Screeningtests
During your pregnancy, various tests are possible to see how you and your baby are doing. This is how we ensure a healthy pregnancy together!
Screeningtests during your pregnancy
During your pregnancy, various screeningtests are possible to see how you and your baby are doing. Some tests, such as the 13-week ultrasound and the 20-week ultrasound, are standard and are offered to all pregnant women. Other tests are only done if there is a medical reason for it. This is how we ensure a healthy pregnancy together!
Click here for a video about the timeline of all screeningtests during pregnancy and after birth.
Information about the studies
You choose whether you want to have certain screeningtests done during your pregnancy. During the check-ups, we will explain everything about the various examinations. We will tell you which tests are optional and which are necessary to properly monitor your health and that of your baby.
Blood tests during your pregnancy
At the beginning of your pregnancy, we recommend having a blood test done. We use this to check your blood type and Rhesus factor and to test for lues (syphilis), hepatitis B and HIV. We also check whether there are antibodies present in your blood, the so-called irregular antibodies. This examination is reimbursed from your basic insurance. In addition, we often test the hemoglobin level to check for anemia.
Prenatal screening
During your pregnancy, you can choose to have your baby examined for congenital defects. We call this prenatal screening. With the NIPT you can get tested for Down, Edwards and Patau syndrome. In addition, you can opt for the 13-week ultrasound and/or the 20-week ultrasound to look at physical abnormalities in your baby.
The NIPT
The NIPT is a blood test that looks at whether there are indications that your baby has Down, Edwards or Patau syndrome. Sometimes other conditions are also found. We call these side findings. You decide whether you want to have the NIPT done and whether you want to know the secondary findings. The test can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
More information? Watch the video about the NIPT.
13-week ultrasound
The 13-week ultrasound is a medical examination that is similar to the 20-week ultrasound. During this examination, the sonographer will check whether your baby has any physical abnormalities, such as spina bifida, open skull, hydrocephalus, heart defects, a hole in the diaphragm or abdominal wall, kidney abnormalities or bone abnormalities. The placenta and whether there is enough amniotic fluid present are also examined.
The 13-week ultrasound is voluntary and not mandatory. If you choose, you will participate in a scientific study (IMITAS study). The study can be performed between 12+3 and 14+3 weeks of gestation. You can contact the STAR-SHL for this.
Important to know: Not all abnormalities can be seen with the 13-week ultrasound. This examination therefore does not give a 100% guarantee of a healthy child.
During your intake, we will discuss whether you would like to know more about the tests. Do you want that? Then you will have a more extensive conversation, a so-called counseling conversation. We recommend reading the leaflets and visiting the website www.pns.nl advance.
20-week ultrasound
The 20-week ultrasound has been offered to pregnant women for a long time. Just like the 13-week ultrasound, this examination is voluntary and not mandatory.
During the 20-week ultrasound, the sonographer will check whether your baby has any physical abnormalities. This can be, for example, an open back, open skull, hydrocephalus, heart defects, a hole in the diaphragm or abdominal wall, kidney abnormalities or bone abnormalities. In addition, the growth of your baby is checked, the amount of amniotic fluid is examined and the position of the placenta (placenta) is examined. Because your baby is larger at 20 weeks than at 13 weeks, more details may be visible.
Important to know: As with the 13-week ultrasound, not all abnormalities can be determined. This examination does not offer a 100% guarantee of a healthy child.
Prenatal diagnostics
Some pregnant women are eligible for prenatal diagnosis. This means that, if there is an indication, you have the option of having your baby examined for certain hereditary birth defects.
