QuestionHi, i am 41 years old and am 12 weeks pregnant, i was discussing with my doctor about having tests, for abnormalities, although he feels there isn't any need. I would like to get tested for abnormalities, eg, down syndrome, etc and was wondering at what stage in the pregnancy can these be done. Also i haven't felt the baby move as yet is that normal,at this stage, thanks for your time best wishes Judy
AnswerDear Judy,
Many doctors offer the Quad Screen to pregnant women. The quad screen test is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. All pregnant women should be offered the quad screen, but it is recommended for women who: have a family history of birth defects, are 35 years or older, used possible harmful medications or drugs during pregnancy, have diabetes and use insulin, had a viral infection during pregnancy, and/or have been exposed to high levels of radiation.
The quad screen test is a blood screening test that looks for four specific substances: AFP, hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin-A. It is similar to the Triple Screen Test (also know as AFP Plus and the Multiple Marker Screening). However, the quad screen looks for not only the three specific substances evaluated in those tests (AFP, hCG, and Estriol) but also a fourth substance known as Inhibin-A.
It measures high and low levels of AFP, abnormal levels of hCG and estriol, and high levels of Inhibin-A. The results are combined with the mother's age and ethnicity in order to assess probabilities of potential genetic disorders. High levels of AFP may suggest that the developing baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly. However, the most common reason for elevated AFP levels is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy. Low levels of AFP and abnormal levels of hCG and estriol may indicate that the developing baby has Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) or another type of chromosome abnormality.
This test only notes that a mother is at risk of carrying a baby with a genetic disorder. Many women who experience an abnormal test result go on to deliver healthy babies. Abnormal test results simply warrant additional testing in order to make a diagnosis.
As far as feeling your baby move, some moms can feel their baby move as early as 13-16 weeks. These first fetal movements are called quickening and are often described as flutters. First-time moms may not feel these movements as early as second-time moms. Some moms, especially those in their first pregnancy, may not feel movement until 18-20 weeks. Remember that each woman and each pregnancy is different, so you may not feel movement as early as another woman. There is a broad range of "normal" for when when the first detection of movement can be felt, ranging from 13-25 weeks.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well and an enjoyable pregnancy!
Brenda
