ULTRASOUNDS
AND PRENATAL TESTS
ULTRASOUND AND PRENATAL TESTING UNIT
Ultrasounds and prenatal tests, the head and director of the unit is Dr. Gerard Albaigés, a gynecologist specializing in fetal medicine with training and exclusive dedication to this field of medicine.
He is currently the Director of R&D for Fetal Medicine at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona. He is also the coordinator of the ultrasound and fetal medicine section of the Catalan Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics and is part of the Fetal Medicine Foundation based in London.
Confidence in monitoring and controlling your baby is essential to enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
For a peaceful pregnancy, get ahead of the curve and meet your child with the most modern prenatal diagnosis in the hands of the best professionals in the sector in ultrasounds and prenatal tests.
PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK
EARLY FIRST TRIMESTER ULTRASOUND AT 8 WEEKS OF GEMINI
Ultrasound performed between 7 and 9 weeks of gestation to check the number of embryos and the presence of a positive fetal heartbeat.
SCREENING FOR THE RISK OF CHROMOSONIC ALTERATIONS (DOWN SYNDROME)
It consists of performing a maternal analysis (week 9-11) to measure hormones (B-hCG and the PAPP-A protein) and an ultrasound at 12 weeks where an anatomical fetal examination is performed. From the data obtained together with the maternal age, the risk of suffering chromosomal alterations of the fetus is calculated. The results obtained are explained in detail and accompanied by appropriate prenatal advice.
NON-INVASIVE CHROMOSOMAL ANALYSIS: NON-INVASIVE ANTENATAL TRISONIM TEST (10-13 WEEKS)
The non-invasive prenatal test allows the detection of alterations in chromosomes 13, 18, 21 and also the determination of the fetal sex (chromosomes X and Y) as well as the detection of certain microdeletions (loss of portions of the chromosomes). With a simple analysis in the mother, the results are detected with more than 98.5% reliability for the chromosomes analyzed. It is applicable to both single and double pregnancies, with the same reliability.
INVASIVE TECHNIQUES
They are performed transabdominally using local anesthesia. The current risk of fetal loss is 1:500. The main result is obtained in 3 days and the final one in 3 weeks.
Types of techniques:
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- Chorion biopsy (12 – 13 weeks)
A fetal karyotype is performed on the chorionic tissue obtained in the biopsy. Especially useful in cases of suspected early chromosomal alterations. The Embriogyn unit performs this test transabdominally.
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- Amniocentesis
A fetal karyotype is performed on fetal cells obtained from the amniotic fluid. Most indications come from fetal structural alterations or maternal desire.
HIGH DEFINITION ULTRASOUND MORPHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
It is the so-called high-definition or morphological ultrasound in which the fetal anatomy is assessed in a systematized way, looking for different structural alterations in all organs and skeleton for correct planning of pregnancy and childbirth.
Using color and pulsed Doppler, resistance indices in the uterine arteries are measured to define risk factors for preeclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation.
4D-5D ULTRASOUND
FIVE-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND EVALUATION
It is performed with state-of-the-art ultrasound technology. It involves obtaining spectacular images in volume and in real time, which allow parents to create a very strong mother-child bond, since it is anticipated and allows us to see what our child will be like before birth.
The sharpness and resolution of the images in this technique provide greater diagnostic capacity for anomalies. It represents a new generation and perspective in terms of the power of the images that provide an increase in resolution and diagnostic capacity.
BIOMETRICS: THIRD TRIMESTER ULTRASOUND EVALUATION
It is performed using an ultra-fast ultrasound with excellent resolution for obstetric examinations. The anatomy is analyzed and examined looking for anomalies that did not appear in previous ultrasounds. Through fetal biometry, the state of fetal growth is determined and possible risks that may appear during the third trimester are reported. The placenta is assessed in terms of ultrasound appearance and position. Based on this third trimester ultrasound, the type and specifications of the birth are planned.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
It’s quite simple. All you have to do is contact Embriogyn and make an appointment with our specialists at the time that suits you best. In case you can’t come in person to the clinic, visits can also be arranged via Skype.