What Should Pregnant Women Know About Blood Tests?
The Alpha Feto Protein Test (which measures the level of alpha-feto-protein in a sample of the mother’s blood), the Double Test (which measures the level of human chorionic gonadotrophin as well) and the Triple Test (which in addition measures oestriol levels) are all blood tests which assess the risk of the mother carrying a baby with Down’s syndrome or spina bifida (and some other conditions). It is important for women to understand that these are screening tests and therefore not conclusive. The tests aim to give the woman an idea of how much at risk she is of having a baby with a disability. She can then use this information to make further decisions about testing.
Even when the woman is at very low risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome or any other problem, and even when she has agreed to have the Alpha Feto Protein test simply because it is on offer, waiting for the result can be nerve-racking.
It is very common for the woman to be contacted only if the Alpha Feto Protein result is abnormal: that is, either higher than average suggesting she may be at risk of carrying a baby with spina bifida, or lower than average suggesting that her baby may have Down’s syndrome. She often hears nothing if the test is within normal limits. This can be very unsatisfactory.
Even after receiving the news of an abnormal result, it is a sad fact that some women find they have to endure more waiting until they are able to see a doctor with whom they can discuss what to do next.
Shirley M. Duran is a mother of two and an author of a variety of related lifestyle issues and topics with which has helped hundreds of mothers become pregnant. If you have any pregnancy questions for which you need answers, it is recommended to visit: http://mypregnancyquestions.info/.Copyright © Shirley M. Duran, All Rights Reserved. If you are interested in using this article make all the URLs (links) active. Thank you!
Article Source
Comments
Leave a Reply
Aller DMC Dust Mite Controller
Squirrel Stop
