In this article we focus on the kind of tests that are conducted for expecting mothers, to ensure that their pregnancy is in fact stable and healthy. Now miscarriages are not random acts of nature, they can be anticipated and treated if they are properly detected at an early stage. How this is done is through these 2 key tests:
- Blood Profile
The blood test can allow us to detect a number of important things to indicate pregnancy health. Here at Antai Hospital, we primarily look at 3 key components: Firstly, the levels of HCG. Higher than expected levels of HCG indicate that you may have multiple pregnancies. Slow rising levels of HCG indicate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, whereas falling levels of HCG indicate a potential risk of miscarriage. Your healthcare professional will be to determine this important information just by looking at blood HCG levels. A healthy pregnancy will show high levels of HCG towards the end of the first trimester and slow descent towards the rest of your pregnancy. Low levels if diagnosed must be treated with proper management to avoid pregnancy loss. Here at Antai, our patented immunotherapy is introduced if the low HCG levels is in fact caused by the presence of anti-embryonic antibodies, in which case once the patient is administered with the immunotherapy, her pregnancy stabilize.
For Progesterone, we are also looking at specific cut-offs that indicate the pregnancy is viable. Too low levels of serum Progesterone (<5ng/ml) very likely will lead to spontaneous abortion or ectopic. Low progesterone indicates corpus luteum insufficiency also known as luteal phase defect and is treated via progesterone supplementation to a specific amount that the patient requires. This is one of the most common management methods of a threatened miscarriage.
- Ultrasound
The Ultrasound gives us visualization of the pregnancy at different stages. Primarily we want to familiarize ourselves with 4 key components of the pregnancy. Firstly, is the gestational sac, which is a large cavity filled with a fluid that contains the embryo. It is the first sign of early pregnancy, and the sac’s diameter roughly corresponds to the gestational age of the embryo. Secondly is the yolk sac, which is a white anatomical structure within the gestational sac, formed by cells of the embryonic disc. It forms during the second week of embryogenesis and shapes the amniotic sac, and it slowly develops into what we know as the fetus. The fetus starts forming during the 9th-12th week, where the fetus possesses major organs and limbs. The heart, brain, feet, lungs, and other organs are present, but not yet fully operational. The fetus genitalia also begins to form during this period with the placenta fully functional by week 12. Lastly, is the fetal heartbeat. A fetal heartbeat may first be detected by a vaginal ultrasound as early as 5 to 6 weeks after gestation. That’s when a fetal pole, the first visible sign of a developing embryo, can sometimes be seen. But between 6 1/2 to 7 weeks after gestation, a heartbeat can be better assessed.
Antai Hospital’s Commitement
Antai Hospital’s full refund policy for the miscarriage prevention treatments we provide should already be the best guarantee for a healthy pregnancy. Patients should rest assured, can and should go about their everyday life, focusing their diet on vegetables, beans, celery, and other fiber-rich foods. Besides that, an active lifestyle of yoga and swimming should also be incorporated to help relieve stress and increase blood circulation, which is beneficial for the fetus’s development and the mother’s health. With our assurance, a healthy lifestyle, and peace of mind, you can go through a healthy pregnancy with no complications.
Recurrent miscarriages are no doubt a heavy blow to the patient’s physical and mental health. All we can do is to help ease the burden and decrease your trauma, to slowly help you overcome the anxiety with the love and care that we provide at Antai Hospital.
Trust in Antai Hospital and trust in yourself, your pregnancy is our priority.