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Prenatal Screening: Is It For You?

childrenslogoDuring pregnancy, women have many choices to make, and one of them is whether or not to undergo prenatal screening. Dr. Michael Zaretsky is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in the UT Southwestern Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice. He says that all women, regardless of age, should be offered both diagnostic testing as well as screening tests. Ultimately, however, it’s up to the couple to make an informed decision.

Available tests
Two types of tests are available: diagnostic and screening. Diagnostic tests are nearly 100 percent accurate but are invasive. Screening tests are non-invasive and risk-free, but they aren’t as accurate.

Diagnostic tests include Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis. CVS is performed between 10-13 weeks gestation. This test involves sampling the placenta either through the abdomen or cervix. Amniocentesis is performed anytime after 15 weeks gestation through the abdomen. Both tests evaluate all 46 chromosomes.

First trimester screening tests evaluate the risk for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and 13. The first trimester ultrasound can detect many structural abnormalities such as heart defects. The screening tests performed during the second trimester evaluate the risk for spina bifida, Down syndrome and trisomy 18.

A genetic ultrasound is an important component of the evaluation for chromosomal abnormalities. This is typically performed at 18-20 weeks and provides a more comprehensive picture than a routine ultrasound.  

OB/GYN’s office versus a specialist
The screening tests can be performed by an obstetrician or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, but Dr. Zaretsky advises women to seek out a specialist for diagnostic testing.

“When going to a specialist, informing the couple is top priority and generally more time will be spent helping them make decisions on the next steps,” Dr. Zaretsky says. “For diagnostic testing, women should only go to someone with a lot of experience in these precise procedures. Risk of complications are definitely higher when performed by someone with less experience.”

Specialists at Children’s
Dr. Zaretsky treats patients at Children’s Medical Center at Legacy where you will have access to more than 50 specialty and subspecialty programs for your baby. Whether it’s preconception counseling to prepare for pregnancy, or treatment for a high-risk pregnancy, the UT Southwestern Maternal-Fetal Medicine experts provide innovative care that will guide you every step of the way.

Ask your doctor for a referral to the only academic practice in North Texas that offers immediate coordination of care with on-site pediatric specialists. To learn more about the highly specialized services at Children’s, visitwww.childrens.com/maternal or www.utsouthwestern.org/obgyn/mfm.

Wednesday, 04 January 2012