The quadruple marker test is also known as quad test and this test is performed between weeks 15 and 18 weeks for the well-being of the baby. This identifies the disorders like Down’s syndrome (intellectual disability and developmental delays) Trisomy 18 (chromosomal disorder). Spina bifida (serious birth defect), Anencephaly (underdeveloped brain and an incomplete skull).
This test measures the levels of four substances : Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein made by the developing baby, Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone made by the placenta, Estriol, a hormone made by the placenta and the baby's liver Inhibin A, another hormone made by the placenta.
Medications, allergy, family history will be discussed. Physical examination also will be done. Healthcare provider advises you to meet a genetic counsellor to discuss about the test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. The patient may feel a sting or pain while inserting the needle and also throbbing feeling at the site after the blood is drawn.
You are advised to discuss about your age, ethnic background, your weight. Women are at greater risk of having a baby with these defects: Women who are over 35 years old during pregnancy, women taking insulin to treat diabetes, women with a family history of birth defects.
The quad screen evaluate the chromosomal conditions, neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects. It also measures levels of AFB, HCG, stroll and inhibin a presence in a pregnant woman’s blood. A secondary testing will be considered if the quad screen is positive. Secondary test maybe Prenatal cell-free DNA screening (any risk of Down’s syndrome), targeted ultrasound, Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), Amniocentesis, health care advise the patient to meet counsellor.
It determines if a woman is at higher or lower risk of carrying a baby with a birth defect. It is a safe and useful screening test for families concerned about birth defects or genetic diseases. It is a test that carries no risk to the baby, since a blood sample is taken only from the mother.
Health care person takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm and it is sent to a lab for analysis.
| Type | Gender | Age-Group | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AFP
|
Unisex
|
All age groups
|
1.4±0.74 - 1.16±0.53
|
|
uE3
|
Unisex
|
All age groups
|
1.10±0.37 - 1.00±0.28
|
|
hCG
|
Unisex
|
All age groups
|
1.56±1.04 - 1.26±0.76
|
|
inhibin A
|
Unisex
|
All age groups
|
1.38±0.76 - 1.08±
|
At times being able to conceive becomes a challenge due to certain biological reasons. Feeling positive and eating healthy naturally takes you a step nearer to getting pregnant. In case of no medical condition acting as an obstruction, consuming the right food can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Here’s a list of supplements you can include in your diet to maximise your chances of getting pregnant.
1. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates: Reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates (found in milk, potatoes, corn to name a few) can reduce inflammation of the genitals, which will help increase fertility. You can still continue to have your favourite foods, but ensure they are low GI (glycaemic index- a figure used to represent the ability of carbohydrate to increase glucose in blood) carbohydrates.
You can consume whole grains, which help in reducing insulin levels that in turn reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes and also help lower cholesterol levels. Try having whole grain bread instead of white bread and porridge instead of sugary processed cereals to reduce your GI ingestion.
2. Harness the power of Proteins: Proteins are an important part of your diet and the type of proteins you require careful consideration as they help make new hormones. Try having 25gms of vegetable protein like seeds, legumes and nuts instead of animal protein.
Add dairy foods to your diet as they are also a rich source of protein. They provide vital minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B12 to the body and at the same time are low in calories. Include milk, yoghurt and cottage cheese to your meals so that you have a minimum of three servings of dairy products a day, which is essential to meet your nutritional needs and increase your chances of having a baby.
3. Welcome Good Fats: Processed foods, fatty meats and takeaways are high in saturated fats including trans fats. These lead to inflammation and an increase of oxygen free radicals in the body, which decrease fertility. So, incorporate good fats in your diet in controlled quantities. Try having avocado and tomato on a whole grain toast, for instance.
4. Make folate an integral part of your diet: Folate is an essential nutrient that helps in decreasing the incidence of birth defects in babies, while ensuring a healthy conception. Along with the prescribed supplements, try to increase its intake in its natural form. The best way to do this is by having green leafy vegetables, which are a rich source of folate. You can also have veggie sticks and vegetable soup along or green vegetable dishes to increase your folate intake. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.
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