Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks and Ultrasound Insights During Pregnancy
Neural tube defects Hello, I underwent maternal blood screening for Down syndrome when I was 17 weeks pregnant. The doctor mentioned that the test primarily checks for two conditions: one is Down syndrome, and the other assesses whether the baby may have neural abnormalities. The...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: If the maternal blood screening indicates a higher probability of neural tube defects, an amniocentesis or a high-level ultrasound examination should be performed. If further testing shows no abnormalities, there is no need for excessive concern. Hsinchu Hospital, Departme...[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks and Ultrasound Insights During Pregnancy
Understanding Amniocentesis and Neural Tube Defect Risks in Pregnancy
Questions regarding amniocentesis during prenatal care? Hello Dr. Huang, I previously underwent a blood test for Down syndrome in the obstetrics and gynecology department, and the results indicated a risk of 1 in 1250 for Down syndrome, but a risk of 1 in 37 for neural tube defec...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
This is a very important topic. In principle, high-level ultrasound examinations and amniocentesis complement each other and are necessary. However, since amniocentesis is an invasive procedure, it carries its own risks. Regarding the probability of Down syndrome being 1 in 250 a...[Read More] Understanding Amniocentesis and Neural Tube Defect Risks in Pregnancy
Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Symptoms, and Screening Options
Neural tube defects Hello Dr. Lu, I recently underwent a screening for Down syndrome, and the result was 1 in 1250. However, the risk for "neural tube defects" was reported as 1 in 37. The doctor suggested that to alleviate concerns, I should go to a larger hospital for...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
The results of the 4D ultrasound examination indicate that the brain, heart, and spine are all normal at 20 weeks of gestation. However, the physician informed that the risk of neural tube defects is 1 in 37, which may also be associated with other symptoms. What could these pote...[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Symptoms, and Screening Options
Understanding Down Syndrome Screening Results: What Pregnant Women Should Know
Report on Down Syndrome Dear Dr. Lu, I had a blood test for Down syndrome screening at 15 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, and the ultrasound showed I was at 15 weeks and 1 day. My weight is 48.2 kg and my height is 150 cm. During my 19-week check-up, the report indicated a Down s...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: The Down syndrome screening index serves as a reference, with an accuracy rate of only about 60-70%. There are still a few cases that may be missed, resulting in the birth of a child with Down syndrome. If you have concerns, you may opt for a high-level ultrasound. If ever...[Read More] Understanding Down Syndrome Screening Results: What Pregnant Women Should Know
Managing Constipation and Diarrhea During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Constipation and diarrhea during pregnancy? I am currently nearly six months pregnant and often experience constipation, sometimes lasting two to three days, followed by diarrhea. This has happened several times, and I experience severe pain before the diarrhea that makes me brea...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: 1. During pregnancy, it is important to have a bowel movement daily. If this does not occur, you should increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. If you are already doing this and still experience constipation, you may want to consult your physician to evaluate the ne...[Read More] Managing Constipation and Diarrhea During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Amniocentesis Risks for Older Mothers with History of Miscarriages
Amniocentesis Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 weeks pregnant. As I am an advanced maternal age patient, my doctor has recommended that I undergo amniocentesis directly (without prior blood tests for Down syndrome screening). However, I have a history of three miscarriages, all oc...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: The miscarriage rate associated with amniocentesis is approximately 0.1%. There is no statistical data available for your specific situation. There are no alternative options. Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.[Read More] Amniocentesis Risks for Older Mothers with History of Miscarriages
Optimal Timing for Down Syndrome Screening During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
The ideal time for Down syndrome screening is typically between 10 to 13 weeks of gestation? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant, and my doctor scheduled my next prenatal check-up for when I will be 15 weeks and 1 day to perform the blood test for Down syndrome screening. I recently...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
The best time to perform the blood test for Down syndrome screening is between 16 to 18 weeks, but it can be done anytime between 14 to 20 weeks. It is also acceptable to conduct the blood test for Down syndrome screening at 16 weeks. However, there is an inherent margin of error...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Down Syndrome Screening During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Should You Consider Amniocentesis After Maternal Blood Screening?
Maternal blood screening for Down syndrome? I am 31 years old and currently 17 weeks pregnant. At 15 weeks, I underwent maternal serum screening, which resulted in a risk of 1 in 431, with an AFP of 42.74, AFP MoM of 1.18, B-HCG of 110.49, and B-HCG MoM of 2.11. The doctor sugges...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
Maternal blood screening for Down syndrome uses a reference value of 1 in 270. If the risk exceeds 1 in 270, the physician will recommend further amniocentesis. The risks associated with amniocentesis include rupture of membranes, infection, and miscarriage, but the probability i...[Read More] Should You Consider Amniocentesis After Maternal Blood Screening?
Understanding Down Syndrome Screening: Key Insights and Next Steps
Regarding Down syndrome screening? Hello Dr. Zhao: I underwent early maternal blood screening for Down syndrome at 11 weeks, and the test report indicated a T21 Risk of 1 in 2,500. At 15 weeks, I had a mid-pregnancy Down syndrome screening, and the report showed a T21 Risk of 1 i...
Dr. Zhao Chengxiang Reply:
The probability of blood tests can vary at different times. NTD Risk refers to the risk of neural tube defects. T21 Risk refers to the risk of Down syndrome. If the probabilities are low, amniocentesis is not recommended. For any concerns, please consult at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Down Syndrome Screening: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Down Syndrome Risks and Fetal Growth in Pregnant Women
Down syndrome Is it safe for a 35-year-old pregnant woman, who is having her second child after a normal first pregnancy, to rely on a blood test report showing a risk of 1 in 3800 for Down syndrome, especially since the doctor forgot to perform an amniocentesis? Additionally, th...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
1. Maternal blood screening for Down syndrome is a type of screening test, not definitive, and there may be "false negatives." Amniocentesis is certainly more accurate, and the detection of Down syndrome primarily relies on amniocentesis. Ultrasound examinations during ...[Read More] Understanding Down Syndrome Risks and Fetal Growth in Pregnant Women
Do Expecting Mothers Need High-Level Ultrasounds? Costs and Options
Do all pregnant women need to undergo a high-level ultrasound? 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:
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...[Read More] Do Expecting Mothers Need High-Level Ultrasounds? Costs and Options
Concerns About Fetal Head Size: Understanding Growth and Development
Fetal head is too small? Hello, I am currently 15 weeks pregnant and I am scheduled for a maternal blood screening for Down syndrome. During the process, an ultrasound was performed to measure the head circumference, but both measurements (the first at 14 weeks and the second at ...
Dr. Shi Chengyang Reply:
Please visit our hospital for a consultation.[Read More] Concerns About Fetal Head Size: Understanding Growth and Development
Understanding the Effects of Oligohydramnios on Fetal Development
What are the effects of oligohydramnios on the fetus? I am currently 30 weeks pregnant. During my recent ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that the baby's position is supine with the wrist bent inward at about a 90-degree angle, which could be considered abnormal. However, I ...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
First, it is essential to confirm whether there is indeed a condition of oligohydramnios (according to the definition of AFI). Second, if there is a significant reduction in amniotic fluid that is compressing the baby's growth, it is necessary to rule out certain causes and ...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Oligohydramnios on Fetal Development
Understanding Down Syndrome Screening: What to Do Next?
Screening for Down syndrome? Dr. Wang: Hello! I have a question to ask you. I have been undergoing examinations at Cathay since the beginning of my pregnancy. On August 11, when I was exactly 12 weeks along, I had the nuchal translucency screening and blood tests done. The nuchal...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding Down syndrome screening, the current screening is performed through a blood test between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (ideally between the 16th and 18th weeks). This test measures "α-FP" (alpha-fetoprotein) and "...[Read More] Understanding Down Syndrome Screening: What to Do Next?
Can Amniocentesis Detect Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Delays?
Please ask your question? Can amniocentesis detect autism, ADHD, or developmental delays in children?
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! 1. Currently, it is still "not possible" to diagnose children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or developmental delays. 2. Amniocentesis can detect Down syndrome because children with Down syndrome have a distinct chromosomal abnormal...[Read More] Can Amniocentesis Detect Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Delays?
Essential Guide to Routine Prenatal Checkups: What to Expect and When
Routine prenatal check-up A prenatal check-up involves assessing various aspects of the mother's and baby's health. Key components of the examination include: 1. **Blood Tests**: To check for anemia, blood type, infections (such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis), and ot...
Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
Generally, after 10 weeks of pregnancy, a maternal handbook is issued during outpatient visits, as the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases after this point. Each prenatal check-up requires a urine test to rule out issues such as proteinuria, glucosuria, inflammation, and ...[Read More] Essential Guide to Routine Prenatal Checkups: What to Expect and When
Understanding Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in High-Risk Pregnancies
Ultrasound and Amniocentesis Hello Doctor! I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and had ultrasounds at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. My daily life is regular, but after the third ultrasound, the fetus appears to be measuring at 14 weeks. Is there any concern regarding this? Should I increase...
Dr. Wu Zongcheng Reply:
Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Wu Zongcheng's response: (1) Ultrasound examinations are relatively safe for the fetus; although ultrasound machines do emit a small amount of radiation, it is not higher than that from a television ...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in High-Risk Pregnancies
Understanding Amniocentesis Results and Down Syndrome Decisions
Down syndrome My friend is currently 34 years old and recently underwent amniocentesis, which revealed that her baby has Down syndrome. The doctor has advised her to terminate the pregnancy, so she has some questions for the doctor to make a final decision: Q1: Typically, the r...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
1. Amniocentesis involves extracting cells from the amniotic fluid for culture, so if the cell culture proceeds smoothly, testing can typically be done in 16 days without issue. The accuracy of amniocentesis performed at a certified prenatal care facility should be quite reliable...[Read More] Understanding Amniocentesis Results and Down Syndrome Decisions
Managing Down Syndrome Diagnosis in Pregnancy: Key Considerations
Down syndrome The probability of screening for Down syndrome is 1 in 247. If a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) confirms the diagnosis of Down syndrome, what would be the subsequent management options? (Currently, the pregnancy is at 16 weeks.)
Dr. Xu Junzheng Reply:
If Down syndrome is confirmed, induction of labor is currently recommended. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Down Syndrome Diagnosis in Pregnancy: Key Considerations
Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Causes and Essential Tests for Expecting Mothers
Neural tube At 16 weeks of pregnancy, a blood test was conducted to check for gestational diabetes. During a follow-up visit at 18 weeks, the doctor informed that the incidence of gestational diabetes is low, but there is a potential risk of the fetus having neural tube defects. ...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Down syndrome screening has a higher rate of neural tube defects, which can generally be assessed via ultrasound around 20 weeks of gestation, with a relatively high detection rate. The causes of neural tube defects are unknown and are more prevalent in certain populations. Addit...[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Causes and Essential Tests for Expecting Mothers