We are a Pregnancy Ultrasound & Wellness Clinic located in Edmonton, AB
Obstetrical Ultrasound Care
Supporting you throughout every stage of pregnancy
Welcoming new life is a journey, and every stage of pregnancy brings different questions, milestones, and needs. We offer comprehensive obstetrical ultrasound services throughout pregnancy, including:
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dating and viability ultrasounds
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NT scans
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early anatomy scans
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detailed fetal anatomy scans
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third-trimester ultrasounds
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cervical assessments
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second-opinion ultrasounds
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and specialized monitoring for DCDA twins.
One option you may consider during your first trimester is the traditional First Trimester Combined Screening. This gentle, non-invasive screening is available between 11+3 weeks and 13 weeks + 5 days of pregnancy and is fully covered by Alberta Health Care.
Designed to assess the likelihood of chromosomal differences, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18, the screening provides a calculated risk assessment rather than a definitive diagnosis.
Choosing whether to participate in this screening is entirely up to you and what feels right for you and your family. The results can provide your healthcare team with additional information to help guide your care throughout your pregnancy.
How does the First Trimester Combined Screening work?
The first trimester combined screening comprises two components: an ultrasound measurement of the Nuchal Translucency (NT), and a blood test.
The 11-13 wk early ultrasound provides dating, viability, early fetal anatomy assessment, and can measure the baby's fluid-filled space at the back of their neck, and the nasal bone. During the ultrasound, you'll receive a requisition for a blood draw, which needs to be completed before 13 weeks + 5 days of pregnancy for a complete screening.
Data from your blood test, such as age and hormone levels, is paired with the ultrasound information to calculate the chance of chromosomal variances in your baby for the number of chromosomes 21, 18, 13.
One of the markers in the blood test is a hormone called PAPP-A. If found at low levels, it can indicate a heightened risk of complications like high blood pressure or growth restriction. If this is the case, you might need closer monitoring throughout your pregnancy, including additional ultrasounds or a prescription for aspirin.
Making Sense of the Results
The First Trimester Screening has a detection rate of 82% for T21, meaning it would identify about 82 out of 100 babies with Down Syndrome.
Your doctor will help you understand the results, which offer specific risk estimates for the some of the most frequent chromosomal differences in fetuses: trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome).
Screen Negative
A "screen negative" result signifies that the likelihood of chromosomal variances is less than 1 in 300. While most pregnancies with a screen negative will not result in a baby with these variances, it could miss a small number.
Screen Positive
Conversely, a "screen positive" result indicates a higher than average chance. Though it can be alarming, remember that most screen positive results do not lead to a baby with chromosomal differences.
If you receive a screen positive result, it might lead you to explore further testing options, including chorionic villous sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, or non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS).
