Screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction in the first trimester

The aim of screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction is to assess the risk of the development of maternal pre-eclampsia and reduced fetal growth due to the placental insufficiency in the second half of pregnancy. This examination is carried out at 11-14 weeks and for our patients it is included in the Nuchal translucency scan in the 1st trimester. However if you haven’t had a Nuchal scan in the 1st trimester at our centre, you can book screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction separately with us.

Risk of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction is assessed from:

• Maternal parameters (high, weight, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, parity and outcome of previous pregnancies, autoimmune disorders)
• Maternal blood pressure on the day of screening
• Level of hormone PAPP-A (eventually also PlGF) in maternal blood
• Doppler examination of maternal uterine arteries

In general, increased risk of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction can be reduced by half with the administration of 150 mg of Acetylsalicylic acid (drug Godasal or Anopyrin, 150mg in the evening at bed rest from the 1st trimester up to 36 weeks). Additionally, regular follow-up growth scans at intervals of about 4 weeks are recommended and we would be happy to arrange them for you at our centre. If there is an increased risk of the development of maternal pre-eclampsia, we would suggest regular self-monitoring of blood pressure or at least regular check-ups of blood pressure and urine with your gynaecologist.

The whole examination with counselling takes around 15 minutes and you are welcome to bring your partner or someone close to accompany you through the examination. A detailed report with the results will be usually sent to you by email within a week.