A protein circulating in the blood of pregnant women could be used to develop antenatal tests to determine the health of babies and predict the need for emergency care at birth, based on a study conducted by Queen Mary University London (QMUL).
The test conducted in mice and then in a cohort of 129 women, has shown that levels of the blood marker known as DLK1 are a good predictor of foetal growth and pregnancy-related complications. Scientists are considering using this marker as a non-invasive ante-natal screening tool but recommend further studies to consolidate their results.
Doctor Marika Charalambous who led the study explained that this discovery could identify the causes of a small-sized foetus, clarifying whether this is due to a nutrient deficiency in the uterus or simply genetic factors. This precise information will allow obstetricians to plan for any complications on delivery.
DLK1 is a protein that is found in large quantities in the mother's blood during pregnancy, in humans and rodents. However, its role has not yet been fully elucidated. The study - financed by the Medical Research Council and published in the Nature Genetics Journal - has shown that this protein comes from the embryo. Concentrations in maternal milk could give a direct indication of the biological condition of the embryo.
Moreover, DLK1 levels have proved to be good indicators of foetal weight with low DLK1 levels being linked to reduced foetal growth.
If you're using surrogacy treatment, you're more likely to expect monthly ultrasound checks from the 12th week of pregnancy. Reports along with video and/or pictures will be send the same or the next day. For trisomy screenings, results will be send within 5 working days. Trisomy 13, 18, 21 – on the 12th week of pregnancy. Trisomy 18, 21 – on the 16th week of pregnancy. When your surrogate mother is going for planned hospitalisation your program coordinator will let you know. As a rule if the delivery is in a natural way the baby will be discharged in 3-4 days from the maternity house. In case of twins or c-section it might take up to 7 days for the babies to stay in the maternity house. In case of premature birth or any complications, the baby(s) obviously stay in the hospital for a longer period.
ReplyDeleteI wonder whether this issue is the same for surrogates.. In my opinion, surrogacy means something different to each person it touches. For intended parents, it is the chance to finally complete their family and realize their dreams of parenthood. For surrogates, it is the chance of a lifetime to give selflessly to another family who needs them. For both parties, surrogacy is an extraordinary journey and a deeply rewarding experience unlike any other. So that's nice there are some additional way to prevent some possible risks.
ReplyDeleteI’m feeling lost after my 3rd loss so I wanted to get on here and work out my feelings a bit.
ReplyDeleteA little bit about our journey...
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for almost 4 years now. We did 2 rounds of letrozole and got pregnant twice during this time. One pregnancy was an early loss at week 5 while the other was a much more painful week 10 loss which involved a D & C. (I still look at my 8 week ultrasound pictures from time to time.)
We decided to go to a specialist and we set a game plan. I had to wait for my cycle before we could start everything but my period just wouldn’t come. I didn’t even think to test because I figured there was no chance. Come to find out I was pregnant again. We were shocked and happy since this pregnancy was without any intervention but, like the others, it was not viable and I started to miscarry at the 7 week mark. I’m currently at the end of this painful process and I am feeling so defeated. Really trying to stay positive but it’s so hard. 2 miscarriages felt like possible “bad luck” (as my previous doctor so coldly put it) but 3 is now an “issue”. It’s recurrent loss. And it’s what I think about all day lately.
My body is failing me. As a woman I feel that I’ve failed at the one thing my body should be able to do. And I’ve let my husband down as well. This is such a difficult thing to wrap my mind around.
This rant is my irrational, emotional brain speaking though. I need to keep that in check and just stay positive because through all of this I still have a lot to be thankful for. I have a supportive and loving husband and just the mere fact that I am able to conceive at all is something to be thankful for.
I am so hoping that this next stage, with our new doctor, will be a success. Just have to stay positive.
Thank you all for reading my story. It has been a tremendous help just to get this out.
To all you ladies out there going through this struggle - I’m here. I really am. Message me. Let’s talk. I’m tired of being so alone through all of this.
A huge hug to all of you.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Hugs for you! No matter what amount of conforting words I use your grief wont let you at peace anytime soon. Being a mother is more than just physiological. The emotional string is way to heavy to be torn down with the MC and the outbrust of insanity thereafter is overwhelming. But we're women we don't have a choice than to be strong and come out strong from any situation. It's much needed that you're hearty and healthy both to take on the round 2.
DeleteI can tell you that "time heals it all" or just teaches us to get accoustomed to living with it... eventually the severe heartbreak will be all gone for good. You're on medication to heal your body but please take counselling and vent out to heal emotionally as well. Wish you all the luck in the world, hun, be strong!
Personally I believe this is a groundbreaking new blood test promises to determine a woman’s chance of miscarriage and premature birth with high reliability. The test, carried out in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, is also said to predict the onset of preeclampsia. This is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. In its turn it can lead to premature birth and, in extreme cases, be life-threatening to both mother and fetus!
ReplyDeleteStatistics show that about 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most of them in the first trimester. About five to 18 percent of babies are born preterm, while preeclampsia affects roughly two to eight percent of pregnant women.
In addition to causing both heartbreak and trauma for families, these complications pose a serious risk to both maternal and infant health. Although the understanding of these pathologies is increasing, prevention remains a significant challenge in obstetrics.
While the tests need to be confirmed more widely, fertility specialists say the results are promising. They continue to pave the way for possible treatments for blood-related pregnancy complications.
Absolutely with you! These tests are so important for the healthy pregnancy. I underwent all the needed ones during all the stages of pregnancy. Each time it was a bit stressful to wait for the results coming in. And it was hard to deal with them coming in not very positive..Still things being under dr's control, one could count on better outcomes. One should only follow the dr's advices & suggestions carefully.
DeleteMaternal blood screening tests are a way to check the risk of birth defects before a baby is born. This is what I came across on other boards. Thought it might be useful to know. The tests measure the levels of three or four substances in a sample of the mother's blood during pregnancy. Common names for these tests are serum screening tests, triple screen, and quad screen. Why are these tests done? Some of the birth defects that might be detected by these tests are:
ReplyDeleteChromosome abnormalities. Down syndrome. Brain or spinal cord defects. Defects in the digestive system, such as a problem with the abdomen or esophagus. Certain serious skin conditions.
The blood screening tests do not detect all birth defects. Also, an abnormal test result does not mean that the baby has a birth defect. If a screening test indicates your baby may be at high risk for a birth defect, the test will probably be repeated and other, more specific tests may be done. Who should have this test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if: You will be 35 or older on the baby's due date. You have a family history of birth defects. You used certain medicines before or during the pregnancy. You had a particular type of viral infection during your pregnancy. You used illegal drugs or alcohol during the pregnancy. You are diabetic. You have been exposed to a lot of radiation or certain chemicals.
The test cannot diagnose a birth defect, but it can calculate the risk of certain birth defects. The lab calculates the risk based on the levels of three or four different substances in your blood. The age of your unborn baby as well as your age, weight, and race are included in the calculation because these factors may influence the results. Not all test results are 100% accurate, and a birth defect may still be present that was not detected in the blood tests. However, if all of the tests are normal, your chances of having a baby with a birth defect are very low.
We passed de ivf with BioTexCom. I underwent these 3 parts of first trimester screening:
ReplyDeleteUltrasound test for NT. It uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid or thickening.Two maternal blood tests. The blood tests measure 2 substances found in the blood of all pregnant women:
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening - a protein produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. It's known that abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.
And hCG - a hormone produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality as well.
When used together as first trimester screening tests they have a greater ability to determine if the fetus might have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome and trisomy 18. If the results of these first trimester screening tests are abnormal, genetic counseling is recommended. More testing such as chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, cell-free fetal DNA, or other ultrasounds may be needed for accurate diagnosis. This is what every prego woman gets aware of. And it's vital such tests could be done in order to announce healthy pregnancy for both - mom and baby. This way one future mom may feel safe.