Suche
Mein Konto
Number of trisomy tests in pregnant women explodes: every second person now informed!
The use of blood tests for trisomy diagnosis is increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - an overview of current data and developments.
Number of trisomy tests in pregnant women explodes: every second person now informed!
More and more expectant mothers are opting for blood tests to determine the risk of trisomies such as Down syndrome at an early stage. These tests have increased significantly in the pregnant population, particularly in the past year. According to a recent report by Welt.de Around 50% of pregnant women carried out such a test, while the rate in 2021 was still between 30-33%.
However, interest in non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) varies considerably between 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 at 44.8% and 43%.
What are trisomies?
Trisomies are genetic disorders in which a cell has three copies of a particular chromosome instead of the usual two. This can lead to physical deformities, mental limitations and a shortened lifespan. The most common trisomy is Down syndrome (trisomy 21). For every 10,000 pregnant women aged 30-34, around 17 will be born with trisomy 21. Younger pregnant women (under 36) are less concerned about the test, while older pregnant women aged 36 and over are increasingly taking advantage of it.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 72.1% of pregnant women aged 36 and over use the test, in Bavaria it is almost 72% and in Lower Saxony 60.9%. The frequency of trisomies increases with age, which is why older women in particular are well advised to find out about testing options.
Reimbursement and procedure
Statutory health insurance companies have been covering the costs of NIPT since July 2022. This test is not part of the regular preventive examinations, but is an uncomplicated way to eliminate uncertainties. It is important that expectant mothers discuss with their doctor whether this test makes sense for them, as the results are not a confirmed diagnosis and further examinations are necessary if there are any abnormalities. This will also be on Healthinformation.de emphasized.
A NIPT examines small pieces of the unborn child's DNA in the mother's blood and can provide evidence of common chromosomal disorders as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. The method has the advantage that there is no risk of miscarriage during extraction, but is less reliable than invasive procedures. Such invasive tests, such as amniocentesis, are only recommended if there is a higher risk of chromosomal disorders. These offer a more reliable diagnosis, but pose a risk to the health of the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
Expectant parents should be well informed and discuss their decisions in detail with their doctor in order to make the best possible decision for themselves and their child. The Swiss health authority also emphasizes that genetic testing during pregnancy can help detect hereditary diseases and chromosomal disorders. A good choice of test can help make safer decisions early on and reduce uncertainty.