Journey of pregnancy does not start with conception but starts quite before that.When we plan any journey, we start preparation quite early so that journey will be hassle free. Similarly, we need preparation for pregnancy. That’s why there is need of pre-conception counselling.
Preconception counselling gives opportunity to check couple’s health status. We can find out some high-risk factors which can complicate pregnancy like heat disease, anemia any other medical conditions. Detailed history will help to find out familial,
genetic disease like thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia or many other genetic diseases.We can also check immunity to infections like Rubella, hepatitis B.
Preconception counselling will help couple prepare for pregnancy physically, and psychologically.
Double marker / Quadruple Marker tests
These are blood tests done for mainly for screening of Down’s syndrome, (trisomy 2 i) Trisomy 23 & trisomy 18.
The tests will tell about risk to baby it is not a diagnostic test. But if result comes as high
risk, then we need to do further testing.
Both tests are time bound usually done with USG. Double marker between 11 to 13 + 6wks. combined with NT Scan. If someone misses this test then Quadruple marker can be done around 16 wk.
