International Journal of Applied and Natural

Sciences (IJANS)
ISSN (P): 2319–4014; ISSN (E): 2319–4022
Vol. 11, Issue 2, Jul–Dec 2022; 41–44
© IASET

RECENT ANTENATAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR BETTER PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Dr. Kaushika Premchand

Sri Sai Karthik Hospital, Duraisamy Nagar, Vadakuthu, Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

This study offers the scientific evidence for the procedures for detecting foetal chromosomal and structural abnormalities
during early pregnancy that are being used or in the process of being adopted. Early prenatal diagnosis was examined
from a medical, safety standpoint, quality assurance, health economic, ethical, psychological and social.

KEYWORDS: Antenatal Investigation, Pregnancy Outcomes, Better Pregnancy

Article History
Received: 17 Aug 2022 | Revised: 24 Aug 2022 | Accepted: 02 Sep 2022

INTRODUCTION
Recent Antenatal Investigations

The composition of maternal serum biochemistry (biochemical screening) as well as ultrasound nuchal translucency
measurement, in conjunction with maternal age, is regarded as the clinically assessed technique of determining the
likelihood of a foetus having Down syndrome in early pregnancy (10–14 gestational weeks) and is recommended. This
approach achieves the highest balance among the percentile of recognised cases as well as the number of results that are
false-positive in early pregnancy, especially in high-risk situations.

A clinically established way of identifying the possibility of foetal Down syndrome in the second trimester is the
quadruple test (maternal serum biochemistry with four markers), which provides the highest balance among the percentile of
cases found as well as the number of results that are false-positive. The quadruple test (with four markers, maternal serum
biochemistry) is the most accurate technique for identifying the possibility of foetal Down syndrome in the second trimester.

Compared to maternal age alone in determining the likelihood of foetal Down syndrome, all of the techniques
analysed in this report and evaluated in clinical settings for determining the occurrences of foetal Down syndrome
(maternal serum biochemistry in the 2nd trimester, nuchal translucency measurement, as well as the cumulative test)
provides a proper balance among the proportion of detected cases and the proportion of false-positive results. The result is
that these approaches means minimal chorionic villus samplings and amniocenteses per detected occurrence of Down
syndrome compared to traditional procedures when compared to maternal age alone.

In terms of finding aneuploidies in chromosomes x, and y, 13, 18, and 21, the QF-PCR (quantitative fluorescent
polymerase chain reaction) or FISH (interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization) test are almost as correct as
comprehensive karyotyping.

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42 Dr. Kaushika Premchand

When the QF-PCR or quick FISH test results are normal in prenatal diagnosis, the chance of foetal chromosomal
disorders remains a possibility. A comprehensive karyotype analysis would discover a chromosomal aberration that was
left out by the quick FISH test or the QF-PCR in roughly 0.9 percent of all chorionic villus samplings and amniocenteses.
There are 0.4 percent of people with chromosomal abnormalities that are clinically significant (strong scientific evidence).

According to preliminary findings, a typical ultrasound exam when it is done at 12 rather than at 18 weeks of
gestation, congenital abnormalities, including cardiac issues, are discovered in much fewer babies. The same is true even if
the 12-week examination contains a measure of nuchal translucency, as well as even if higher nuchal translucency or
depending on nuchal translucency a greater likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities is a rationale at 18–22 gestational
weeks for a comprehensive foetal anatomy evaluation. While scientific evidence is not sufficient to make a valid
conclusion in this case, many people continue to believe it to be so.

A harmful effect in the second trimester of ultrasound exposure on the child’s hearing, eyesight, or growth has not
been demonstrated - nor has it been shown to have an influence on their speech development, cognitive, or neurological.
Up to this point, there has been no evidence to show a relationship among paediatric malignancies and prenatal
ultrasonography exposure.

Meta-analysis of randomised trials found that there was no difference in the prevalence of a child's preference for
one hand over the other (i.e., left-handedness or no apparent preference). Male non-right handedness has been found to be
associated with such exposure, according to the researchers, who conducted subpopulation studies and two Swedish
registry studies to make their discovery. A valid choice cannot be reached due to a lack of appropriate scientific data, on
the other hand.

Amniocentesis and chorionic villus collection, which are intrusive procedures, increase the likelihood of
embryonic loss. It is estimated that a 1 percentage point increase in the probability of foetal loss after 15 or more
completed gestational weeks (late amniocentesis) is associated with late amniocentesis, based on the best available data.
Miscarriages account for the majority of these losses.

Pregnant ladies prefer to get information from an individual rather than a group. Letters and brochures appear to
be less helpful than audio or video information in terms of increasing their knowledge and grasp of the subject matter.
However, regarding transferring information to women immediately before a prenatal diagnosis, the majority of studies
have shown shortcomings. It is impossible for the women to make a well-informed decision about whether or not to
undergo testing because they lack appropriate understanding, particularly regarding the aim of the testing and the potential
consequences of the results. These people have a hard time comprehending that the ultrasound with nuchal translucency
measurement and an analysis of signs is only a probability assessment and not the definitive diagnosis.

The majority of pregnant women want to know as much as they can as soon as possible and prefer during the first
trimester screening.

Pregnant women do not grow more anxious as a result of increased information. Prior to undergoing any medical
treatments, patients should be given the same information they need to minimise their stress and anxiety levels. When a
woman and/or her spouse are anticipating a prenatal diagnosis, waiting for findings, or learning that abnormalities have
been discovered (or are more likely to occur), they are likely to experience elevated anxiety.

Impact Factor (JCC): 7.3883 NAAS Rating 3.73

Recent Antenatal Investigations for Better Pregnancy Outcomes 43

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