In The Netherlands there are several
kinds of ultrasounds and prenatal tests available. The costs will be
compensated by your health insurance. Some of the tests will only be
compensated if you have an increased risk of complications, such as:
● if there are heritable birth defects in your direct family.
● If you have a birth defect yourself or ever had a baby with a
birth defect.
● If you are 36 years old at the time of the 18th week of the
pregnancy.
Below we provide information about the different tests. For more
information we advice you to visit
www.prenatalescreening.nl or
www.centrumsam.nl
Standard
ultrasound (termijnecho)
What is checked?
The purpose of this test is to check if the pregnancy is intact. Is
there a heartbeat? Is the baby nestled in the uterus? The due date
is set. Is it a single or multiple pregnancy?
When?
The best period to carry out the ultrasound is between 10 and 14
weeks pregnancy. It is possible to do it earlier, around 8 or 9
weeks if you are having bright red blood loss, if you have ever had
a miscarriage or if you would like to have the combination test as
well.
Where?
You can have the standard ultrasound in our own practice. If
necessary the ultrasound will be done twice or will be done at the
hospital. We also provide evening consulting-hours for ultrasounds.
Costs?
The costs of the standard ultrasound are reimbursed by your
insurance.
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Combination
test
parts
This test exists of an ultrasound and a blood test. By ultrasound
the thickness of the nuchal translucency of the baby is calculated
and the exact term is set. Your blood will be tested for 2
substances (PAPP-A and Beta HCG). Your age also plays a role in the
calculation. So the thickness of the nuchal translucency, the term,
the blood results and maternal age are the base of the combination
test.
Calculation of risk… not a definite result
The purpose of the combination test is to make a judgement of the
chance you’re carrying a baby with Down Syndrome. It is a
calculation of the risk so it is not a definite result. If the risk
turns out to be increased it is possible to do further testing. The
risk is increased if higher than 1 in 200. Be aware that even if the
risk should turn out to be increased, the change that the baby does
NOT have Down Syndrome is many times higher.
Down Syndrome
A child with Down Syndrome has a mental handicap and sometimes also
physical handicaps (such as a heart defect) Down Syndrome is usually
caused by chromosomal defect. Chromosomes are the carriers of the
human genetic material. In case of Down Syndrome there is an extra
chromosome number 21.
When?
The ultrasound takes place between 11 and 14 weeks pregnancy. The
blood test takes place between 9 and 14 weeks pregnancy.
Where?
The combination test is available in screening centre SAM (located
on the premises of Hospital Amstelland). The blood test is then
carried out in the Hospital Amstelland. SAM works on appointment.
Costs
The costs of the combination tests are not reimbursed by your
insurance if you don’t have an increased risk. The test costs
between 120 and130 euro.
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Screening
Ultrasound
Where and when?
This ultrasound takes place between 18 and 22 weeks pregnancy. The
test can be carried out at screening centre SAM, where they provide
specialised technicians with advanced ultrasound machines. The
ultrasound will last for about 30 minutes. If necessary the test
will be carried out in the hospital.
Screening
The purpose of the test in screening for birth defects, such as
heart defects, spinal defects, kidney defects etc.
Therefore the baby is checked from head to toe. Not all defects are
visible on the screen. Good results therefore don’t guarantee a
healthy child. The growth and amount of amniotic fluids are also
checked.
Defining the gender
With this type of ultrasound it is usually possible to define the
gender. Only in 5% of cases this is incorrect. Only if you request
it, the technician will tell you the gender.
Costs
Costs of this type of ultrasound are reimbursed by your insurance.
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Other
ultrasounds
If extra ultrasounds are required during pregnancy, we will organise
this for you. Many of these ultrasounds can be made in our own
practice. For example checking the babies position, the placenta,
the amount of amniotic fluids etc.
If there is an indication for the gynaecologist to carry out the
test, we will arrange this for you.
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Invasive
tests
Amnion punction
The purpose of this test is to show chromosomal defects, some
metabolic diseases and clues for spinal defects. This test is
carried out from 14 weeks pregnancy onwards. With the punction of a
needle some amniotic fluids are harvested from the uterus. Cells in
the fluids are checked for chromosomal defects. The results will be
known within 21 days. The risk of miscarriage caused by this test is
0,3%.
Chorion punction
The purpose of this test is to show chromosomal defects and some
metabolic diseases. The test is carries out between 11 and 13 weeks
of pregnancy. With the punction of a needle some chorion tissue is
harvested from the uterus. Chorion tissue forms the placenta, for
the test 20-50 mg is needed, which means this is about 0,001% of the
placenta. The results will be known within 14 days. The risk of
miscarriage caused by this test is 0,5%.
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