Can prenatal examination detect intellectual problems?

Prenatal examinations cannot detect a baby’s intellectual problems, but they can check whether the baby is developing normally and prevent congenital diseases, so expectant mothers should have an ultrasound during pregnancy. Prenatal check-ups can determine whether the fetus’ brain development is complete, but intelligence is determined by the baby’s acquired learning. Let us now understand the benefits that prenatal examinations can bring us.

1. NT examination

At 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, there will be the earliest B-ultrasound to screen for abnormalities - the nuchal translucency of the fetus, referred to as NT.

This time is chosen because the fetus is just the right size at this time. Before 11 weeks, the fetus is relatively small and it is very difficult to examine it clearly.

If there is a problem with the fetus, the nuchal translucency will be thicker. This test can detect whether the fetus has Down syndrome or chromosomal abnormalities.

This test does not require fasting or holding urine.

2. Down syndrome screening

Down syndrome screening and sugar screening are different.

The sugar screening requires fasting after 10 pm the night before and drinking glucose water the next day to test whether the pregnant woman has gestational diabetes.

When the pregnancy is 15 to 20 weeks, the doctor will ask the pregnant woman to do a Down syndrome screening test without fasting. It is best to check between 16 and 18 weeks for better results.

The examination involves drawing blood from the pregnant woman, and then making a diagnosis based on all her information. It takes a week for our hospital to get the report.

Down syndrome screening helps detect whether the fetus is likely to have Down syndrome. If the test results show that the risk is higher, then the possibility of the fetus suffering from Down syndrome will be greater, but it cannot be confirmed 100%.

So to feel more at ease, the doctor will recommend the mother to undergo the next test, amniocentesis.

Three: Amniocentesis

Non-invasive DNA is a recently emerging technology. It and amniocentesis are two screening methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Non-invasive DNA is relatively safe, while amniocentesis is cheaper.

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a doctor uses a thin needle to penetrate the abdominal wall, uterine layer and amniotic membrane into the amniotic cavity and extract amniotic fluid to analyze whether the fetus's chromosomes are abnormal. This test is best performed between 17 and 21 weeks. Because the proportion of live cells in the amniotic fluid is higher at this time.

Amniocentesis can further confirm whether the fetus has neural tube defects, neonatal hemolytic disease, congenital idiocy, or is mentally retarded.

Non-invasive DNA is relatively safe. It draws blood from the pregnant woman's veins for testing. It can detect whether the fetus will inherit a family disease. Non-invasive DNA can detect whether the fetus has congenital diseases such as Edwards syndrome and Down syndrome. The test is more comprehensive and more expensive.

This type of examination is generally only available in more authoritative hospitals, with an accuracy rate of up to 99.7 percent.

Before preparing to have a child, it is best for both husband and wife to undergo a eugenics examination. If either family has a heritable disease, this must be disclosed to the doctor. If the woman has ever undergone surgery, this must also be disclosed.

Folic acid must be supplemented in the three months before pregnancy. After three months of pregnancy, folic acid no longer needs to be taken.

Prenatal check-ups are very important. Many women are now preparing for a second child. Remember not to ignore prenatal check-ups based on your own feelings. If you want a healthy baby, you should also pay attention to your diet and daily routine during pregnancy.