Got a ‘high-risk’ result in your pregnancy report? It’s natural to have questions about what it means and what your next steps should be. We’ll be discussing this in detail today. Need a personalised consultation for your high-risk pregnancy in Pune? Get in touch with Dr Tejas Tamhane at Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine.
High-risk Screening Result in Pregnancy
Hearing “your screening shows a higher risk” during pregnancy is never easy. Even when said gently, it can make your heart race, your mind fill with questions and your imagination run to the worst-case scenarios. If you or someone you love is going through this experience right now, we want to begin by saying that a high-risk screening result does not mean something is definitely wrong with the baby. Screening tests only identify possibilities, not certain answers.
Let’s now walk you through what usually happens next, step-by-step, so you know what to expect and feel more prepared for the journey ahead.
Understanding The High-risk Pregnancy Results
Pregnancy screening tests look for increased chances of certain genetic or structural conditions in the baby. When a result falls in the higher-risk range, it means further testing is needed.
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Here’s our step-by-step approach:
01. Counselling
Medical guidance is important, but so is emotional support. And this is where counselling plays such a crucial role. It is a structured, thoughtful process where we sit down with the parents to understand the report, explain what the results mean for the mother and the baby.
02. Detailed Ultrasound
The first step after a high-risk result is usually a targeted or detailed ultrasound. This is a more comprehensive scan than routine scans and focuses on specific markers and the baby’s development.
03. Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
If not done already, many expectant parents go for a non-invasive prenatal test. This simple blood test analyses fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. It is safe, highly accurate and provides clarity for certain genetic conditions. But remember, this is also a screening test and will not be able to give 100% assurance.
04. Diagnostic Testing (If Needed)
In some cases, diagnostic tests such as Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or Amniocentesis may be advised. These tests give a definite answer, not just a probability. Though they sound intimidating, they are performed with utmost care and under continuous ultrasound guidance by a fetal medicine expert.
Our Fetal Medicine Specialist, Dr Tejas, takes time to go through each aspect of the screening, breaks down the medical terminologies and translates statistics into something parents can relate to.
The counselling session also focuses on outlining the next steps medically:
-Whether additional ultrasound markers need review
-If NIPT is appropriate, or a diagnostic test like amniocentesis is a must
-What each test involves, its accuracy and timing.
By the end of the counselling session, our aim is to leave parents not just with a plan, but with understanding. Knowing why a recommendation is made, what the available options are and how we will support you each step of the way.
Get Expert Care for High-risk Pregnancy in Pune
Pregnancy is a journey full of hope, vulnerability and extraordinary strength. If you’ve received a high-risk screening result, take a deep breath. Reach out. Ask questions and lean on your care team.
If you’re looking to get specialised care for a high-risk pregnancy in Pune, connect with Dr Tejas Tamhane, a trusted name in the fetal medicine field.
