logo

Prenatal diagnosis Unit

  • Home
  •  
  • Prenatal diagnosis Unit

Your peace of mind, our priority: prenatal diagnosis with cutting-edge technology

At the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of La Unidad de la Mujer at Ruber Internacional Hospital, the most thorough pregnancy check-ups are conducted for the well-being of both mother and fetus, from before conception to after delivery.

  • Identifies anomalies and evaluates the health of the fetus from the early stages of pregnancy.
  • Provides the necessary information to make decisions about pregnancy management and baby care.
  • Facilitates the emotional connection between parents and the baby, promoting a stronger bond from the start of pregnancy.
GESTATIONAL CONTROL AND SCREENING FOR FETAL MALFORMATIONS
Non-invasive prenatal diagnostic techniques

First Trimester Ultrasound

It should be performed between 11 and 13+6 weeks. It is usually done transabdominally, although in some cases, transvaginal access may be necessary.

Biochemical Markers

The levels of two proteins (free ß-HCG and PAPP-A) in maternal blood are measured.

First Trimester Combined Screening

It allows us to establish the risk of chromosomal abnormalities by combining ultrasound, maternal data, and biochemical analysis of the two proteins in maternal blood. We will estimate the risk for each pregnancy of having Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome (chromosomal abnormalities) in the fetus.

Morphological Ultrasound (Week 20)

It is usually performed between weeks 18 and 22 of gestation and aims to rule out fetal abnormalities.

In our unit, monthly follow-ups of the pregnancy are conducted to diagnose late-onset abnormalities early and possible developmental disorders in the fetus, monitoring fetal well-being through systematic Doppler until delivery.

3D-4D Ultrasound

This technique allows us to easily show parents what the fetus looks like, further strengthening the emotional bond established during pregnancy and childbirth.

We have two state-of-the-art 3D ultrasound machines, the Voluson E8 Expert with HDlive technology and the Voluson E6 Expert.

Fetal DNA Study in Maternal Blood

We offer a new non-invasive prenatal screening test that provides an estimation of the fetal risk for Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 21, 13, and 18, respectively) by detecting fetal DNA in maternal blood and combining state-of-the-art sequencing technology with advanced bioinformatics.

FLM Quantus Test

Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity remains a primary concern in premature infants despite prenatal and postnatal treatments. However, current tests to detect it require amniocentesis, which limits their use due to the associated risks and discomfort.

La Unidad de la Mujer offers the first 100% non-invasive fetal lung maturity test.

The FLM Quantus Test provides the opportunity to avoid amniocentesis for predicting Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity. The results are reliable and available within minutes.

Request your appointment
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Invasive Techniques
Press (+) for more information.
What are the objectives of the first trimester ultrasound?

  • Accurately calculate gestational age.

  • Establish the risk of chromosomal abnormalities by conducting the combined first trimester screening and contingent screening based on the results, to provide the most accurate risk assessment possible.

  • Prenatal diagnosis of multiple gestation.

  • Early prenatal diagnosis of major abnormalities.

  • Predict placental-origin issues such as early preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction.

    • What is the accuracy of the combined screening test?

    The sensitivity of the test reaches 90% with a 5% false positive rate. This helps to reduce the number of invasive tests (chorionic biopsy, amniocentesis, or cordocentesis), which are not without risk (1% miscarriage). It also establishes which group of patients should undergo these tests and optimizes their results.

    There are three groups: low, intermediate, or high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Depending on the level of risk, the patient will receive different counseling, avoiding unnecessary risks.

    What can be seen in the 20-week ultrasound?

  • Study of fetal morphology and the development of various organs.

  • Study of the fetal heart: fetal echocardiography.

  • Doppler study of uterine arteries. This allows for early prenatal diagnosis of potential complications during pregnancy, such as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) or Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Disorders (PIHD).

  • Study of cervical length to predict the risk of preterm labor.

    • What does the 3D-4D Ultrasound involve?

    We have two state-of-the-art 3D ultrasound machines: the Voluson E8 Expert with HDlive technology and the Voluson E6 Expert.

    The HDlive technology is a second-generation processing tool that provides exceptional anatomical realism and helps enhance depth perception.

    Additionally, it allows for a clear explanation to parents of any issues that may arise and their treatment alternatives.

    Is the fetal DNA study in maternal blood safe and reliable?

    The fetal DNA study in maternal blood does not pose a risk of miscarriage and is extremely sensitive, with an accuracy of over 99%.

    What diseases does fetal DNA detect?

    It allows for the analysis of the presence of X and Y sex chromosome sequences, enabling fetal sex determination and the identification of possible numerical abnormalities affecting these chromosomes, which cause conditions such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, triple XXX syndrome, and XYY syndrome.

    Additionally, this test helps to rule out the presence of microdeletion syndromes such as Cri-du-chat syndrome.

    When is it possible to study fetal DNA in maternal blood?

    It can be used starting from the tenth week in pregnancies achieved through fertility techniques (including egg donation) and in multiple gestations.

    Invasive Techniques
    Chorionic Biopsy, Amniocentesis, and Cordocentesis

    These tests allow for the collection of genetic material from the fetus. This way, a chromosomal study can be conducted to detect quantitative genetic abnormalities.

    They enable the diagnosis of more than 120 severe genetic syndromes that compromise fetal health, as well as the study of potential fetal infections.

    These techniques carry a risk of fetal loss of approximately 1%, so they are typically performed when there is an ultrasound marker or high-risk screening (including high-risk fetal DNA) that raises suspicion of a chromosomal abnormality.

    Request your appointment
    OUR PATIENTS
    Testimonials from Our Patients

    LHC

    “Clinical excellence, utmost professionalism, very good treatment, and great human quality from the entire team. Thank you always!!”

    Joa C.B.

    “Excellent treatment and care, along with great professionalism. Thank you for bringing my little one into the world! And even more for taking such good care of her when she needed it!”

    Gema M.C.

    “Everything is excellent. I have nothing but good words since I had my son with them 7 years ago.”

    Other Services

    Lactancia materna
    © Copyright - Unidad de la Mujer.