If you have already registered with the antenatal clinic, then by the 12th - 13th week of pregnancy, the first prenatal screening should be carried out. If for some reason this is not done, you need to urgently undergo an examination, which includes:
• Ultrasound examination of the fetus;
• Analysis for free b-hCG;
• Analysis for PAPP-A, or protein A.
Screening assesses the risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities associated with diseases such as Edwards syndrome and Down syndrome.
Ultrasound at the 13th week of pregnancy will show the shape and size of the baby, his movement. In addition, with the help of ultrasound, the doctor will be able to assess the condition of the uterus, presentation and placenta attachment, and determine the approximate date of birth.
Also at the stage of 13 weeks of pregnancy, it is necessary to do a clinical blood test and a general urine test. According to their results, the risk of developing anemia, inflammatory and endocrine diseases is assessed.