Comprehensive Prenatal Screening: High-Level Ultrasound and More

High-frequency ultrasound

Hello Dr.
Lu,
I am currently about seven weeks pregnant, and this is my second pregnancy.
My first child was lost due to congenital heart disease, and I would like to inquire about comprehensive prenatal screenings that I should consider beyond the standard check-ups.
I have heard about high-level ultrasound examinations; is this the same as Doppler 3D ultrasound? If they are not the same, how is the cost calculated? Additionally, since I live in Kaohsiung, could you recommend hospitals in Kaohsiung that have these advanced imaging equipment? Or is there a specific doctor who is an expert in this area? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

beiki, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/13

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The high-level ultrasound examination is more suitable for meeting the needs, as it can detect most (but not all) congenital organ abnormalities, including congenital heart disease.
3D ultrasound is another distinct option.
Professor Zhang Fengming from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at National Cheng Kung University Hospital is an expert in ultrasound.
Other medical centers' obstetrics and gynecology departments should also offer high-level ultrasound examinations, with costs ranging from approximately 1500 to 1800 NTD.
Sincerely, Lu Lizheng.

Reply Date: 2004/11/13

More Info

Comprehensive prenatal screening is essential for expectant mothers, especially those with a history of complications in previous pregnancies. In your case, given that you are currently around seven weeks pregnant and have experienced a previous pregnancy with congenital heart disease, it is understandable that you want to ensure the health of your baby through thorough prenatal examinations.

High-level ultrasound, often referred to as a detailed or advanced ultrasound, is a crucial component of prenatal screening. This type of ultrasound is designed to detect potential congenital anomalies, including structural defects in the heart and other organs. It is typically performed between 18 to 20 weeks of gestation, but some practitioners may recommend earlier scans if there are specific concerns. The high-level ultrasound can provide a more detailed view of the fetus compared to standard ultrasounds, allowing for better assessment of anatomical structures.

Regarding your question about Doppler 3D ultrasound, it is important to clarify that while both high-level ultrasound and 3D Doppler ultrasound are advanced imaging techniques, they serve slightly different purposes. High-level ultrasound focuses on assessing the anatomy and detecting abnormalities, while 3D Doppler ultrasound provides a three-dimensional view of blood flow and can be particularly useful in evaluating the fetal heart and other vascular structures. The costs for these procedures can vary significantly depending on the facility and the specific tests performed, but you can generally expect to pay between $1,500 to $1,800 for high-level ultrasound in Taiwan.

In terms of where to get these advanced screenings in Kaohsiung, several hospitals and medical centers are equipped with the necessary technology. Major hospitals such as Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and E-Da Hospital typically offer high-level ultrasound services. It is advisable to consult with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist or an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. They can provide you with personalized care and guidance based on your medical history and current pregnancy status.

In addition to high-level ultrasound, other prenatal screening options you may want to consider include non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which can assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. This test analyzes fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood and can be performed as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy.
Furthermore, if there are still concerns after high-level ultrasound, invasive procedures like amniocentesis may be recommended to obtain amniotic fluid for genetic testing. However, this procedure carries some risks, and it is typically reserved for cases where there is a significant indication of potential abnormalities.

In summary, for comprehensive prenatal screening, you should consider high-level ultrasound, possibly supplemented by NIPT, and consult with a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine. This approach will help ensure that you receive the most accurate information regarding your baby's health and allow you to make informed decisions moving forward. Always remember to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, as they can provide tailored advice based on your unique situation.

Similar Q&A

Essential Prenatal Screening: Understanding Tests for Down Syndrome and More

Hello, doctor! I have several questions. 1. If I undergo a quadruple marker screening for Down syndrome (which can detect neural tube defects), should I also test for spinal muscular atrophy? 2. What is the risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis, and what are the other...

Dr. Zhong Yipei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Your questions are answered as follows: 1. The quadruple marker screening for Down syndrome (which can detect neural tube defects) and spinal muscular atrophy are different tests and cannot replace each other. 2. Amniocentesis has approximately a 0.5% risk of causing misca...

Do Expecting Mothers Need High-Level Ultrasounds? Costs and Options

Do general pregnant women need to undergo a high-level ultrasound? What is the approximate cost? Additionally, which hospitals in central Taiwan have such equipment? Thank you for your response.

Dr. Wu Linting reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, generally, expectant mothers first undergo a basic ultrasound screening. If any potential issues are identified, a more detailed examination, known as a "high-level ultrasound," is performed. This includes serious conditions such as fetal growth restriction, poly...

Understanding High-Level Ultrasound in Obstetrics: When and Why?

Dr. Wang: Hello! I would like to ask under what circumstances a high-level ultrasound should be performed, and what diseases can be detected through it. My friend had a prenatal check-up at Cathay and found out that the baby had heart problems at five months. Is it standard pract...

Dr. Wang Jionglang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: In response to your question, during pregnancy, we usually recommend a high-level ultrasound examination around 24 weeks to conduct a thorough assessment of the fetus. At this time, we will scan the fetus's brain, face (features), neck, heart (including major blood ve...

Understanding the Differences Between Vaginal, Transabdominal, and High-Resolution Ultrasounds

Dr. Zhao: Hello! I found information about ultrasounds online and would like to ask you about the differences between the types of ultrasounds mentioned in the topic, as well as when pregnant women should have which type of ultrasound to best monitor the condition of the fetus.

Dr. Zhao Chengxiang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Amy, here is a brief introduction. 1. Transvaginal Ultrasound: This ultrasound examination is performed using a probe inserted into the vagina, which is close to the uterus. It provides excellent imaging for early pregnancy, retroverted uterus, obesity, or suspected ectop...