Preconception health

What is prenatal screening?

Essentially, it’s a series of tests (blood tests, ultrasounds, microbiological tests, and even specialized genetic tests) that are done before and during pregnancy.

A. Preconception screening

This screening primarily concerns prospective parents, as well as their immediate and extended family, and aims to identify any potential history of genetic or chromosomal problems or congenital diseases.

The four most common hereditary diseases in Greece are:

• Mediterranean anemia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Spinal muscular atrophy

The mother’s history is also checked for cases of premature birth, preeclampsia, or recurrent miscarriages, and for any chronic illness, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, epilepsy, or any other condition.

B. Prenatal screening during pregnancy

Specialized obstetric monitoring and fetal ultrasound usually begin around 6 weeks after the last period. Then, the woman visits her gynecologist to confirm her pregnancy and check her health with blood and microbiological tests. (Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, blood type and Rhesus factor, thyroid function, glucose tolerance test, vaginal swab culture for group B Streptococcus, and infection screening).

_{Ultrasound examinations of the fetus}

1. Nuchal translucency

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan, a crucial prenatal checkup, is recommended to all expectant mothers between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This prenatal test includes screening for chromosomal conditions such as Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau’s syndrome (trisomy 13), and an ultrasound scan to determine how far along in your pregnancy you are.

2. Second-Trimester Fetal Anatomy Scan

This scan is used also to determine the baby’s sex and to ensure appropriate fetal growth and well-being. It can also estimate the possibility of developing intrauterine fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

3. Doppler ultrasound (well-being scan)

A Doppler ultrasound is a key pregnancy scan, recommended for all pregnant women, especially in the third trimester (>28 weeks’ gestation), to ensure that your baby is growing at a healthy rate. This examination (also known as the well-being or growth scan) can identify fetal growth restriction, detect the risk of premature birth and preeclampsia, and determine if your baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. It is also conducted to ensure that there are no complications (reduced growth measurements, low fluid levels, or placental concerns) and the baby is in a favorable head-down position for birth.

4. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing is a modern method of detecting free fetal DNA (ffDNA) in a woman’s peripheral blood to determine if there is an increased likelihood of specific chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome.

Who performs these tests?

Professor of Obstetrics and Genetics at the University of West Attica, Petros Nikolaidis, founded the first “Fetal Medicine Unit” at the “Mitera” Maternity Hospital in 1992 and was the first to introduce all new prenatal screening tests in Greece. He holds a master’s degree in fetal medicine and a PhD in embryo genetics. And the founder of “Embryoiatriki – genetiki” in Marousi, a leading prenatal screening and fetal medicine center that combines the most modern 3D color ultrasound equipment with the Voluson S8™ ultrasound machine and is supported by a complete genetics laboratory. Regarding prenatal care, she collaborates with state maternity clinics in many Greek cities (mainly in the Peloponnese) and also in Northern Greece. His knowledge, experience, and continuous updates in the field of fetal medicine and prenatal screening are a guarantee of reliability.