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The incidence of late pregnancies is on a rise and that’s why a triple test has gained so much importance in today’s time. A baby born to a mother who is in her 30’s (especially more than 35 years of age) can have genetic abnormalities and a triple test helps in such conditions.

A young female has a healthy ovum, but its quality decreases with advancing age of the mother. This is the reason why babies born to elderly mother are more likely to have genetic disorders. Triple test is done to ascertain if the mother is at a risk of having a genetically malformed baby. It is a non-invasive procedure and doesn’t carry any risk, neither for the mother nor for the baby.

When is this test performed?

It is usually done between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. However results obtained between 16th and18th weeks of pregnancy are considered to be more specific and accurate.

Is the test diagnostic?

One must remember that the triple test is not a diagnostic test. It is a screening test; it only gives an estimation of the risk. Mother with a normal triple test can also have a genetically malformed baby and vice versa though this doesn’t happen too often. Ultrasound or Amniocentesis is usually done to confirm the diagnosis in high risk patients. This is how the test works.

Who all should get the triple test done?

All pregnant women should get it done, but it’s a must when:
- Age of the mother is more than 35 years
- Family history of babies born with birth defects
- Mother is diabetic and on insulin
- Mother is taking some drugs during pregnancy, which can be harmful for the baby

What is actually done in the triple test?

Triple test measures the levels of three things in blood:
1. HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin , produced by placenta)
2. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein, produced by fetus)
3. Estriol (It’s the estrogen produced by both placenta and the fetus)

An increased level of AFP suggests the possibility of baby having a neural tube defect like anencephaly or spina bifida. On the other hand, low levels of AFP and deranged levels of HCG usually indicate that the baby has some chromosomal abnormalities like Downs or Edward syndrome. Such a child will be mentally retarded. The triple test thus tells about the level of risk.

What is done to confirm the diagnosis?

If the risk is high, then the triple test is usually followed by amniocentesis. Here, fluid is taken out from the amniotic sac which surrounds the fetus. Ultrasound is also used for diagnostic purposes.

What is done after the diagnosis is confirmed?

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor and parents have to decide whether the pregnancy should be terminated or not. If pregnancy is to continue then parents should start planning for such a child. These kids will have special needs and parents should prepare accordingly. They can also get in touch with some support groups who provide resources and other facilities for such children.