Understanding the Triple Marker Test in Pregnancy - A Guide for Parents-to-Be

Have you entered in your second trimester of pregnancy? You must be getting so many congratulations in order or tons of advice from here and there. As you are a step closer to meeting your precious little one, it is essential to be extra careful. As the excitement builds, so does the need for extra care and attention for the sake of the mother-to-be and unborn baby. So, as you navigate through these months of pregnancy, your doctor may suggest another test to assess your baby's health and detect potential issues early on. We are talking about the Triple Marker Test, also called 2nd Trimester Screening or Maternal Screening Test.

While you might see this one more test, remember that it's all part of ensuring you and your little one are healthy. If it is your first pregnancy, you might have heard about the Triple Marker Blood Test for the first time and have many related questions. Don't worry; this is what we are here for. Let us break it down for you.

So, what is a Triple Marker Test?

Also called the Triple Screen Test, the Triple Marker Test is a prenatal screening test suggested to examine three major substances, i.e., AFP, hCG, and estriol levels in a pregnant woman's blood, to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities. Measuring these levels during the phase might not be compulsory. Still, it is highly recommended, especially when the mother-to-be is in the high-risk category, to assess the chances of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. The reason is simple: the earlier a problem or risk of developing a problem is diagnosed, the better it will be to handle it.

Let's Understand The Detailed Breakdown of the Triple Marker Test:

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy, AFP levels play a vital role in ensuring the healthy development of the fetus. Measured as a part of the Triple Screening Test, AFP Levels in the maternal blood help screen for neural tube defects that affect the spinal cord and brain development.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Produced by the placenta during pregnancy, hCG is a hormone that supports the early stages of pregnancy and is a marker in various pregnancy tests. Abnormal hCG levels may usually be associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or trisomy 18. If the levels are elevated, it indicates Down syndrome, and if levels are lower than normal, it indicates trisomy 18.
• uE3- Estriol Unconjugated: Produced by both the fetus and the placenta during pregnancy, uE3 is a form of estrogen and is one of the substances measured in the triple marker test. It assesses the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects.

Performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, the Triple Screen Test assesses the risk of certain birth defects, allowing early interventions. However, it is crucial to understand that a positive result doesn't necessarily indicate birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities; it only shows certain abnormalities and doesn't confirm them.

Other than the Triple Marker Test, what other tests are essential during the second trimester of pregnancy? Click on to find out:

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/essential-blood-tests-for-the-second-trimester-of-pregnancy/ 

So, is this Triple Marker Test compulsory for all mothers-to-be?

No, it is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended for women who fall into any of the following categories:

• Have Advanced Maternal Age: Maternal age above 35 is usually linked with a high risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, they may be recommended to undergo this test to assess their risks and take appropriate measures accordingly.
• Previous Pregnancy History Of Chromosomal Abnormalities: If this is not your first pregnancy, and you have had a baby with such abnormalities, you may be at higher risk and need this Triple Screen Test to confirm or rule out the risk.
• Family History: Moreover, if you have a family history of birth defects, your doctor may prompt the need for a Triple Marker Test to assess the risk of passing down the same to the unborn baby.
• Have Received Abnormal Ultrasound Findings: If your ultrasound report seems fishy, your doctor may suggest the test for better clarity and appropriate measures.

So, no matter why your doctor may have suggested this test, getting tested in time is critical, as it is about your and your baby's health, and taking a chance is not even a choice. The Triple Marker Test provides comprehensive information about the health of the developing fetus and helps guide the decisions about prenatal care.

Conclusion

If you are soon going to be a parent, keep your excitement high, but to enjoy the phase the most and ensure the safety of your mother-to-be and unborn baby, it is advisable to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and book the Triple Marker Test to avoid possible complications.

Redcliffe Labs, Your Trusted Lab For Prenatal Test

We understand the value of precision in diagnostic tests. Thus, we bring maximum accuracy and convenience to your doorstep. So, book your Triple Marker Test with Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs, to get tested in time and enjoy the beautiful phase of your life without worries. Book the Triple Marker Test with us for just Rs 2900 and get a doorstep sample collection facility.

So, what are you waiting for? It is about your pregnancy and the life growing within you; don't take it for granted; get tested to tackle the situation well in time.