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In addition to checking the length of the femur, the circumference of the head and the diameter of the abdomen, pregnant women also need to pay attention to the length of the fetal nasal bones every week. This is one of the very important tests during pregnancy for the doctor to make a diagnosis if the fetus is likely to have Down syndrome right from the womb.
1. Learn about fetal nasal bone length
Fetal nasal bone length is a standard measure for the development and stability of the baby while in the womb. This factor is an important basis to help doctors diagnose the fetus is likely to have Down syndrome or not.
There are 2 cases of fetal nasal bone abnormalities that can be detected by 12 weeks of pregnancy ultrasound:
Nasal bone aplasia: This is a condition in which the fetus does not have nasal bones. Nasal bone hypoplasia (partial aplasia of the nasal bones): This condition reflects a shorter nasal bone length than the norm at the time of fetal development. The absence of a nasal bone or a short nasal bone is associated with Down syndrome. According to research, the majority of ultrasound cases do not measure the length of the nasal bones of the 12-week fetus with Down syndrome. In particular, the chance of having Down's disease is increased if the baby still has no nasal bones in the next 3 months of pregnancy or the nasal bones are much shorter than the norm.
According to research by scientists in the Philippines, fetal nasal bone length at the following weeks of gestation is considered normal:
11th week of pregnancy: 1.96mm; 12th week of pregnancy: 2.37mm; 13th week of pregnancy: 2.90mm; 14th week of pregnancy: 3.44mm; 15th week of pregnancy: 4.05mm. When the fetus is 20 weeks old, the length of the nasal bone is 4.50mm or more is normal, and if it is less than 3.50mm at 22 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of the baby having Down syndrome is very high.
2. When is the fetal nasal bone length measured?
Measurement of nasal bone length for the fetus will be started at 12 weeks of pregnancy. After that, the measurement will be taken continuously until the fetus is 28-32 weeks. Each milestone plays an important role in the health of the baby, so mothers must not miss any prenatal check-ups.
The time to measure fetal nasal bone length is as follows:
Measurement of fetal nasal bone length at 12 weeks: Among the most interesting 12-week fetal indicators is nasal bone length. By the 4th week of pregnancy, the baby's nose will begin to form part of the fetal airway. By the 12th week, the basic components of the nose have been completed, so the ultrasound examination of the fetal nasal bone length is completely possible. At this point, the obstetrician will do an ultrasound to see if the fetus has a nasal bone. If the fetus does not have a nasal bone, it will be classified as a high-risk group for Down syndrome. If unfortunately this is the case, the pregnant mother should not worry too much because this stage is quite early to confirm the exact status of the fetus, the mother should monitor and check again after 1-2 weeks according to the appointment. doctor. Measure the length of the nasal bones in the following trimesters of pregnancy: During the next pregnancy ultrasounds, the doctor will continue to measure the fetal nasal bones. Studies have shown that if the fetus does not have a nose bone at 12 weeks of pregnancy ultrasound, but the next time there is still no nasal bone or short nasal bone, the risk of Down's disease increases very high. In case the fetus has no nasal bone or short nasal bone along with the results of the Double test, Triple test or NIPT with high risk results, amniocentesis will be indicated to determine the risk of Down syndrome in the fetus. pediatric.
3. What factors does the fetal nasal bone length depend on?
Similar to other parts of the fetus's body, the length of the nasal bones also depends on the following factors:
Due to genetics: Parents with long, high noses, the birth rate is also long. and tall; Due to race: Europeans, Americans,... will have longer nose bones than Asians; Gestational age: The higher the gestational age, the longer the nasal bone index will be. The doctor will rely on these factors to compare with the standard nasal bone length table, from which will make a final conclusion that the baby's nasal bones are normal, short or absent.
4. Measures to improve fetal development index To develop the fetus properly, pregnant mothers need:
Have a reasonable reproductive plan: To ensure fetal nasal bone length and other development indicators normal, reduce the risk of Down syndrome, parents should not give birth too late (over 35 years old); should be screened for Down syndrome from the 12th week of pregnancy; general health examination before pregnancy; vaccinations necessary for the course of pregnancy; Do not arbitrarily use the drug during pregnancy.
Nutrition during pregnancy: Pregnant women need a healthy lifestyle combined with a scientific diet during pregnancy is the best measure to help improve the fetal development index, ensure the length of the nasal bones. normal development. Add enough 5 groups of substances: protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Abstain from certain foods and drinks that are not good for the development of the fetus, such as drinks containing stimulants, caffeine.
Appropriate care and activities: Pregnant women should rest reasonably; do not overwork or exercise; avoid living and working in a polluted environment; avoid inhaling dust and auto cigarette smoke; should sleep 8 hours a night and sleep before 23 hours to help the fetus develop healthy; add enough 2 liters of water per day to increase nutrient absorption; relaxed, optimistic and cheerful mood; Gentle exercise to improve health.
Fetal nasal bone length measurement is an important test to assess the baby's development. Therefore, the mother needs to have a complete and timely prenatal check-up. Especially, it is important to choose a reputable medical facility because this measurement result depends a lot on the qualifications and experience of the doctor and the ultrasound machine system.
To protect mother and baby during pregnancy, Vinmec provides a package Maternity service to help monitor the health status of mother and baby comprehensively, periodically check antenatal care with leading obstetricians, perform Full range of tests, important screening for pregnant women, timely advice and intervention when detecting abnormalities in the health of mother and baby.
The Obstetrics Department of Vinmec International General Hospital has been highly appreciated by customers for its professional quality as well as professional care services by:
Comprehensive mother and baby care: Comprehensive mother & baby health care present, from before - during - after a full pregnancy; prenatal and postnatal screening for infants and mothers; heel test; maternity package ; pre-marital examination; prenatal care and counseling; cord blood storage. Children receive the best care from birth: right after the baby is born, the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother, the umbilical cord is cut by the father, and is monitored and cared for in the special care room for a few days. 12 hours for early detection of transient respiratory failure or other medical conditions. The baby is fully vaccinated. The birth team not only has obstetricians and midwives, but also has pediatricians on duty, monitoring to handle problems arising for the baby during the birth process. Modern and advanced techniques: Painless delivery by special anesthetic techniques. Treatment and care for extremely preterm infants < 27 weeks - Vinmec is the only hospital in the North that can save the lives of babies born 24 weeks premature. Outstanding equipment: The room is designed according to international hotel standards, with modern equipment such as: specialized transport incubators with ventilators, blood suction, pressure controlled oxygen tubes; deafness screening machine, brain cooling machine to treat asphyxia; CFM brain function monitor; Monitor 5 parameters; Resuscitation bed with built-in heating lamp.
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