Pregnancy is a beautiful time in the life of a woman. It is the time when she is getting ready to welcome a new life in the world. However, this is also the time when a woman has to go through several procedures and tests. In order to ensure that those procedures and tests do not get scary, it helps to have some idea about them beforehand. One such test is a Double Marker Test that many doctors suggest during pregnancy.
But what exactly is this test? Is this test truly necessary for all pregnant women? Read on to find your answers.
What exactly is a Double Marker Test?
A Double Marker Test or dual marker test is for pregnant women to help identify all chromosomal irregularities present in the fetus. Identifying the chromosomal defects is important because these can lead to developmental deformities in a baby and impact the health of the baby on a long-term basis, although such instances are rare. Chromosomal defects can cause Down’s syndrome or Edward’s syndrome in babies. This test is carried out during the first trimester, generally between the 9th and 14th week of pregnancy and the woman has to get a blood test.
Essentially, a Double Marker Test involves a simple blood test. It does not need any special preparation on the part of the woman. So, the blood sample of the pregnant women is taken to be tested for the level of Beta HCG and PAAP. Abnormalities in the levels of these two elements can be an indication of chromosomal or neurological defects in a baby. In most cases, the doctors suggest the pregnant woman to go through an ultrasound before her blood sample is taken.
Is a double marker test in pregnancy necessary for all?
As mentioned before, the double marker test can be taken by any pregnant woman. However, some pregnant women might need the test more than the others. Given below are a few factors considered by all medical professionals before prescribing the test:
- history of blood sugar in the family
- an existing family history mentioning congenital disabilities
- the woman is more than 35 years of age
Why is a double marker test in pregnancy necessary?
It is worth mentioning that the first trimester screening, including the Double Marker Test, is not compulsory. However, the screen is highly recommended in all three cases outlined above.
Also, the results of this test can only tell whether there is a high risk of any trisomies. There is no definite way to know if the baby will have any abnormalities or not. It is just an indication that there can be a chance of chromosomal defects. In many cases, the test has indicated irregularities but the baby has turned out fine.
Thus, before the Double Marker Test, doctors allow the pregnant couple to make the decision. You can decide whether you want the test or not based on your answers to the following questions:
- Would knowing all about the possible irregularities worsen or ease your anxiety?
- Would the outcome change the way you manage the pregnancy?
- Would you want to get more tests done if you get results that indicate a greater risk?
At the end of the day, getting a double marker test in pregnancy is your choice and depends on your health and your family’s medical history. There is no wrong or right answers to the questions mentioned above. You can choose to go the way that you deem right. Regardless of everything, you can choose not to get the test if you want that.
