Services
SCREENING OF FOETAL ABNORMALITIES

Ultrasound screening for foetal abnormalities is routinely offered during your antenatal care appointments with Dr Jagiellowicz. These foetal abnormality tests and screenings are normally done between 18 and 20 weeks with the purpose of screening and possibly identifying foetal anomalies to provide you, as mom and dad, with a comprehensive picture of your child's health before he or she is born.

Prenatal screenings are done to determine if your little one is at risk for certain health conditions or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Should your pregnancy be complicated, Dr Jagiellowicz will be ready to answer all your questions and assist in the necessary screening and tests while informing you of your options so that you are confident in your choices. He will also refer you to the necessary subspecialists should it be needed.

Dr Jagiellowicz can conduct the following prenatal screenings for foetal abnormalities:

• Nuchal ultrasound – This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the baby inside the uterus. It is done to check the accumulation of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. When there is more fluid than there should be, this indicates high risk of Down syndrome.
• Blood tests – These include sequential integrated screening test and integrated serum screening. These blood tests are used to measure levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and the human chronic gonadotropin hormone. Abnormal levels of either of the substances in the blood may indicate a high risk of chromosome abnormality.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – This is an invasive test where a piece of tissue from the placenta is taken for sampling. It is conducted to test for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis.
• Glucose screening – This is a test conducted o check for gestational diabetes.
• Amniocentesis – This is a test where a sample of the amniotic fluid will be taken from the uterus for testing. It is done to test for genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome and spina bifida.

If the results of any of the foetal abnormalities screenings are abnormal, Dr Jagiellowicz will conduct further diagnostic screenings and tests in order to determine whether the baby has foetal abnormalities or health problems.