New screening test benefits mums-to-be in Yeovil

Mums-to-be are benefiting from a new screening service which is now available at Yeovil District Hospital. All mums who book for care in the ‘Best Performing’ maternity unit in Yeovil District Hospital’s Women’s Hospital are now offered the combined test, which was previously only offered privately, for screening Down’s Syndrome from their 11th week of pregnancy. This new combined test replaces the triple blood test.

The screening consists of a scan to measure the thickness of a thin film of fluid under the skin on the back of the baby’s neck and is combined with a blood test to measure the level of certain substances which can indicate the risk of carrying a baby with Down’s Syndrome. If the risk is high further tests will be carried out.

Antenatal and Newborn Screening Co-ordinator Michelle Onslow said: “The main benefits of this test are that it is carried out between 11 and14 weeks allowing women to get their results much earlier in their pregnancy than with the 16 week triple test. The results also come back quicker and, for most women, they are available two to three days after the scan.

“The test also has a lower false positive rate than the triple test. This not only avoids unnecessary concern for some mums-to-be but also results in fewer women having to go on to further tests which can sometimes carry a risk of miscarriage.”

Already having benefited from the new test is 30-year-old Helena Woof from Yeovil who is herself a midwife both at Yeovil District Hospital and in the community team. Helena, who is expecting her second baby, said: “It was a much more detailed scan than the former 12-week scan which just ascertained the expected date of delivery. I was lucky because the baby was in a good position so it didn’t take very long – it can take up to an hour but it is worth it. I now have the peace of mind that my baby is fit and healthy”

Women now must ensure that they book with their GP as soon as they are pregnant as the test cannot be carried out after 14 weeks. Early booking also allows us to carry out other checks and tests that help us to ensure that all pregnancies are as safe as possible for both mother and baby.

Dr Caroline Gamlin, Somerset’s Joint Director of Public Health, said: “This new test should help by providing more information, choice and reassurance to mothers-to-be. Early screening tests for abnormalities, like Down’s Syndrome, also help midwifes and hospital specialist who are then able to provide the best possible care, both physically and emotionally to the new mother. In the case of some defects, such as heart conditions, early detection has even enabled corrective surgery to be performed, whilst the baby is still in the womb.”

*Yeovil District Hospital received a top score of ‘Best Performing’ in last year’s review of all maternity units around the country.