Pregnancy2021-02-08T16:18:14+01:00

Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Pregnancy is a very special phase of life - a phase of upheaval, of physical and emotional changes, of anticipation and longing expectations. But it is also a time of uncertainty, questions and fears. That is normal and understandable.

We are happy to be able to support our pregnant patients during these important weeks and months and thus help them to enjoy their pregnancy without any stress.

The focus of our practice is the support and care of expectant mothers in accordance with the maternity guidelines as well as supplementary, comprehensive prenatal ultrasound diagnostics (Degum II). The ultrasound examinations are performedwith a modern ultrasound machine with high resolution and 3D/4D technology. All our pregnant patients have the option of accessing the ultrasound images via a personal user account at FetView, viewing them at home on a PC, smartphone or tablet PC, saving them, copying them or sending them by e-mail.

Regular check-ups are important for the health of the child and the well-being of the mother. All examinations that are part of antenatal care according to maternity guidelines are covered by the statutory health insurance funds. In order to provide our patients with optimal maternity care with comprehensive prenatal diagnostics beyond what is covered by the statutory health insurance, we offer the following examinations:

Prenatal diagnostics

Prenatal DNA test, trisomy blood test, Down's syndrome blood test

Implementation: from 11. SSW

The prenatal test is used to determine the risk of chromosomal disorders, the so-called trisomies. The examination is non-invasive, i.e. it is not associated with any risks for the child or the pregnant woman. A simple blood sample from the expectant mother is sufficient to obtain the material needed for the test.

The prenatal blood test has a high detection rate, but does not provide a one hundred percent reliable diagnosis. This is only possible with a chorionic villus sampling (tissue sampling from the placenta, from the 11th week of pregnancy) or an amniocentesis (amniocentesis, from the 15th week of pregnancy). With the blood test, however, these invasive examinations, which are associated with an intervention-related risk of miscarriage of approx. 0.5%, can be kept to a minimum.

What is being examined?

The prenatal blood test determines the risk for trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards' syndrome) and trisomy 13 (paetau's syndrome). As trisomy 21 is the most common form of trisomy, the prenatal test is also referred to as the Down syndrome blood test.

In addition, the prenatal blood test can determine the sex chromosomes (X, Y) and the risk of anomalies such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome.

What cannot be examined?

With the help of the blood test, only a part of the possible chromosomal disorders can be detected. For example, the test is not suitable for detecting partial trisomies, in which only part of the chromosomes are present in triplicate. Hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis cannot be detected either.

The test does not replace fetal ultrasound diagnostics. It does not detect any of the frequently occurring fetal malformations if they are not based on a chromosomal disorder. It is therefore only useful in combination with an early differentiated ultrasound.

How accurate is the prenatal test?

The prenatal test determines the risk for the chromosomal disorders mentioned with high accuracy and at an early stage during pregnancy. The detection rate of the Harmony prenatal test, which we use in our practice, is over 99% for trisomy 21 (comparison: first trimester screening with nuchal translucency measurement 90%).

In individual cases, the test does not provide a usable result. This is the case, for example, if the proportion of the child's DNA in the mother's blood is too low.

Procedure and costs:

The blood sample can be taken from 10+0 weeks of pregnancy after detailed genetic counselling and in combination with an early fine diagnostic ultrasound. The result of the Harmony prenatal test is generally available within 9 days. The costs for the trisomy blood test and the associated medical services have not been covered by health insurances so far. It is planned to cover the costs in risk cases and for clarifying abnormalities.

Nuchal translucency measurement, first trimester screening

Implementation: 12 - 14 SSW

A nuchal translucency measurement as part of a comprehensive first trimester screening provides you with a lot of information about your child's development and health at a very early stage. In addition to a risk assessment for Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), indications of serious organ malformations such as heart defects can be recorded.

The purpose of a nuchal translucency measurement is to make a risk assessment and to give the pregnant woman a decision-making aid if she is not yet sure whether she wants to have an amniocentesis.

Procedure of the examination

The focus of the first trimester screening is a comprehensive ultrasound examination, which can already exclude numerous organic malformations. In order to assess the risk of a chromosomal defect, the so-called nuchal translucency of the unborn child is measured by ultrasound. This structure can generally be seen in all foetuses during this examination period. However, if the NT is widened, the probability of the child having a disease increases.

In addition to the ultrasound examination, two values are determined in the maternal blood: the pregnancy hormone ß-HCG and the protein PAPP-A. The blood sample can be taken as early as 10+0 weeks gestation, i.e. about 2 weeks before the ultrasound examination.

Risk calculation

The individual risk for the presence of Down's syndrome can be calculated from the following findings:

  • the age of the mother
  • the exact age of pregnancy
  • previous pregnancies with chromosomal defects
  • the width of the nuchal translucency of the unborn child
  • the values of the blood analysis

With the help of this method, which is not associated with any risks for mother and child, about 90% of affected foetuses are detected. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed by a tissue sample from the placenta(chorionic villus sampling) or anamniocentesis.

Cost absorption

The costs for a nuchal translucency measurement - like all examinations for risk assessment (e.g. the prenatal DNA test) - are not covered by the statutory health insurance funds. However, if abnormal test results lead to further examinations, these can be settled via the health insurance fund.

A request from our practice

During the first trimester screening, we concentrate entirely on you and your unborn child. Therefore, we ask you not to bring smaller siblings with you during this demanding and time-consuming examination. Thank you very much.

Fine diagnostic ultrasound / malformation diagnostics (DEGUM II)

Implementation: 20th - 22nd SSW

The organ ultrasound (also called fine diagnostics or differentiated ultrasound) is much more extensive than the ultrasound examination provided for in the maternity guidelines during this period. In addition to special equipment, it requires a special qualification(DEGUM II) of the examiner.

Procedure of the examination

Under good examination conditions, where the position of the child and the thickness of the maternal abdominal wall play a decisive role, a comprehensive fine diagnostic examination takes about 50 - 60 minutes. All the organs and features of the unborn child that can be visualised are examined and the following points are assessed:

  • the age-appropriate growth of the child
  • the amount of amniotic fluid and the position and appearance of the placenta
  • the appearance and function of all visible organs including the heart
  • The blood flow in the umbilical cord and the blood flow in the uterine vessels (to assess placental function and maturation).
Meaning and consequences

The primary purpose of this comprehensive examination is to make an exact diagnosis in the case of abnormalities in the screening and to accompany high-risk pregnancies.

If a disease or malformation of the child is detected, we can derive consequences for the further course of pregnancy (e.g. further diagnostics or therapies) or for the birth (e.g. involvement of further specialists, choice of maternity hospital) together with the patient in good time.

For many parents-to-be, the ultrasound helps to deepen the relationship with their unborn child. An inconspicuous organ ultrasound brings you security and reassurance for the further course of the pregnancy. However, every prenatal examination can also reveal unexpected abnormalities and present the parents with the decision about further examinations and consequences.

Cost absorption

For certain indications, the costs of fetal malformation diagnostics are covered by the statutory health insurances - e.g. in the case of conspicuous previous findings or if a couple already has a sick or disabled child. Otherwise, we offer this examination as an individual health service (IGeL).

A request from our practice

During the fine diagnostic organ ultrasound, we concentrate entirely on you and your unborn child. Therefore, we ask you not to bring smaller siblings with you during this demanding and time-consuming examination. Thank you very much.

Fetal echocardiography / ultrasound examination of the fetal heart

Implementation: from 19+0 SSW

Fetal echocardiography is part of the fine diagnostic assessment of the child's organs. The sonographic examination of the fetal heart requires great experience on the part of the examiner as well as a high-resolution ultrasound machine.

Although some heart malformations can be detected during early ultrasound screening between the 13th and 14th week of pregnancy, a detailed assessment of the heart, its function and blood flows only takes place between the 20th and 22nd week of pregnancy.

Procedure of the examination

During a comprehensive fetal echocardiography, the following structures and functions are assessed:

  • Position, size and symmetry of the heart
  • Anatomy of the heart structures
  • Function of the heart valves
  • Heart beat rate and heart rhythm
  • Location of the major arterial and venous vessels

Further details are examined with the help of colour-coded Doppler sonography:

  • Function of the ventricles
  • Cardiac septums
  • Blood flows in the heart (according to their direction and speed)
  • Blood flows in the major arterial and venous vessels (according to their direction and velocity).

Meaning and consequences

The majority of congenital heart defects can be corrected after birth by one or more operations. The life and health of the child depend decisively on the early and accurate diagnosis of the malformation.

If a child is diagnosed with a heart defect, we will immediately refer you to a specialist (usually a paediatrician or obstetrician specialising in cardiology) with whom you can discuss the further procedure.

Heart defects often occur in combination with chromosomal defects or genetic syndromes. Therefore, further prenatal diagnostics may be useful in the case of abnormal examination findings of the child's heart.

Extended ultrasound examinations

According to the maternity guidelines, only three ultrasound examinations are covered by health insurance during an unremarkable pregnancy.

Routine ultrasound screening is carried out at the following weeks of pregnancy:

  • Between the 9th and 12th class
  • the 19th and 22nd
  • and the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy

Ultrasound examinations outside these times are considered to be self-responsible health services in the case of an inconspicuous pregnancy, the costs of which are not covered by the health insurance funds.

During an extended ultrasound examination, we take more time to show the expectant parents the baby and - if it can be seen - to determine the sex. Towards the end of the pregnancy, an extended ultrasound scan can check the position of the baby to make sure that the head is in the pelvis. In addition, the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid and the size ratio of the baby's head to the mother's pelvis can be assessed.

You can view, save, copy or send the ultrasound images via a personal user account at FetView at home on your PC, smartphone or tablet PC.

Colour Doppler ultrasound

Carried out from the 27th week of pregnancy

Doppler ultrasound can be used to visualise the blood flow in the fetal vessels and in part of the maternal vessels and to assess the supply to the unborn child. Doppler ultrasound is mainly used in late pregnancy (26 - 38 weeks) and is not associated with any risk for mother and child.

A Doppler examination is justified in the case of

  • Suspicion of reduced growth or growth arrest of the child
  • Decreased amniotic fluid
  • Suspicion of child malformation or disease
  • pregnancy-related illness of the mother (e.g. high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, kidney disease)
  • certain infections (e.g. ringworm)
  • Premature birth or birth defects in a previous pregnancy
  • Multiple pregnancies

Procedure of the examination

During each Doppler examination, we first assess the baby's growth, the amount of amniotic fluid and the maturation of the placenta. Then we measure

  • The blood flow in the fetal vessels (e.g. aorta, cerebral vessels, umbilical cord).
  • the blood flow in the uterine vessels

Meaning and consequences

The colour Doppler ultrasound provides information about acute or chronic deficiencies in the supply of the unborn child and about the function of the placenta. On the one hand, the Doppler examination can help to reassure the parents-to-be if an initial suspicion is not confirmed. For example, if the child is too small for the gestational age, but the supply of the child is still good.

On the other hand, situations in which action is needed can be recognised at an early stage. For example, intensive prenatal care or, in individual cases, premature delivery may become necessary.

Cost absorption

Doppler sonography is not part of the normal routine check-up during maternity care. However, in the case of conspicuous preliminary findings, the costs are covered by the statutory health insurances.

3D/4D ultrasound

The 3D ultrasound enables a three-dimensional, spatial representation of your child or individual organs and body parts. The procedure is no different from conventional ultrasound. We speak of a 4D ultrasound when motion sequences are also documented and time is thus taken into account as the fourth dimension (e.g. through film or video recordings).

In prenatal diagnostics, the technique of 3D ultrasound is used alongside conventional two-dimensional sonography to visualise normal and abnormal fetal structures. It is mainly used when additional diagnostic indications are to be expected for special questions.

What is special about 3D ultrasound?

The 3D ultrasound does not provide a better or more accurate image due to its lower resolution, but because the three-dimensionality accommodates our visual habits, parents-to-be often find these ultrasound images particularly impressive.

For many parents, this form of ultrasound is a good way to strengthen the early bond with the unborn child. However, since every ultrasound also examines the child's development, such an examination is never a mere photo shoot. It always serves diagnostic purposes as well.

Are there always good photos?

Whether the souvenir photos from the 3D ultrasound are really successful and meet the parents' expectations depends on good viewing or sound conditions. The position of the child, a placenta lying against the anterior wall, little amniotic fluid or a thick abdominal wall often do not allow a good three-dimensional image. On average, sufficient visibility can be expected in about 50% of the examinations, depending on the week of pregnancy.

3D/4D ultrasound as a self-pay service

We offer our patients this examination as part of an extended ultrasound as a self-pay service. You can print out the images of your baby and take them home with you. With a personal user account at FetView, you also have the option of accessing your images online, viewing them at home on your PC, smartphone or tablet PC, saving them, copying them or sending them by e-mail.

More about 3D ultrasound: Frequently asked questions

Extended antenatal care / laboratory diagnostics

Toxoplasmosis test

Implementation: 9th - 12th SSW

While a toxoplasmosis infection usually causes only minor symptoms in the expectant mother and thus often goes unnoticed, the unborn child can suffer severe damage. A simple blood test can determine whether you are already immune to toxoplasmosis or whether your child is at risk from a first-time infection.

The costs of a toxoplasmosis test are covered by the statutory health insurance funds if there is a concretely justified suspicion of infection.

The costs of a toxoplasmosis test are covered by the statutory health insurance funds if there is a concretely justified suspicion of infection.

Procedure: from the 25th week of pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can be reliably diagnosed by a simple sugar load test (oral glucose tolerance test, oGTT). If there are no risk factors, the test is recommended from the 25th week of pregnancy.

Procedure:

Make an appointment with us early in the morning. You should come to the blood collection sober, i.e. you should not eat or drink anything from 10.00 p.m. the evening before. (Medication can be taken with a sip of water).

After a blood sample is taken in an empty state, drink a sugar solution (75g glucose in 300 ml water) within five minutes. After one and after two hours, blood is taken again.

You should spend the time between blood draws in our waiting room. Physical exercise leads to an increased reduction of blood sugar and could falsify the values.

Evaluation

We receive the laboratory results of the glucose tolerance test within two days. If two of the three readings exceed the normal blood glucose value, you have gestational diabetes. In this case we will refer you to a diabetologist for co-treatment.

Cost absorption

The costs are generally not covered by statutory health insurance. We offer this examination as a self-responsible individual health service (IGeL).

Streptococcus smear

Implementation: towards the end of pregnancy

B-streptococcus colonisation of the vagina is found in 10-15% of all women. Since B-streptococci usually do not cause any symptoms in this case, the infection remains undetected. In pregnant women, however, there is a risk that the baby will become infected with the pathogen during birth and develop a life-threatening streptococcal infection.

Simple proof

A simple swab of the vaginal secretion can detect a colonisation of B streptococci. We evaluate the streptococcus smear in the practice. The result is available after about 15 minutes.

More safety through prevention

If a streptococcus colonisation of the vagina is detected, treatment of the mother with antibiotics can drastically reduce the risk of infection for the child. In the USA, the streptococcus smear is a standard part of maternity care. This has reduced the number of newborn infections with B streptococcus by 4000 cases per year and prevented about 200 deaths from streptococcal sepsis.

Cost absorption

The costs for a streptococcus smear are not covered by the statutory health insurances, but is offered by the laboratory as a self-responsible individual health service (IGeL).

FetView is a programme for professional medical evaluation of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Doctors can use FetView to save examination results, create reports and growth curves and exchange information with professional colleagues.

FetView for our patients: Access to your own ultrasound images

If you agree, we can set up a personal, password-protected user account for you at FetView and give you access to your ultrasound images. All data is of course encrypted and not public. This service is free of charge for our patients.

Via your user account, you can view, save, print, copy or e-mail the ultrasound images at home on your PC - your smartphone or tablet PC. In addition, you have the option of viewing examination reports or showing them to the doctor in charge if you change doctors or go on holiday. If you consult another doctor for a further examination, all data in FetView can be shared with the doctor's colleague and the new examination results can be integrated. In this way, pregnancy can be optimally accompanied medically.

The first baby album

FetView allows you to collect and design all ultrasound images of your unborn child in a first baby album. After delivery, the documentation of your pregnancy can be supplemented with a birth report and pictures of your newborn. After the pregnancy, the FetView account remains. All data can still be accessed. In case of a new pregnancy, the personal documentation can be continued.

Cytomegalovirus test

Implementation: 9th - 12th SSW

Cytomagaly is not a threatening disease for the pregnant woman herself and 80% of those infected do not show any noticeable symptoms. Nevertheless, the virus is transmitted to the child in approx. 40 - 50 % of cases of a primary infection (first-time infection) during pregnancy. Serious damage and late complications are possible.

A simple blood test can clarify whether a pregnant woman is immune due to a cytomegalovirus infection she has already had, or whether the child is at risk from a first-time infection.

The costs for the cytomegalovirus test are covered by the statutory health insurance funds if there is a suspicion of infection or if the expectant mother has intensive contact with (small) children for professional reasons (governesses).

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are special sound waves used in 3D ultrasound?2021-01-25T10:53:38+01:00

3D ultrasound uses the same sound waves as conventional sonography. There is no "stronger radiation" that could be harmful to the child. The three-dimensional effect is the result of computing power, in which a sophisticated computer programme processes recordings at the various levels to create an overall image.

Can malformations be detected by 3D ultrasound?2022-04-19T15:10:07+02:00

For medical laypersons, physical details can be seen amazingly well on a successful 3D ultrasound image. In fact, however, three-dimensional ultrasound has no higher resolution and is no more accurate than two-dimensional sonography. For an experienced doctor, a "normal" ultrasound is more informative. When it comes to differentiated diagnostics, 3D ultrasound is only used as a supplement.

For all parents who want the most comprehensive ultrasound examination possible of their unborn child, the fine diagnostic ultrasound (DEGUM 2) between the 20th and 22nd week of pregnancy is preferable to a pure 3D photo shoot.

Can ultrasound harm my child?2021-01-25T10:52:46+01:00

The sound waves used in an ultrasound examination are extremely weak. The advantages of sonography in caring for mother and child, on the other hand, are enormous. Nevertheless, there is more frequent discussion about whether the sound waves are audible to the unborn child or whether they can cause the amniotic fluid to vibrate and heat up. However, there is no evidence for this theory. Scientific studies have not proven any harm or stress to the child from ultrasound

At what weeks of pregnancy can a 3D ultrasound be performed?2022-04-19T15:10:35+02:00

Around the middle third of pregnancy, the fetal structures are so far developed that impressive images can be taken if the sound conditions are good and the position of the child is favourable. In addition, the fetus is still quite small, so that full-body images are possible. Towards the end of pregnancy, there are limits to 3D ultrasound due to the lowering of the baby's head and the limited space available.

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