My Pregnancy Journey - Part 4

OSCAR + FA

The Singaporean in me surfaced when I opted to go for OSCAR + FA for a piece of mind. Dr Claudine referred me to Thomson Diagnostic Imaging Centre for the scans and we took their OSCAR + FA package at $495.40.

One-stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk for Fetal Anomalies (OSCAR)
A first trimester option offered to all pregnant women as an earlier and more accurate method of screening for risk of fetal anomalies, in particular Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

1. Screening for chromosomal defects in the first rather than the second trimester provides earlier reassurance for those with a normal result.
2. The composite risk score will help you decide whether you want any invasive testing such as CVS or Amniocentesis.
3. For those choosing this optional test, it will also be less traumatic if a termination is necessary.

OSCAR involves :

1. Ultrasound measurement of Nuchal Translucency (NT) at 11-13 weeks + 6 days gestation of the fetus.
2. A sample of the mother’s blood is analysed for levels of free beta hCG and PAPP-A (Pregnancy associated plasma Protein A).

Studies have shown that Down Syndrome is associated with
• Increased maternal age
• Increased fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT)
• Increased maternal serum free beta-HCG and
• Decreased pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) concentration
The detection rate of Trisomy 21 by this method would be about 90%, for a false positive rate of 5%. This is superior to the 65% by maternal age and second trimester serum biochemistry; and 80% detection rate by NT and maternal age in the first trimester.

Date : 13 Jun 2014
EDD by ultrasound : 29 Dec 2014
Gestational age : 11 weeks + 4 days
Report includes :

1. Fetal Biometry - fetal heart rate (FHR), crown-rump length (CRL), nuchal translucency (NT), biparietal diameter (BPD), nasal bone
2. Maternal Serum Biochemistry
3. Estimated Risk for Aneuploidies

Second trimester Fetal Anomaly (FA) Scanning
Date : 08 Aug 2014
EDD by ultrasound : 29 Dec 2014
Gestational age : 19 weeks + 4 days
Report includes :

1. Fetal Measurements - biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), hemisphere, anterior ventricle (Va), posterior ventricle (Vp), transcerebellar diameter (TCD), cisterna magna (CM), nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length, estimated fetal weight, placenta, genitalia
2. Fetal Anatomy

Baby weighs 314g (11ozs) at almost 20 weeks and is more than 50th percentile for all measurements. Fetal movements are visible, amniotic fluid is normal and cord has 3 vessels. Although placenta is anterior and slightly low, Dr Claudine assures that it is not an issue. Sonographer also confirmed the genitalia of baby to be male. Both hubby and I are glad that baby is growing well. =)