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
Concerns of Expecting Mothers: Managing Body Temperature During Pregnancy
Worried Expectant Mother My body temperature tends to be easily dysregulated, especially during the summer. People around me often ask, "You seem like an oven! Heat is radiating from you; are you running a fever?" When I take my temperature, it reads nearly 38 degrees C...
Dr. Chen Xuhui Reply:
Foreign literature indeed indicates that maternal fever in early embryonic development has been associated with central nervous system defects in mouse studies. Recent reports from abroad also suggest that in 2002, during early pregnancy, the incidence of congenital conditions su...[Read More] Concerns of Expecting Mothers: Managing Body Temperature During Pregnancy
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 Amniotic Fluid Testing: Common Concerns for Expecting Mothers
Amniocentesis Dr. Wang: Hello! I have received your reply, and I really appreciate your answers. I will visit your clinic when I reach 15 weeks, but before that, I have two questions that I hope you can take the time to answer for me. 1. I previously had blood tests for thalass...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello, In response to your question, neural tube defects (NTDs) are a type of abnormal development of the fetal central nervous system. The neural tube is the precursor to the central nervous system, which differentiates into the brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. For vari...[Read More] Understanding Amniotic Fluid Testing: Common Concerns for Expecting Mothers
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?
Essential Folate Intake for Pregnant Women: Your Questions Answered
Questions about folic acid? Hello, Dr. Wang. Pregnant women should consume and supplement folic acid in large amounts, but I heard that it is especially important to supplement during the first three months. I am currently sixteen weeks along; is it still possible for you to pres...
Dr. Wang Hanzhou Reply:
Folic acid supplementation should occur before and during the early stages of pregnancy, as studies suggest it can help prevent neural tube defects, but it has no correlation with intelligence. If consuming milk causes diarrhea or abdominal pain, consider discontinuing its use; p...[Read More] Essential Folate Intake for Pregnant Women: Your Questions Answered
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
Managing Medication for Pregnant Women with Epilepsy: Key Considerations
Management of Pregnant Women with Epilepsy For a woman who has had epilepsy since childhood and is required to take long-term medication, it is crucial to manage her medication carefully during pregnancy. Here are some key points to consider: 1. **Consultation with Healthcare Pr...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Antiepileptic drugs should be continued during pregnancy; otherwise, discontinuing these medications may lead to a recurrence of seizures. Based on the principle of minimizing harm, it is essential to maintain the use of antiepileptic medications. Additionally, it is recommended ...[Read More] Managing Medication for Pregnant Women with Epilepsy: Key Considerations