Brief Answer: This screening is not always essential... Detailed Answer: Hi, Quadruple screening test is suggested to pregnant mothers who have family history or at risk to develop congenitally abnormal baby. Down's syndrome, Edward syndrome, spina bifida, anenecephaly are few of the congenital conditions that can be screened via this quadruple screening. This test is essential if routine antenatal check up / early trimester ultrasound scan revealed abnormal / doubtful results. The doctor would like to perform this non invasive tests to know the babies risk to develop those congenital abnormality. Quadruple screening test is optional if: 1. All the test done in the 1st trimester was normal. 2. Mother has no family history of congenital disorders 3. Mother is not on teratogenic drugs / has no medical illness/infection that risks baby to develop congenital abnormality. Hope this answers your question. Please write back for clarifications. Regards

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Brief Answer: Level 2 or "Anamoly scan" is most important... Detailed Answer: Hi, Quadruple test is optional if there are no risk factors. You may get this done if your doctor has advised her to undergo it. Antenatal scans done during pregnancy is timed at various intervals. First ultrasound scan is generally around the 10th week. Second one is between 18 to 22nd week. Third one is done between 24 - term (generally around the 36th week). Early trimester scan around 5th or 6th week is sometimes done before the first (level 1) scan to confirm pregnancy and the site of pregnancy (uterine or ectopic). As I read your post, it looks like she has undergone the early trimester scan and level 1 scan. The level 2 scan or the anamoly scan timed between 18 and 22 weeks is going to be the crucial one and I don't think your wife should miss this scan. Hope this helps. Please close this discussion if all your question are answered. Regards

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