What Is Early Pregnancy Prenatal Screening?
During early pregnancy, it is crucial to perform prenatal screening. Some malformations or chromosomal abnormalities can be detected in the early stages, therefore, it is necessary to attend prenatal examinations regularly based on the condition of the pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, prenatal examinations are required at different stages to assess the health of both the fetus and the mother. If any abnormalities or malformations are discovered, termination of pregnancy should be considered promptly.
Prenatal screening in early pregnancy is conducted during weeks 7 to 13 (+6) of gestation. It involves testing the blood of the pregnant woman for hormonal levels associated with fetal chromosomal abnormalities, combined with ultrasound measurements of the fetal nuchal translucency (NT value). Additional factors such as the gestational age, actual age, weight, presence of diabetes, smoking history, and history of birthing children with 21-trisomy syndrome or neural tube defects are also considered. This assessment aims to evaluate the risk of the fetus developing 21-trisomy syndrome or 18-trisomy syndrome, which are relatively common chromosomal diseases that can lead to intellectual disabilities and various malformations. Pregnant women with higher screening risks may require further prenatal diagnosis for confirmation. Early diagnosis and timely termination of pregnancy can help prevent negative impacts on the mother's physical and mental health, as well as avoid undue burden on the family and society.
Gynecological Speculum Examination: This examination assesses the vagina and cervix to detect any abnormalities in the reproductive organs, ensuring a smooth passage for the baby during delivery. It observes whether the vaginal mucosa is congested, the color and quantity of vaginal secretions are normal, and whether there is any unpleasant odor. It also checks for cervical erosion and the presence of cervical polyps. During early pregnancy bleeding, it investigates whether the bleeding is related to the vagina or cervix, providing a basis for treatment.
Vaginal Discharge Examination: This examination checks for the presence of trichomonas and mold in the vagina. If necessary, further testing for chlamydia, mycoplasma, and gonorrhea may be conducted. The presence of these microorganisms can lead to ascending infections, affecting embryonic development and potentially inducing miscarriage.
Cervical Scraping Examination: Due to the increased blood volume and rich blood supply during pregnancy, timely treatment of cervical tumors can improve survival rates. This examination primarily assesses the morphology of cervical epidermal cells to exclude the occurrence of cervical cancer. Cervical scraping is a preliminary screening method, and further examination such as colposcopy or cervical biopsy may be required for confirmation in case of suspicious findings.
Gynecological Triple Examination: This examination evaluates whether the size of the uterus corresponds to the gestational age and whether the embryo is developing normally. If the uterine size does not match the gestational age, ultrasound examination is required to rule out conditions such as uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine development, and abnormal embryonic development. In the presence of uterine fibroids, their size, location, and potential impact on embryonic growth and development are assessed to determine the need for timely termination of pregnancy. Additionally, the examination includes assessing the normality of the bilateral adnexa. When ovarian enlargement is observed, it is necessary to distinguish whether it is due to functional enlargement caused by pregnancy or organic enlargement. Functional enlargement usually resolves naturally after three months of pregnancy, while surgical intervention may be considered after three months of pregnancy for benign organic enlargement to reduce the risk of miscarriage.
