Neural tube defects, Obstetrics and Gynecology FAQ

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Understanding Neural Tube Defect Risks in Down Syndrome Screening

Down syndrome screening - Neural tube defects Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to inquire about the risk value of neural tube defects being 1 in 565. Is this a reference value? Additionally, the fetal alpha-fetoprotein level is 2.12, and the doctor mentione...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, a blood test is just a preliminary assessment; a high-level ultrasound is necessary to determine if there are any issues. Generally, the likelihood of problems is low. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defect Risks in Down Syndrome Screening


Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks and Implications for Pregnancy

Neural tube defect repair Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if a detection rate of neural tube defects at 1 in 890 is considered a high-risk group? Will the child really have any defects?


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, this is just a preliminary examination. It is recommended to undergo a high-level ultrasound examination for accurate results. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks and Implications for Pregnancy


Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid and Neural Tube Defects in Pregnancy

Oligohydramnios and neural tube defects? Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 weeks pregnant. During my 14-week check-up, the doctor informed me that there is a low level of amniotic fluid, which was visually assessed to be well below the minimum index of 8. The ultrasound did not rev...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, a high-level ultrasound is sufficient. With a Down syndrome risk value of 1:31,300, amniocentesis is not necessary. The probability of neural tube defects is low, but let's wait for the results of the high-level ultrasound. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid and Neural Tube Defects in Pregnancy


How to Differentiate Between Vaginal Discharge and Amniotic Fluid Leak During Pregnancy

Could you please clarify the issue regarding secretions? Hello Dr. Tsao: I am currently 19 weeks pregnant. In the past few weeks, I have noticed that my panty liners are often damp. How can I distinguish between normal discharge and the possibility of amniotic fluid leakage? Sinc...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, are you experiencing amniotic fluid leakage? Please visit an obstetrician for an examination to find out. Typically, prenatal check-ups are done once a month, but if you have any discomfort, it's advisable to get checked earlier. If there are concerns about neural tub...

[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Vaginal Discharge and Amniotic Fluid Leak During Pregnancy


Can Ultrasound Detect Neural Tube Defects During Early Pregnancy?

Questions about folic acid supplementation? Hello Dr. Tsao: In the early stages of pregnancy, a deficiency in folic acid can easily lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, resulting in malformations. I would like to ask if neural tube defects can be detected through ultrasound ...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, in today's society, there are very few people with nutritional deficiencies, so there is no need to worry too much. In the unlikely event that there is a neural tube defect, it can be detected through ultrasound. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Can Ultrasound Detect Neural Tube Defects During Early Pregnancy?


Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks for Future Pregnancies

Fetal neural tube defects? I would like to ask about the risks associated with having another child after my wife and I confirmed through ultrasound examinations by two physicians that our first child has hydrocephalus and a spinal condition that requires painful drainage. Is the...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, there is hydrocephalus in the brain and a phenomenon of protrusion in the spinal area. This is not related to genetics; the next pregnancy is not absolutely correlated with this one, but the risk is somewhat higher. You should be able to conceive, but detailed examinations...

[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks for Future Pregnancies


Understanding High Neural Tube Defect Index During Pregnancy

The neural tube defect index is excessively high? During pregnancy, if tests for Down syndrome and neural tube defects show elevated risk levels, can a routine ultrasound during the 16th week of gestation detect any brain or spinal cord issues in the fetus? Also, is fetal movemen...


Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, the results for the neural tube defect index are elevated, and an ultrasound scan should be performed to check for any issues with the neural tube (brain and spine). Generally, significant defects should be detectable, and anencephaly can definitely be identified. As for f...

[Read More] Understanding High Neural Tube Defect Index During Pregnancy


Can Early Pregnancy Tests Detect Edwards Syndrome and NTDs?

Can Edward's syndrome be detected in early pregnancy? Dear Doctor: The second trimester quadruple marker test can simultaneously detect neural tube defects and abnormalities of the 18th chromosome (i.e., Edwards syndrome). Does the first trimester screening (nuchal transluce...


Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
"Does the first trimester screening (nuchal translucency + blood test) include the two items mentioned above?" The first trimester screening (nuchal translucency + blood test) can also screen for neural tube defects and abnormalities of the 18th chromosome pair, but it ...

[Read More] Can Early Pregnancy Tests Detect Edwards Syndrome and NTDs?


Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Testing, and Child Health

Neural tube defect Hello, doctor. My wife had a blood test for Down syndrome screening during her first pregnancy, and the screening included a risk value for "neural tube defects," which was found to be 1 in 27, clearly abnormal. A high-level ultrasound was performed, ...


Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: If you have related concerns, you can seek relevant examinations. However, there is currently no direct causal relationship between having an extra vertebra, bone cancer, and the values from screening tests. Thank you!

[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Testing, and Child Health


Understanding Neural Tube Defects and Fetal Movement: Key Insights for Expecting Parents

Neural tube defects and fetal movement? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about neural tube defects. Previously, I underwent the fourth marker screening (for Down syndrome), and this index was abnormal, leading to a referral to Mackay Memorial Hospital for an ultrasound on J...


Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
1. "What checks should I perform or what conditions should I monitor in my baby at birth to detect and treat issues early?" This is the responsibility of your obstetrician during prenatal care! Of course, due to the limitations of contemporary medical technology, many c...

[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects and Fetal Movement: Key Insights for Expecting Parents


Do Pregnant Women Need Extra Folic Acid Beyond Multivitamins?

Folic Acid Issues Doctor, I am currently over 4 months pregnant and taking Prenatal vitamins, which contain 1mg of folic acid. Do I still need to supplement with additional folic acid tablets? Thank you.


Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, if you have no history of neural tube defects in previous pregnancies or a personal history of epilepsy, this dosage should be sufficient. Thank you! Wishing you a smooth delivery. Dr. Zhang

[Read More] Do Pregnant Women Need Extra Folic Acid Beyond Multivitamins?


Essential Prenatal Screening: Understanding Tests for Down Syndrome and More

Prenatal examination items 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 amniocente...


Dr. Zhong Yipei Reply:
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...

[Read More] Essential Prenatal Screening: Understanding Tests for Down Syndrome and More


Understanding the Role of High-Level Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in Detecting Fetal Abnormalities

Can high-level ultrasound or amniocentesis determine the severity of fetal abnormalities? I had abnormal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in my second serum test, so I underwent a high-level ultrasound. Although the doctor examined for an hour and then discussed the findings with u...


Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
There is no need to worry excessively. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) often result in false positives, and if a high-level ultrasound does not reveal any abnormalities, it is usually considered normal. If there are still concerns, it is advisable to visit a medical ce...

[Read More] Understanding the Role of High-Level Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in Detecting Fetal Abnormalities


Essential Nutrients for Pregnant Women: Folic Acid, DHA, and Vitamins

Nutritional supplementation for pregnant women? Hello Doctor: I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. My wife is currently 9 weeks pregnant. We heard that it is generally recommended to start taking folic acid before pregnancy, but we only began supplementatio...


Dr. Xu Junzheng Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Feng, Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your lovely baby! As first-time parents, you will undoubtedly have many expectations, but there will also be significant pressure and concerns. However, rest assured that you will provide your baby with much more than w...

[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Pregnant Women: Folic Acid, DHA, and Vitamins


Essential Pre-Pregnancy Health Checks for Expecting Couples

What tests should be done before pregnancy? After being married for a year and planning to have a baby, it's important to undergo certain medical checks before pregnancy. Yes, it is recommended to receive the rubella (German measles) vaccination if you are unsure whether you...


Dr. Xu Junzheng Reply:
Generally, there is no need for special examinations. To determine whether there are antibodies for rubella, you can simply go to a hospital for a blood test. Thank you!

[Read More] Essential Pre-Pregnancy Health Checks for Expecting Couples


Impact of Ear Infection Medications on Fetal Development During Pregnancy

Will medication for ear inflammation affect the fetus? I am currently 12 weeks pregnant, but during the early stages of my pregnancy (the first week), I experienced an ear infection due to swimming and sought treatment from an otolaryngologist, where I was prescribed medication. ...


Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: 1. To investigate the effects of medications on pregnancy, it is important to know the generic name, dosage, and duration of use. 2. During pregnancy, unnecessary exposure to energy or high temperatures should be avoided, especially in the early stages, as the risk of neur...

[Read More] Impact of Ear Infection Medications on Fetal Development During Pregnancy


Understanding High-Level Ultrasound for Down Syndrome Screening

Maternal blood screening for Down syndrome? Hello, doctor. The obstetrician recommended that I go to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a high-level ultrasound. However, regarding the increased risk of neural tube defects, the doctor mentioned that the fetus's spine app...


Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: The probability of neural tube defects is higher in maternal blood screening. A detailed ultrasound examination showed no abnormalities. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing amniocentesis, but please be aware that this procedure carries a risk of miscarr...

[Read More] Understanding High-Level Ultrasound for Down Syndrome Screening


Is a 2.48 Neural Tube Defect Value Considered High or Normal?

Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? A value of 2.48 for the neural tube defect screening is considered elevated. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and interpretation of your results in the context of y...


Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: The AFP value of 2.48 MOM is indeed elevated. Please discuss with your obstetrician whether to perform amniocentesis or a high-level ultrasound to rule out the possibility of neural tube defects. Hsinchu City Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Read More] Is a 2.48 Neural Tube Defect Value Considered High or Normal?


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


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