The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Antenatal Screening Program

Trimester-based screening tests are applied for the healthy course of pregnancy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department. Book Appointment →

What is Antenatal Screening Program?

Antenatal screening is the integrated set of tests performed at defined gestational weeks throughout pregnancy to protect maternal and fetal health and identify risks. The cornerstones of the program are first and second trimester ultrasounds together with biochemical tests.

In Turkey, the Ministry of Health offers all pregnant women, free of charge, the dual test (11-14 weeks), the quadruple test (16-18 weeks), and the detailed (anomaly) ultrasound (18-22 weeks). NIPT or amniocentesis is considered in high-risk groups.

The screening program is not diagnostic; it provides risk calculation and appropriate referral. Positive results are evaluated with confirmatory invasive tests.

Symptoms

The screening program is planned for asymptomatic pregnant women
Abnormal screening results are reported with risk reports
High risk: Down syndrome 1/250 or similar thresholds
Marker abnormalities on ultrasound (increased nuchal translucency, etc.)
Maternal age ≥35 is automatically considered high risk
Screening is broadened if there is a family history of genetic disease

Risk Factors

Advanced maternal age (≥35)
Previous pregnancy with chromosomal anomaly
Family history of inherited disease
Consanguineous marriage
Teratogen exposure (drugs, radiation)
History of recurrent miscarriage

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For preconception counseling at the moment pregnancy is recognized
  • For the first-trimester screening appointment between 11-14 weeks
  • For the quadruple test between 16-18 weeks
  • For the detailed ultrasound between 18-22 weeks
  • For genetic counseling when an abnormal screening result arrives

Treatment Methods

01
Dual test: PAPP-A, free beta-hCG + NT measurement
02
Quadruple test: AFP, hCG, uE3, inhibin-A
03
Detailed (anomaly) ultrasound: weeks 18-22
04
High-sensitivity screening with NIPT (cffDNA)
05
Amniocentesis or CVS in high-risk pregnancies
06
Multidisciplinary council and genetic counseling

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Regular Gynecological Check-up

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Regular gynecological check-ups enable early diagnosis of many women's diseases and increase treatment success. It is recommended that every sexually active woman or woman over 21 see a gynecologist at least once a year.

Cervical Cancer

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Cervical cancer develops from uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix and is among the most common women's cancers worldwide. Precancerous lesions can be recognized with regular Pap smear and HPV testing.

HPV and Vaccination

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

HPV is a common virus transmitted sexually that can lead to certain types of cancer. Vaccination provides over 90% protection against high-risk HPV strains.

Ovarian Cyst

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the ovarian tissue. Most are asymptomatic and disappear spontaneously; however, large or complex cysts can cause pain and complications.

Endometriosis

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, causing cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility; combined medical and laparoscopic treatment improves quality of life.

Uterine Fibroids

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors developing from the uterine muscle layer. They affect 20-50% of women of reproductive age; most are asymptomatic, but can cause bleeding and pain.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

PCOS is the most common endocrine disease affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by androgen excess, ovulation disorder, and polycystic ovarian appearance.

Menopause

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Menopause is the life stage defined by not having a period for 12 consecutive months and the natural cessation of ovarian function. The average age is 51, but it can vary between 45-55 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.