It's best to do a thorough screening in a few weeks

The best time for prenatal screening is between 18-24 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus is more fully developed. Ultrasound examination can clearly observe the fetal structure and detect abnormalities in a timely manner. Large scale screening is an important screening method during pregnancy, mainly evaluating whether the fetus has structural abnormalities.

1. The reason for conducting a major prenatal screening examination between 18-24 weeks of pregnancy

During this stage, fetal organ development is basically completed, amniotic fluid volume is moderate, and ultrasound images have high clarity, making it easy for doctors to comprehensively observe fetal structure. Early examination and incomplete development of fetal organs may lead to missed diagnosis; Late examination may result in an increase in fetal volume, limited mobility, and some structures may be obstructed, affecting the effectiveness of the examination.

2. Content of major screening examination

Major screening examination mainly includes the evaluation of fetal head, face, spine, heart, abdomen, limbs and other parts. Through ultrasound imaging, doctors can observe whether the fetus has abnormalities such as widened ventricles, cleft lip and palate, heart malformations, and spina bifida. At the same time, the examination also includes the evaluation of indicators such as placental position, amniotic fluid volume, and umbilical cord blood flow, to comprehensively understand the development of the fetus.

3. Preparation before examination

There is no need to fast or hold urine before the examination. It is recommended to wear loose clothing for easy examination. The examination time is relatively long, usually taking more than 30 minutes. Pregnant women should keep relaxed and avoid tension affecting the examination results. If there are special circumstances, such as placenta previa or poor fetal position, multiple examinations or extended examination time may be necessary.

4. The significance of the examination results

The normal results of the prenatal screening indicate that the fetal structure is well developed, but regular prenatal check ups are still needed to monitor fetal growth. If any abnormalities are found, the doctor will recommend further examinations based on the specific situation, such as non-invasive DNA testing, amniocentesis, etc., to clarify the diagnosis and develop follow-up treatment plans.

5. Precautions

Although the large screening examination can detect most structural abnormalities, some minor abnormalities may not be detected due to technical limitations. Pregnant women should comprehensively evaluate the health status of their fetus by combining other prenatal check ups such as Down syndrome screening and glucose tolerance testing.

Large screening is an indispensable and important part of pregnancy, and the best time for examination is between 18-24 weeks of pregnancy. By comprehensively evaluating fetal structural development, abnormalities can be detected early and provide a basis for subsequent treatment. Pregnant women should undergo regular prenatal screening and cooperate to ensure the health of both mother and baby.