Pearl obstetrics | gynaecology


Screening

  • Ultrasound
    Scan can help diagnose chromosomal & structural problems. They're not perfect though.

Screening tests in pregnancy | Joondalup Private

Antenatal screening

Antenatal care is comprised of many screening tests. Your obstetrician discusses and arranges testing at different stages in your pregnancy. It’s important to know the consequences of some of these screening tests, particularly those looking at your baby. Some women may decide to decline some of these tests following discussion.

Pregnancy screening includes testing for:

  • Common blood disorders like iron-deficiency anemia
  • Blood group and abnormal antibodies
  • Vitamin testing
  • Testing for viruses and immunity to viral infection
  • Checking for cystitis (which is often without symptoms in pregnancy)
  • Checking for signs of blood pressure disorders such as gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia
  • Checking for gestational diabetes
  • Checking for germs that may cause trouble during the birth

 

Screening baby for structural and chromosomal problems

  • Chromosome problems like Down’s syndrome can be picked up with a combination of scan and a blood test, followed by an invasive amniocentesis or CVS in high-risk cases.
  • However, a reliable test is now available using just blood (NIPT, Harmony or Generation test)
  • There’s no rebate for this new blood test – we can arrange it from 10 weeks gestation. It takes about 1 week to get results, and currently costs about A$400 (no Medicare rebate).

 

Other scans

  • Structural problems are usually picked up on scan, mainly at 20 weeks, but sometimes on earlier scans
  • Checking for problems with the baby’s growth or well-being with repeat scans

PEARL obstetrics | gynaecology

obstetrics | gynaecology Our office is situated near Glengarry Private Hospital in Perth. We provide easy free parking. We're easily accessible from Joondalup, Hillarys, Stirling, Currambine, Ocean Reef, Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Wanneroo, Burns Beach, Sorrento, Padbury, Marmion, Watermans Bay, North Beach, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Carine, Balcatta, Westminster, Mirrabooka, Malaga, Hamersley, Koondoola, Girrawheen, Marangaroo, Greenwood, Warwick, Madeley, Darch, Wangara, Kallaroo, Craigie, Heathridge, Woodvale, Scarborough, Doubleview, Innaloo, Osbourne Park, Wembley Downs, Tuart Hill, Trigg, North Beach. The Western suburbs (Cottesloe, Claremont, City Beach, Floreat, Swanbourne) are all within easy reach.