About 1 out of every 150 children is born with chromosomal abnormalities. Many of them are just the result of ignorance among women. Although these abnormalities are caused due to difference in the number or arrangement of chromosomes, there are tests like double marker test to detect them during pregnancy.Double marker test is an important test done during pregnancy that helps the doctor find out whether there are any genetic or chromosomal abnormality in the child or not. Modern diagnostic tests are helping doctors identify an increasing number of
genetic disorders found in foetus. Women
getting pregnant after the age of 35, those having unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits, drink or smoke and many unidentified factors are responsible for chromosomal disorders in newborns.
Although, it is good to consult a doctor and go through some tests that are done before conceiving, even if you have conceived, let your doctor know everything related to you and your partner’s medical background. This will help the doctor make apt tests and detect at the earliest whether there is any kind of medical abnormality in the foetus or not.
What is Double Marker Test?
Double marker test is a simple blood test done between 11th and 13th week of
pregnancy. It is done along with ultrasound nuchal scan to find out whether the foetus is affected with any
chromosomal disorder or not. Nuchal test measures the fluid collected from the skin at the back of the neck of the unborn and is checked for the probabilities.
About 1 out of every 20 women, who get pregnant after the age of 35, carries the risk of delivering a baby with Down syndrome. If the Nuchal scan reveals high risk of Down syndrome, the only way to learn more in detail and confirm is amniocentesis. However, termination of pregnancy is only possible when the decision is taken within 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Why is Double Marker Test Done?
The main intention of performing double market test is to find out whether there is any kind of chromosomal abnormality in the foetus or not. The abnormalities that are usually detected in the test are Down syndrome, Trisomy 13, 18 and 21. All the three disorders are because of chromosomal abnormalities and could cause serious problems. The test can be done in big cities and hospitals and the results are available within a week.
Benefits of Getting a Double Marker Test Done
Many women keep worrying whether their baby is going to be free from any problem and be healthy at the time of birth or not throughout the term of their pregnancy. Some talk about their worries while many avoid thinking about it and pray everything goes alright. Well, in this advanced world of science and technology where there are different types of tests done at different stages, these things come in mind only because the pregnant woman and her family members are ignorant about the facts.
However, the
double marker test can:
- Reassure you that the chances of delivering a healthy baby are more.
- Give you time to prepare yourself emotionally for the arrival of a baby with special needs.
- Allow you to decide whether you want to terminate your pregnancy or not.
Deciding Whether to Go For the Test or Not
When you find yourself confused and unable to take the decision, think about what you might do if the test suggests that your baby is likely to be born with abnormalities. If the double marker test is positive, you will be advised some other advanced tests. You will come to know whether your baby is at risk or not.
Double marker test is often recommended by the doctors especially when it is known that there is some abnormality in the family’s medical history. It is good to take precautions and learn whether the chances of delivering a healthy baby are more or not when you are pregnant.
Who is advised to undergo double marker test? During which phase of pregnancy is double marker test carried out? Is it safe to undergo double marker test? Discuss here.