Pregnancy Monitoring

Each stage holds its significance during pregnancy, from the exhilarating discovery of the first heartbeat to the delightful sensation of your baby’s initial movements. However, this can also be a period of uncertainty. Questions like “How is my baby developing?” “Is everything alright?” and “Am I healthy?” are common. Our goal at IntroLab is to ensure that your pregnancy is not only a beautiful memory but also a period of calm and assurance. We offer comprehensive pregnancy monitoring and associated analyses to address all your questions and concerns. This service provides detailed insights into your baby’s development and the changes in your body. By choosing us, you take the first step towards a worry-free pregnancy. Contact us to learn more and begin your journey with peace of mind.

What is pregnancy monitoring?

Pregnancy monitoring is a vital process that involves closely tracking the health of the mother and the developing baby. This comprehensive approach includes various laboratory tests and analyses performed at different stages of pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

Initial steps in pregnancy monitoring

The journey begins with a prenatal check-up as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. During this initial visit, your doctor will gather extensive information about your medical history, including your menstrual cycle, gynecological background, previous pregnancies, and relevant personal and family health details. This discussion also encompasses exposure to potential toxins, current medications, lifestyle habits, and travel history, especially in regions with prevalent infections.

An important part of the initial appointment is establishing your estimated due date, typically 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. This estimated date is pivotal for monitoring fetal development, tracking pregnancy progression, and scheduling future tests and medical procedures.

During your first check-up, the physical examination is thorough, including breast and pelvic exams. Depending on your medical history, a PAPPA test may be recommended. Additionally, your doctor might suggest heart, lung, and thyroid evaluations, depending on your specific health circumstances.

Ongoing care and regular check-ups

Pregnancy monitoring includes a variety of specific laboratory tests. These tests aim to assess factors such as blood type and hemoglobin levels, evaluate immunity against certain infections, screen for potential exposure to various infections, and perform other essential biochemical analyses. Additionally, prenatal genetic testing might be recommended to identify any possible genetic disorders in the fetus.

This monitoring is an ongoing and integral part of your pregnancy care throughout the term. After the first visit, regular prenatal check-ups are typically scheduled every four weeks during the first trimester. While these subsequent visits might be briefer than the initial one, they play a crucial role in maintaining your and your baby’s health and safety during this pivotal time.

Essential benefits of pregnancy monitoring

Monitoring pregnancy is incredibly important because it allows for the early discovery and management of potential health concerns or complications. This proactive strategy offers significant reassurance to expectant mothers, ensuring their health and their baby’s health are carefully monitored and cared for.

Important scenarios for increased pregnancy monitoring

It’s recommended to monitor all pregnancies closely. Still, it’s especially critical for women with certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and for those over the age of 35.
Additionally, monitoring becomes essential for women who have had complications in earlier pregnancies or are pregnant with twins or multiple babies.

What tests are included in pregnancy monitoring?

Pregnancy monitoring includes a series of important tests that ensure the health of the mother and baby throughout all stages of pregnancy. These tests include:

• Blood tests: Checking hormone and protein levels to monitor the baby’s development and the mother’s overall health.
• Ultrasound: Visualizing the baby to check its development, position, and health.
• Genetic testing: Early detection of potential genetic disorders in the fetus.

What types of tests are offered in IntroLab?

The staff at IntroLab is trained to conduct biochemical blood tests, urine tests, and immunological tests, microbiological test, and genetic tests. However, when it comes to monitoring fetal growth and development, we would like to highlight the following tests:

Hormonal and biochemical tests during pregnancy

These tests focus on analyzing hormones and biochemical parameters during pregnancy, with the goal of early detection of potential chromosomal abnormalities or other complications.

• Double Test 1 and Double Test 2: These tests are done between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy and are used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. The results of ultrasound and blood tests are combined.
• Triple Test: Performed between the 16th and 18th weeks, this test assesses the risk of genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, and Edwards syndrome, based on hormone analysis in the blood.
• Quadruple Test: This is an expanded version of the Triple Test and is used for a more accurate assessment of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. It is recommended for pregnant women who missed previous tests.

Prenatal tests

Prenatal tests use the latest NGS technology to allow detailed monitoring of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. These tests are non-invasive and offer a high degree of accuracy.

• Prenatal BASIC Test: Tests for the most common chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), as well as determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal PLUS Test: In addition to detecting trisomies 21, 18, and 13, this test includes the analysis of sex chromosomes for detecting abnormalities, along with determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal EXPERT Test: This test, in addition to detecting trisomies 21, 18, 13, and sex chromosomes, includes testing for DiGeorge syndrome (microdeletion 22q11) and determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal PREMIUM Test: The most comprehensive version of the prenatal test, which, in addition to trisomies 21, 18, 13, tests for abnormalities in sex chromosomes and detects microdeletions (loss of small segments of chromosomes), as well as determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal ALL CHROMOSOMES Test: This test analyzes all chromosomes, including sex chromosomes, as well as microdeletions and deletions, with the additional determination of the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal SPECIAL Test: In addition to testing for trisomies 21, 18, 13, sex chromosomes, and microdeletions, this test includes the analysis of more than 100 inherited diseases and determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal SPECIAL + SMA Test: This test includes all analyses from the Prenatal SPECIAL Test, along with additional testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and over 100 monogenic diseases, along with determining the baby’s sex.
• Prenatal Next Karyo Plus Test: This test is an expanded version of the ALL CHROMOSOMES test, with additional analysis for inherited and non-inherited diseases in the baby.
• Prenatal Next Karyo Full Test: This test provides the most detailed analysis of chromosomes and genetic disorders, including everything from the ALL CHROMOSOMES test, as well as testing for inherited and non-inherited diseases in the baby and over 30 inherited diseases in the parents.

Special panels for inherited diseases

These tests focus on specific inherited diseases that can have serious consequences for the baby’s health and are especially useful for couples with a family history of certain diseases.

• Panel for autoinflammatory diseases: Testing for inherited diseases that cause inflammation, such as certain forms of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
• Panel for cardiomyopathies: Analysis of genetic predispositions to heart muscle diseases that can be passed on to the baby.
• Panel for arrhythmias: Checking for genetic predisposition to heart rhythm disorders.
• Panel for Marfan syndrome: Detailed testing to identify the risk of Marfan syndrome, a hereditary connective tissue disorder that can affect the heart, eyes, and bones.
• Epilepsy panel: Testing for genetic mutations that can cause various forms of epilepsy, aimed at early detection and potential prevention.
• Clinical exome sequencing: This analysis allows the identification of a wide range of genetic disorders, including rare diseases that are difficult to diagnose through standard tests.
• Molecular karyotype: Precise testing to detect subtle chromosomal abnormalities that may be associated with various genetic diseases.

In addition to these tests, we also offer genetic counseling, where our experts provide information and support regarding your results and the next steps.

Why choose IntroLab for your pregnancy monitoring needs?

IntroLab distinguishes itself among numerous laboratories focused on pregnancy monitoring. We are dedicated to providing exceptional services. We understand the individuality of each pregnancy and every expectant mother, and we value our tailored approach to each case. Using advanced equipment and contemporary techniques, IntroLab guarantees precise and dependable results. Our goal is to offer you complete reassurance throughout this significant stage of your life.

Distinct features of IntroLab:

• Transparency: Should you choose to undergo any tests at IntroLab, you can trust that all information will be openly shared with you. This includes transparent pricing for each service, clearly detailed on our website. We also offer special benefits for specific patient groups.
• Efficiency: Understanding the anxiety associated with waiting for test results, we endeavor to minimize this waiting period to the absolute minimum. Our process is swift and efficient, upholding the highest standards of quality.
• Affordability: Our pricing is not only transparent but also affordable. In addition, our team is always available to address any questions you may have, both before and after your tests.
• Expertise: Our technicians are not just highly skilled, they are also rich in experience. With access to cutting-edge equipment, they form an unbeatable team dedicated to your care.

Your pregnancy journey with IntroLab

Your pregnancy journey is of utmost importance to us at IntroLab. We’re dedicated to offering outstanding support during this significant time. Contact us today to start your pregnancy monitoring with a team that’s deeply committed to your well-being. We’re always ready to embrace you and your little one on the way.