The list of exams for pregnant women over 35 years old is slightly higher than that of the younger women because from this age there is a greater risk of miscarriage or complications in the mother or baby.
This risk occurs because the eggs can undergo some changes that increase the risk of the baby suffering from any genetic syndrome, such as Down's Syndrome. However, not all women who become pregnant after age 35 have complications during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum. The risks are greater in women who are obese, diabetic or who smoke.
Exams in pregnancy after 35 years
In addition to the first trimester pregnancy tests usually ordered by the doctor, other tests that may be required for women who become pregnant at least 35 years of age are:
- Fetal biochemical profile : Helps to diagnose genetic diseases in the baby. It is not a routine examination. It has its indications evaluated by the obstetrician.
- Fetal karyotype : It is indicated when the examinations of nuchal translucency or morphological ultrasound show some alteration. Also serves to diagnose genetic diseases.
- Chorionic villus biopsy : Helps detect Down syndrome or other genetic diseases.
- Liver enzymes : A type of blood test indicated for women with a history of liver disease.
- Fetal echocardiogram and electrocardiogram : Evaluates the functioning of the baby's heart. It is indicated when a cardiac change has already been detected in the baby.
- MAP : It is indicated for hypertensive women, to verify the risk of pre-eclampsia.
- Amniocentesis : Used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome and infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus. It should be performed between the 15th and 18th week of gestation.
- Cordocentesis : Also known as a fetal blood sample, this test is to detect any chromosomal deficiency in the baby or suspected of rubella contamination and late toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. It should be done between the 18th and 20th week of gestation.
- Human beta-carotene gonadotrophin and PAPP-A associated plasma protein : Help in the diagnosis of Down syndrome and should be performed between the 11th and the 14th week of gestation.
Performing these tests is important because it helps diagnose important changes that can be treated so they do not affect the development of the fetus. However, despite the completion of all tests, there are diseases and syndromes that are only discovered after the baby is born.
