. - Glucose Tolerance Test (Weeks 24–28): Screening is performed for Gestational
Diabetes (pregnancy-related diabetes). - Maternal Health: Blood pressure, weight tracking, and potential risks for preterm
labor are assessed.
3rd Trimester (Weeks 25–40) involves intensified monitoring to prepare for delivery.
- Intensified Monitoring: Bi-weekly Check-ups start from the 28th week. The baby's
weight, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the condition of the placenta are assessed. - Fetal Well-being: After 32 weeks, regular Non-Stress Tests (NST) track the baby's
heart rate and movement. - Maternal Health Checks: Routine blood tests (like a Complete Blood Count) are
performed to check iron levels. - Birth planning: discussions cover options like vaginal delivery or C-section. After 37
weeks, appointments become weekly as the body finalizes preparation for labor.
Pregnancy Monitoring involves regular consultations with a doctor, monitoring the
development of the fetus and the health status of the expectant mother, as well as conducting
necessary tests and examinations. Proper antenatal care helps to identify potential
complications promptly, minimize risks, and prepare the woman for childbirth.
Pregnancy Screening Tests
Screening tests performed during pregnancy allow us to gain early information regarding the
baby's health. These tests are of great importance for the early diagnosis of congenital
anomalies and chromosomal disorders.
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is a blood test that screens for fetal genetic
anomalies by analyzing small fragments of fetal DNA found in the mother's bloodstream.
This test is typically performed after 10 weeks of gestation and is used to assess the risk of
certain genetic conditions, notably Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome
(Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), and other genetic abnormalities. The results
are highly accurate, typically providing 99% accuracy in detecting Down syndrome and other
common chromosomal disorders.
The Double Screening Test is a non-invasive test used to detect chromosomal anomalies at
an early stage, specifically Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy
18). The test is based on two main parameters: maternal blood biochemical analyses and
ultrasound measurements. The Double Screening Test is typically performed between the
11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy.
The Quad Screening Test for the second trimester of pregnancy is a screening examination
performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. It measures the levels of three distinct
substances in the mother's blood: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin A. These markers are utilized to assess the risk of certain chromosomal anomalies and neural tube defects in the fetus.
The Detailed Fetal Ultrasound is performed at 18–22 weeks of gestation to rule out
congenital malformations. The specialist meticulously examines all the organs, assessing
their structure and development. Additionally, the examination evaluates the condition of the
placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, and measures the fetal size. The procedure typically
lasts approximately 40-60 minutes and provides comprehensive information regarding the
baby's health.
Screening and Tests during pregnancy represent a series of vital examination methods. They
enable the early detection of fetal developmental anomalies and the presence of chromosomal
disorders (such as Down syndrome or Patau syndrome), and they allow the physician to
monitor the health of both the expectant mother and the baby throughout the entire gestation
period.





