22 weeks: The best time to investigate fetal malformations

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

22 weeks pregnant is an important time for pregnant women to examine and perform obstetric tests during pregnancy. From the results of the previous antenatal checkup, the doctor will decide what tests a 22-week pregnant woman should do. However, there will still be a number of mandatory tests that every pregnant mother will undergo during the 22nd week antenatal visit to investigate fetal malformations.

Among the most important antenatal check-up milestones, when the fetus is 22 weeks pregnant, the fetal anatomical system is complete, ready to perform assessment of growth, weight and other problems. malformations in babies.
At this time, the pregnant mother will also be checked for heart, lungs, blood pressure, measured uterine height, waist size and 10 parameters urine test, blood test and some other tests according to instructions. determination from the doctor.
At this time, the fetus has grown and conducting tests, 3D and 4D ultrasound will help the doctor diagnose the most accurate pregnancy when the amount of amniotic fluid has increased and is beneficial for the investigation of malformations. fetus. In addition, abnormalities in amniotic fluid, placenta ... can also be detected this week and provide specific interventions according to experts' judgment.

The fetus at this time will always remind of the child's existence by constantly moving in the womb. The second trimester is always considered the best trimester in pregnancy.
22 weeks pregnant ultrasound will help doctors better understand the morphological development of the fetus, diagnose fetal status and detect abnormalities (if any).
The reason why ultrasound at 22 weeks of pregnancy is especially important is because if the fetus has any dangerous abnormalities, the doctor will notify the mother to make a timely decision. At this ultrasound, pregnant women are recommended to have a color ultrasound (3D-4D). Ultrasound at this time also detects early fetal growth retardation in utero through survey of placental status, amniotic fluid, fetal weight measurement, arterial Doppler indices. Therefore, going to follow-up ultrasound as prescribed by the doctor will monitor the growth of the fetus and detect fetal abnormalities early.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks not only shows the mother the external features of the baby's face and limbs, but the doctors also check the development status of other organs and parts inside the body.
Brain: The results of brain ultrasound at this stage will help assess the development of the baby's brain. If there are abnormalities in the head and brain, it can be caused by many different causes, depending on the type of injury, the doctor will give appropriate advice to the pregnant woman. Heart: Heart defects are one of the leading causes of birth defects, seriously affecting the health of the fetus. At 22 weeks pregnant, doctors will check the heart to help detect defects early, if any. Kidneys, bladder: The doctor will check these two organs to make sure there are no blockages or defects. Digestive system: At this gestational age, examining the digestive system is a must, in order to ensure that the fetal digestive system is not blocked or compressed, malformations related to the digestive tract often cause polyhydramnios. Moderate or severe and associated with chromosomal abnormalities In addition, mechanical pregnancy testing will also be performed and should be performed at least 3 times a day. Pregnant women need to pay close attention to this issue, regularly observe the baby's movements, if you see that the baby moves too little or too much, then consult a doctor for timely advice.

Blood test: As one of the important tests during pregnancy, it helps pregnant women detect Down syndrome in their babies and detect other diseases. At the same time, blood tests also help pregnant women check if they are infected with viruses that can cause miscarriage or spread to their baby such as HIV (immunodeficiency syndrome), Rubella (infectious miscarriage), hepatitis B (viral hepatitis),... Urinalysis: Along with blood test, urine test is also done during this time; Help detect gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia... Triple Test : Is a screening test for birth defects, through 3 indicators of fetal shaping: hCG, AFP, and estriol. If the pregnant woman has not done the Double test at 12 weeks of pregnancy, the Triple Test is recommended to be done during the 22nd week of pregnancy. According to experts, the results of Triple Test combined with the results of blood tests and fetal ultrasound, can tell if the baby has Down syndrome, Edward's syndrome, or neural tube defects in the fetus. . The accuracy rate of Triple Test is up to 94 - 96%.

To keep mother and baby healthy during pregnancy, regular antenatal checkups and choosing a reputable and safe antenatal clinic play a very important role. Currently, most medical facilities provide periodic antenatal care services. However, there are also many medical facilities that do not meet the diagnosis in terms of equipment and professional staff, causing incorrect diagnosis, affecting the health of both mother and baby. Therefore, before deciding to go for antenatal care, pregnant women should also learn and choose reputable and safe medical facilities.
Vinmec International General Hospital is proud to be a prestigious and modern hospital chain in the country, converging many leading experts, skilled and experienced doctors. Owning modern equipment effectively supports the diagnosis and timely treatment of difficult cases. Currently, Vinmec is providing package maternity services with outstanding quality. Pregnant women from the beginning of pregnancy will have antenatal checkups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests, to ensure that the mother is always healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively.
In addition, after birth, the baby will be cared for in a sterile room before being returned to the mother. Pregnant women will rest in a high-class hospital room, designed according to international hotel standards, 1 mother 1 room with full facilities and modern equipment. Mothers will be consulted by nutritionists on how to feed the baby before being discharged from the hospital. Postpartum follow-up with both mother and baby with leading Obstetricians and Paediatricians.
Master. Doctor. Ly Thi Thanh Nha has worked at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital before working at Vinmec Danang International General Hospital as it is today.
Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pregnancy, pregnancy pathology. Pregnancy screening. Perform caesarean section techniques. Laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy.

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