Expectant mothers are often unsettled. Of course, they all want their baby to do well. To ensure this, there are a number of examinations that are offered. These include tried-and-tested screening checks, but also additional tests that provide information about any illnesses. Below, you can find out which examinations are available.
Table of contents
Blood Tests
These are routine tests that are done throughout pregnancy. The woman’s blood is examined and tested to see if it is infected with dangerous pathogens that could harm the baby.
There are no risks and the tests are free of charge.
Gynecological Examinations
These are also part of the routine and usually take place every four weeks. A vaginal examination, a weight check, a check of the baby’s heart tones, a blood pressure measurement, and a urine test are performed.
These exams are useful because the mother’s health and the baby’s growth are monitored. There are no risks.
Ultrasound Examinations
There are a total of three major ultrasound examinations. The focus is on the child. This examination can clearly confirm pregnancy, identify the sex and monitor the growth of the child.
Most parents are eager to finally see their child on the monitor. These examinations are also harmless.
HIV Test
It is only carried out if the woman agrees. If she is really infected with HIV, measures can be taken in time. The test has no risks and is also free of charge.
Toxoplasmosis Test
Test For Gestational Diabetes
In this way, the level of blood sugar is determined. If the sugar level is elevated, another test follows. Since gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, this test is useful. There are no risks.
Nuchal Translucency Measurement
Amniocentesis
The examination is performed through the abdominal wall of the pregnant woman. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the amniotic sac using a thin cannula. The fetal cells contained in the amniotic fluid are examined. Genetic changes are detected.
The costs amount to 300 – 500 Euro. The accuracy of amniocentesis is very high. The disadvantage is that the extraction can injure the unborn child and lead to miscarriage.
The risk of this is about 0.5 percent.
Chorionic Biopsy
However, it is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
It increases by about one percent. You should ask yourself if the likelihood of your child having a genetic disease is higher than the risk of miscarriage.
Umbilical Cord Puncture
Umbilical cord puncture is a rather rare examination. Blood is taken from the umbilical cord through the abdominal wall of the woman. Blood diseases, blood group incompatibilities, infectious diseases and genetic anomalies can be excluded in this way. However, the risk of miscarriage is increased by about two percent. This examination is only performed if a serious disease is suspected.
Conclusion
Prenatal examinations do not guarantee a healthy child, even if the results are unremarkable. However, 95 percent of all children are healthy at birth anyway, which is why the risk of individual treatments must always be weighed. In the case of abnormalities, the health insurance company will bear the costs, but you will have to pay for a nuchal translucency measurement yourself.
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