Antenatal screening promotes optimal health for the expecting mother and her baby. Read to find out about antenatal screening tests and their importance.
What is antenatal screening?
Antenatal screening plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of both mother and foetus during the pregnancy journey.
It involves a range of tests and assessments that are conducted depending on the expectant mother’s risk factors and pregnancy stage.
The goal of antenatal screening is to identify potential health issues that could affect either the growing foetus or the mother. Early identification enables timely interventions and medical support, thus enhancing and improving the overall health for both the mother and her unborn child’s.
Medical conditions related to pregnancy like genetic anomalies and neural tube defects can be detected during routine antenatal screening, allowing precise management, and reducing adverse outcomes, ensuring a healthier pregnancy journey.
When is antenatal screening done?
Antenatal screening takes place throughout pregnancy. The exact timing of these screenings can differ depending on factors such as the mother's age, medical background, and risk elements.
During the first trimester, typical procedures involve genetic screening and ultrasound checks to examine foetal growth and spot possible abnormalities. As the pregnancy progresses, additional screenings, such as glucose testing and Group B Strep culture may be conducted to monitor maternal health and identify emerging concerns.
Finally, some screenings are advised in the later stages of the pregnancy to ensure that both mother and child are safe and healthy.
What antenatal screenings are done in Malaysia?
Routine antenatal care in Malaysia comprises counselling, health and laboratory screening, and risk factor
assessment, including:
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1. Blood test
Blood tests are done to ascertain various factors related to the mother’s health and the
pregnancy, such as her blood type, Rh factor, presence of anaemia (low
haemoglobin), infections (for example Hepatitis B, Syphilis, HIV), and immunity to specific
diseases like German measles (Rubella) and chickenpox.
Maternal blood screening is also done to measure pregnancy-associated plasma protein - A (PAPP-A) and
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to ensure the baby has no chromosomal disorders.
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2. Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are routinely conducted to check the growth and presentation of the baby among other
things. It can be combined with a non-stress test to allow your obgyn doctor to check the
baby’s movements, breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid amount. If you are having
multiples, you will have ultrasounds more often.
Non-stress test is done on women who are in the category of high-risk pregnancy such as those
carrying multiples or those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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3. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
This is a blood test that can be done as early as 12 weeks. This screening test is offered to see if
the foetus is having chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edward syndrome (Trisomy
18), Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13), and other genetic disorders. The test can also determine the sex
of the baby.
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4. Foetal nuchal translucency (NT)
The foetal nuchal translucency scan is an ultrasound scan that measures the back of the foetus’ neck
for thickening or extra fluid. Area that is thicker than normal may indicate Down syndrome, heart
problems, or Trisomy 18.
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5. Foetal anomaly scan
The second trimester scan or foetal anomaly scan is a routine scan performed within week 20 – 24 of
the pregnancy. It is primarily conducted to assess the foetus’ anatomy and detect structural
abnormalities of the foetus.
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6. Glucose screening test
A vital aspect of antenatal care, glucose testing focuses on identifying gestational diabetes, a
temporary condition which can develop during pregnancy. Early detection allows for the management of
gestational diabetes through dietary adjustments.
If needed, medical interventions are available to ensure a smoother pregnancy experience and mitigate
potential complications for both mother and baby.
- 7. Group B Streptococcus screening
Group B Streptococcus is an infection that a mother can pass to her baby during birth. This test
checks fluid from the cervix. If the bacteria is present, preventive measures can be taken during
labour to reduce the likelihood of transmission, safeguarding the newborn from potential infections
during birth.
- 8. Foetal monitoring
As pregnancy advances, foetal monitoring, especially in the later stages, becomes pivotal. This
non-invasive procedure involves assessing the baby's heart rate and movement patterns.
It allows healthcare providers to track foetal health and identify signs of distress. Prompt
intervention is thus possible, ensuring a smooth transition from pregnancy to childbirth.
Is antenatal screening a must?
Antenatal screening is highly recommended due to its critical role in identifying possible risks and enabling timely actions. The outcomes of these screenings empower medical professionals to create personalized care strategies for both the mother and the developing foetus.
However, it is essential to recognise that while antenatal screening provides valuable insights, the decision to undergo it remains a personal choice. Expectant parents should fully grasp the implications of the results before opting for further diagnostic measures or interventions.
Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals
In Malaysia, Pantai Hospitals offer maternity services, including comprehensive prenatal care and check-ups. A
prenatal care package usually covers everything a pregnant woman needs, including nutrition advice, exercise
sessions, breathing classes, Ob/Gyn services, and many more.
Check out our comprehensive maternity packages to pick one that
matches your requirements.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of
O&G specialists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your
nearest Pantai Hospital.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to
patient safety and service quality.
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