Number of trisomy tests for pregnant women explodes: every second now informs!

Number of trisomy tests for pregnant women explodes: every second now informs!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - more and more mothers are opting for blood tests to determine the risk of trisomies such as Down syndrome at an early stage. These tests rose sharply in the pregnancy population, especially last year. According to a current report by Welt.de , about 50% of the pregnant women carried out such a test in 2021 30-33% lay.

Interest in the non-invasive prenatal tests (NIP), however, varies significantly between the federal states. Bavaria is at the top with 52.1%, followed by Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (49.3%) and Brandenburg (46%). Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein also show high values ​​with 44.8% and 43%.

What are trisomies?

trisomies are genetic disorders in which a cell has three copies of a certain chromosome instead of the usual two. This can lead to physical malformations, mental restrictions and a shortened lifespan. The most common trisomy is Down syndrome (trisomy 21). With 10,000 pregnant women aged 30-34, around 17 are born with trisomy 21. Younger pregnant women (under 36) worry less about the test, while older pregnant women from 36 in particular take advantage of it.

This is how 72.1%of pregnant women from 36 years of age use the test in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in Bavaria it is almost 72%, 60.9%in Lower Saxony. The frequency of trisomies increases with age, which is why older women in particular are well advised to find out about the test options.

reimbursement and procedure

The statutory health insurance companies have been covering the costs for the NIP since July 2022. This test is not one of the regular preventive examinations, but is an uncomplicated option to clear uncertainties. It is important that expectant mothers clarify in an interview with your doctor whether this test makes sense for you, since the results are not a secure diagnosis and further examinations are necessary. This is also on Gesundheitsinformation.de emphasized.

A nip examines small DNA pieces of the unborn child in the mother's blood and can provide information on frequent chromosome disorders from the 10th week of pregnancy. The method has the advantage that there is no risk of miscarriages when extracting, but is reliable behind invasive procedures. Such invasive tests, such as amniocentesis, are only recommended if there is a higher risk of chromosome disorders. These offer a more reliable diagnosis, but pose a risk of the health of pregnant women and the unborn child.

parents should find out well and discuss their decisions with their doctor in detail in order to make the best possible possible for themselves and their child. The Swiss health authority also emphasizes that genetic studies during pregnancy and hereditary diseases and Can contribute to chromosome disorders. A good choice of the test can help to make safe decisions at an early stage and to reduce uncertainties.