What blood test is done with NT Scan

 Nuchal translucency blood test | NT scan gender |NT scan norml range 12 weeks | NT scan results chart | when should NT blood test be done | what blood tests are done at 12 weeks pregnant | what is PAPP a blood test | how accurate is 12 weeks blood test for down syndrome | what happens if NIPT is positive | what is double marker test | what is TSH blood test

Hello,

Mommies to be got through several routine checkups during the total time period of pregnancy. We are totally unaware about these check ups when we are going to be a mommy for the very first time, and we only rely on our doctors for these check ups during our first pregnancy.

In my earlier article, I have told you about NT scan, which is done around 12 weeks of pregnancy and also shared some important factors which you are going to know about your unborn baby during this scan. Remember I have also told you about some blood tests which are associated with this NT Scan.

In this article, we are going to talk about these blood tests in detail. Why they are so much important to be performed during the 12^th week of pregnancy, what all information you get to know about your body and the about the unborn baby which is growing inside you slowly.

So, first of all I would like to tell you that my doctor had written 3 blood tests along with the NT Scan, which I had to take in the 12^th week of pregnancy.

The 3 blood tests are Antenatal care, TSH and Double-marker test. Now, let us understand in detail that what these blood tests actually examine in our body.

What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone?

1 .TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Test – This test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone in your blood, whether the levels TSH are too high or too low. It can tell you if you have “hyperthyroidism” (too much thyroid hormone) or “hypothyroidism”(too little thyroid hormone) in your blood.

Both the conditions are not suitable for a healthy pregnancy, while an increase in TSH may be associated with miscarriage in early pregnancy and a very low amount of TSH in your blood may lead to serious problems such as premature birth, miscarriage and still birth.

Thyroid hormones can also transfer from mother to baby. That is why it is very important to check in early pregnancy months that if you have any thyroid problems or not.

 

What is Double Marker Test?

2 .Double Marker Test – This test is the most important test which is to be performed by the 12^th week of pregnancy. A “Double Marker Test” also known as maternal serum screening is performed to check for any abnormalities in the developing baby.

This blood test checks for blood levels of both beta-human chorionic gonadotropin ( free-beta hCG) and pregnancy-related protein like A ( PAPP-A).

This blood test can only be performed after showing the report of NT scan, the healthcare provider will ask you for your latest NT scan ultrasound report in which he/she can see the presence of clear tissue at the back of the neck of your baby.

This test focuses on two markers Free-Beta hCG and PAPP-A , hence it is called double marker test.

This blood test helps to detect –

1.Down Syndrome- This can lead to lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays in a person.

2.Trisomy 18- This can results into mental retardation and severe birth defects in a baby.

3.Trisomy 21- This can result into mental disorders, heart –functioning issues, and other major problems in organ defects of the baby.

Now the question comes is that ‘How is the risk of Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 21 calculated?”

 The placenta attached to baby produces a hormone called Free beta hCG. High levels of Free beta hCG may indicate a higher risk of Trisomy 18 and Down Syndrome.

Also, PAPP-A is a vital plasma protein. Low levels of this protein can indicate an elevated risk of Down Syndrome.

 Levels of hCG and PAPP-A may be either lower or higher in than “normal pregnancies” with these chromosomal abnormalities.

 What is Antenatal Profile Test ?

3 . Antenatal Profile Test – Ante-Natal Care (ANC) profile test, helps to access the general health of the expecting mother like complete blood count, rh factor , along with some other diseases like diabetics, HIV 1 & 2 antibodies, Hepatitis B, Syphilis rapid test, hepatitis c, hepatitis b, glucose random and complete urine routine test.

 This test is performed to have a close look at the overall health condition of the mother & to check for any disease which she is carrying and can possibly be transferred to the child.

 So, Mommies to be ....now you know how important it is to have all these blood checks done by the week 12 of your pregnancy, so that it can assure that you are a healthy mother and developing a healthy child inside without any diseases or birth disorders.

I hope now you will understand the importance of these tests, and will go for them when your doctor suggests you and never miss them as they are really very important for you and your baby.