LEON SMITH, JR., M.D.
New Jersey Perinatal Associates, Division of Maternal
Fetal Medicine
Perhaps the most exciting technology advance in pregnancy
is the recent introduction of first trimester screening.
This screening test is available to all pregnant women,
which is allowing more women to have an accurate assessment
of their chromosomal abnormality risk without the need
for invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis.
First trimester screening uses ultrasound between 11
and 14 weeks to measure the clear (translucent) space
in the tissue of the back of your developing baby’s
neck along with two protein measurements called human
chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and pregnancy/ associated
plasma protein A (PAPP-A) from a fingerstick. A statistical
calculation is then made for Downs syndrome and other
chromosomal defects.
The results of the test are typically available within
four business days. First trimester screening offers
several potential advantages over the traditional second
trimester screening. When the test results are negative,
it may reduce maternal anxieties earlier and if the results
are positive, the woman can often have chorionic villi
sampling performed at 11 to 12 weeks gestation. This
allows greater privacy and less health risk. Approximately
90 percent of all Down syndrome fetuses will be detected
by this technique and this test is now being offered
not only to women over 35 but also to any pregnant woman,
including women with twin gestations. There is no accurate
data for women with higher order multiples such as triplets
and beyond.
If you would like this test or more information regarding
this test, please contact the NJPA at (973) 322-5287.
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