What is IVF?

As you may know, IVF is an assisted reproductive technique for couples unable to conceive naturally. It involves collecting reproductive cells from the prospective mum and dad, facilitating fertilisation in a laboratory, and then implanting the fertilised egg into the woman’s uterus.

How is IVF Performed?

Eggs are collected from the mum, and sperm from the dad. These cells are brought together in a lab to achieve fertilisation. The fertilised eggs develop into embryos, which are then implanted into the woman’s uterus. Once implanted, the pregnancy proceeds similarly to a natural conception.

Stages of IVF Treatment

1. Information and Evaluation: The process starts with training and assessment. GPs provide prospective parents with comprehensive information about the procedures, treatment plan, medications, and other relevant details. Additionally, necessary tests are conducted to ensure the suitability and readiness for the treatment process.
2. Stimulation and Formation of Eggs: Medications are administered to stimulate egg development in the woman’s ovaries, a process typically completed within 10-12 days. Regular visits to the GP are essential to monitor progress and ensure optimal results.
3. Egg Retrieval: Once enough mature eggs are identified, a trigger shot is given, followed by egg retrieval after 36 hours. This procedure, performed under anaesthesia, takes 15-30 minutes.
4. Fertilisation: Eggs and sperm are fertilised in a lab, and the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer.
5. Embryo Transfer: Selected embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus. This procedure doesn’t require anaesthesia and takes about 5-10 minutes. The prospective mother rests for a few hours post-procedure.

Eligibility for IVF Treatment

IVF is suitable for individuals who have:

• Not conceived after 1 year of unprotected intercourse
• Diagnosed infertility
• Pelvic pain, endometriosis, or recurrent miscarriages
• Issues with sperm quality and mobility
• Genetic diseases hindering pregnancy
• Advanced age (35+)

Individuals with hormone issues, those in menopause, women who have had their uterus surgically removed, and men with no sperm production are not eligible.

Factors Affecting IVF Success

• Advanced age
• Excess weight
• Immune system issues
• Uterus and fallopian tube problems
• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Excessive stress
• Poor nutrition

Age Limit for IVF

Women with a good ovarian reserve can undergo IVF up to age 45. However, success rates decrease significantly after age 35 due to the decline in egg quantity and quality.

Tips for Successful Treatment

• Follow the GP’s advice and take prescribed medications regularly.
• Drink about 2 litres of water daily, especially after egg retrieval.
• Maintain sexual abstinence for 2-3 days before egg retrieval.
• Avoid any medication without the GP’s recommendation.
• Eat a balanced, fibrous diet.
• Quit alcohol and tobacco use, and avoid cigarette smoke.

IVF treatment can be a crucial method for couples unable to conceive naturally. By conducting thorough research on IVF options, choosing the right centre, and following medical guidance, couples can increase their chances of a successful pregnancy and approach the journey with confidence and reduced stress.

Have a healthy day!

If you wish, let’s answer your questions together.  

What Is a Paternity Test?  

The screening test to prove or disprove the biological relationship between the baby and the father is called the paternity test. It is done when the mother is in doubt as to who the father of the baby is, or when the father wants to make sure that the baby is his own. It can be done after the birth, as well as before the birth, while the baby is in the womb, paternity test can be done.   

Child’s DNA with parenting prove or disprove ul taken DNA samples of the desired MEK father, and these examples it is examined whether there is a match by comparing them with each other. In case of a match, the paternity test accuracy rate is almost 100% reliable. This rate assumes certainty and is accepted by official authorities.     

What Week Is the Paternity Test During Pregnancy? 

Pregnancy becomes apparent about 4-5 weeks after fertilization, that is, the egg cell and sperm cell come together, and you can do the fetal DNA test from the 5th week, shortly after you learn that you are pregnant.  

So when is the earliest paternity test done during pregnancy? You can do it between week 5 and week 8. From the 8th week onwards, as the amount of fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and belonging to the baby will increase as time passes, you can obtain much more precise results from this week.    

How Is Paternity Test Done During Pregnancy? 

As of the 5th week of pregnancy, the genetic structures of the baby, namely fetal DNA, begin to circulate in the mother’s blood. Paternity testing during pregnancy is based on matching the genetic information required for comparison from the fetal DNA in the mother’s blood with that of the father. The testing phase proceeds as follows.  

• A blood sample is taken from the mother.  
• A blood sample or cheek swab sample is taken from the father.  
• In private laboratories, baby DNA is separated from the blood sample taken from the mother and compared with the sample taken from the father.
• It takes about 1 week for the result to appear.  
• If the match between the two genetic information is 0%, the male sampled is not the biological father of the child. If the match is 99% or more, it indicates that he is the biological father.   

Paternity Test Options During Pregnancy 

There are multiple methods that can be used for the paternity test of the baby in the womb. With the developing technology, the most used fetal paternity tests in the world are:  

Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT): 

It is one of the most common options for those who want to have a paternity test while pregnant. High-tech instruments for fetal cell analysis are used and the accuracy is over 99%. It can be applied as of 5-8 weeks of pregnancy. A blood sample is taken from the mother-to-be and the alleged father. The fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and that of the baby is compared with the DNA samples obtained from the father’s blood. The ratio resulting from this matching reveal whether the male is the biological father of the baby.   

Amniocentesis:  

It is a method used to detect prenatal genetic anomaly in the baby rather than paternity test. It can be done in the second trimester, anytime between the 14th and 20th weeks of pregnancy.  

It is a genetic screening test performed by a specialist physician by taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the placenta of the mother using a thin and long needle with the help of ultrasound. Fetal DNA of the baby is found in the amniotic fluid taken from the expectant mother. The chain of this DNA is compared with the DNA chain in the blood sample taken from the father, and the match resulting from the matching gives a result about whether there is a biological father. Having a paternity test while pregnant with amniocentesis is 99% accurate. Although amniocentesis is less likely, other options are preferred because it may cause abortion.   

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): 

From the early stages of pregnancy, about 10-13. Can be applied from week. Doctor approval is required for this procedure to be used for paternity testing. With pregnancy, small finger-like tissues are formed on the uterine wall of the expectant mother and adhered to the surface. These tissues, called chorionic villi, consist of the same fertilized egg and therefore have the same genetic makeup as the baby.   

In paternity test with chorionic villus sampling, the specialist doctor inserts a thin needle or tube into the cervix and takes a sample of chorionic villi from the uterine wall with the help of ultrasound. The sample taken from the tissue here is compared with the DNA sample taken from the father, and a conclusion can be reached about the test by looking at the compatibility rate.    

Why Is It Important to Have a Paternity Test While Pregnant?  

In addition to eliminating conflicts in family relationships, paternity testing may be required in some cases for legal, medical and psychological reasons. You can troubleshoot many problems with fetal DNA scanning if: 

• For your own peace of mind, you can have it done when you want to confirm the parenting of a child. 
• In custody and alimony cases, it may be required to be legally claimed by the court. 
• It may be needed for social security reasons.  
• It may be requested to eliminate contradictions in inheritance cases and to claim rights.  
• When faced with any health problem, the baby’s medical history may be needed to obtain the necessary health information.  
• You can request to support an immigration application or to support any appeal to immigration authorities.  
• It is important to strengthen family ties.  
• The fact that the baby grows up knowing his real father strengthens the relationship between the father and the child and prevents the baby from being psychologically affected. For this reason, it may be requested.  
• When you want the biological father to take responsibility both financially and emotionally during pregnancy, you may want to clarify the result without waiting for the birth.  

Would you like to share your experiences and questions as a comment?

Have a nice and healthy day!

What is NIPT? When and for what purpose is it applied? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Let’s examine together. 

What Is NIPT and What Does It Do? 

NIPT, which stands for “Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing”, is a screening that helps to detect the presence of some genetic diseases and anomalies in the fetus before birth. 

NIPT is administered without any coercive intervention. Screening is done on a simple blood sample taken from the pregnant woman. Cells in the fetus pass into the blood of the expectant mother, if there is an abnormal development in the fetus, it is detected by testing. 

Which Disorders Are NIPT Used to Diagnose?

Ultrasound may not always be sufficient in the monthly doctor checks of the baby, which continues to develop in the mother’s womb. NIPT screening plays a very important role in order to be informed about the presence of certain genetic aneuploidies (missing or excess chromosomes) and syndromes and taking medical intervention if necessary. 

Disorders that NIPT screens for the fetus are as follows. 

1. Some disorders found in the X and Y chromosomes, which are called sex chromosomes, in other words, Gono Somal chromosomes: 

• Jacobs Syndrome (XYY) 
• Turner Syndrome (Monosomy X) 
• Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY) 
• Triple X Syndrome (Trisomy X) 
• XXYY Syndrome 

2. Some chromosomal disorders: 

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) 
• Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) 
• Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) 

3. Disorders caused by some gene sequences (microdeletions): 

• Smith-Magennis Syndrome 
• DiGeorge Syndrome 
• 1p36 deletion Syndrome 
• Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome 

4. Some of the nearly 100 monogenic disorders: 

• Sickle cell anaemia 
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Usher syndrome 
• Gaucher’s disease 
• Beta thalassemia 
• Phenylketonuria 
• Pendred syndrome 
• Alstrom syndrome 
• Alport syndrome 
• Myotubular myopathy 

Types of NIPT 

In NIPT application, a test type is selected according to which chromosome or gene sequence will be examined. In other words, the test can be diversified according to the region where the scan will be made. 

• NIPT (Trisomy 13, 18, 21) test if only autosomal (non-sexual) chromosomes will be examined 
• NIPT (Trisomy 13, 18, 21, X, Y) test for screening of autosomal and Gono Somal chromosomes 
• NIPT (Trisomy 13, 18, 21, X, Y, Microdeletions) test if the gene sequence deformations will be examined in addition to the chromosome examination. 
• If 100 monogenic diseases are screened, NIPT (Trisomy 13, 18, 21, X, Y, Microdeletions and 100 Monogenic diseases) test is performed. 

When Is NIPT Done? 

Expectant mothers may wonder about the answer to the question “When is the NIPT done?”. The answer to this question becomes much more important, especially when some genetic problems are suspected in the baby. 

The 10th week of pregnancy can wait for the test result to be more reliable and for the baby’s cells to be found in sufficient amounts in the expectant mother. Starting from the 10th week of pregnancy, the test can be applied at any time. In twin pregnancies, it is desirable to wait for the 12th week. 

Who Is NIPT Recommended for? 

Anyone who wonders if their baby has any gene anomalies while pregnant or whether their baby will be born healthy can have an NIPT. However, not all pregnant women have to undergo this gene screening. NIPT screening is also recommended only in women with the following characteristics. 

• Pregnant women aged 35 and over 
• Pregnant women with risky results of double screening and triple screening tests 
• Pregnant women with aneuploidy found in their previous pregnancies 
• Pregnant women with findings indicating the presence of aneuploidy in the ultrasound follow-ups of the fetus 
• Pregnant women who are worried about the risks of interventional interventions such as amniocentesis 
• Pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and in the risky pregnancy class 

Who Cannot Have NIPT? 

There are some situations where prenatal screening cannot be applied. NIPT cannot be applied under the following conditions. 

• Having a body mass index of 35 and above of the expectant mother 
• The mother-to-be has a chronic disease that causes cell destruction. 
• Less than 10 weeks of pregnancy 
• The mother-to-be received stem cell therapy in the last 3 months. 
• Blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant of the expectant mother in the last 3 months 

How Is NIPT Done? 

The test is quite simple to do. Blood is taken from the expectant mother into 10 ml tubes specially produced for the test. The pregnant woman does not have to be hungry while the blood sample is taken. A fetal DNA analysis of the fetus found in the mother’s blood is performed. First, fetal DNAs are separated from the mother’s blood by means of special technologies. Then, the molecular weights are calculated by sequencing the DNA and the results are evaluated and reported. 

If enough fatal DNA cannot be obtained from the blood sample taken, it may be necessary to obtain a blood sample from the mother again. 

What Are the Advantages of NIPT? 

NIPT offers many advantages for mother and baby. 

• It offers a much higher reliability compared to the double and triple screening tests routinely applied during pregnancy. (98%) 
• Applicability is quite easy. It takes place by taking blood from the expectant mother and the procedure is very practical. 
• It gives fast results. After the test, the results are analysed within an average of 10 working days. 
• It gives the opportunity to detect gene anomalies in the early stages of pregnancy. 
• Since it does not require surgical intervention, it does not carry any risk of infection. 
• It does not pose any danger to the expectant mother or fetus. There is no low risk. 

NIPT is a DNA-based test that does not require surgical intervention. Although it gives highly reliable results, it should never be forgotten that it does not guarantee that a completely healthy baby will be born. 

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Have a nice and healthy day!

It is necessary to wait for the delay of menstruation to understand the pregnancy with normal pregnancy tests This situation led to a need for a product that could detect pregnancy earlier. 

An early pregnancy test can detect pregnancy up to 5 days before the day of menstruation. For this reason, it is one of the products frequently used by women who are planning pregnancy. 

What Is the Difference Between Normal Pregnancy Test and Early Pregnancy Test? 

Early pregnancy tests, like other pregnancy tests, detect pregnancy by measuring the level of the hCG hormone in the body. This hormone is also found in non-pregnant women. The amount found in non-pregnant women is between 5-10ml U/ml. Early pregnancy tests, on the other hand, are sensitive enough to detect even the hormone increase slightly above this amount. 

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, also called pregnancy hormone, increases day by day with the realization of fertilization. However, the main reason why other tests cannot show positive in the early period even in case of pregnancy is that this hormone has not yet reached the threshold value that the test can measure. 

The increase in hCG hormone level may be different for each woman. In some women, it reaches the upper levels in a short time, while in some women this period may be later. This may be due to late fertilization. However, it is still a hormone that can rise to such an extent that it can double in 2 days or this reason, it is possible to obtain a positive result in an early pregnancy test performed approximately 8-10 days after intercourse. Thus, you can find out whether you are pregnant in a short time with a simple test that you can do at home. 

What Is the Accuracy of Early Pregnancy Test? 

As mentioned, early pregnancy tests can precisely measure the level of hCG hormone. As a result of the research, the hCG hormone value in more than 70% of pregnant women can be as high as the test can measure 4 or 5 days before the menstrual day. 

However, if you do this test at most 5 days before your expected period and the result is negative, this does not mean that you are not 100% pregnant. For the correct result, it is necessary to wait a few more days and repeat the test. 

The early pregnancy test applied from the expected menstrual day is almost 99% accurate. So, it is the first choice of many expectant mothers. 

When Should Early Pregnancy Test be Done? 

To determine this time, first of all, it is necessary to know in which time periods pregnancy can occur. A woman with an average menstrual cycle (about 28 days) should ovulate on an average of 14 days, counted from the first day of her last menstrual period. The ovum has about 24 hours after it is released before it can be fertilized. Since sperm cells can live in the female body for up to 48 hours, or even up to 72 hours with better parameters, fertilization can occur after the intercourse days before and after ovulation.

The fertilized ovum moves towards the uterus in about 6-12 days and settles there. The hCG hormone increases rapidly by doubling about 48 hours. 

Although early pregnancy tests vary according to the brand, they can detect pregnancy 7-10 days after ovulation. This time is usually sufficient for the pregnancy hormone rising in the blood to be filtered through the kidneys and reach a level that can be detected in the urine.

There are brands that say they can detect pregnancy up to 4 days before the expected menstrual day, and there are brands that say they can detect it up to 5 days. However, no matter which brand you are going to buy, you should know following factors:

• Regardless of the result, it would be logical to repeat the test after two days.
• A negative result in early tests is not always a definitive result. This is because fertilization may be later than you think.
• Pregnancy hormone may not increase at the same level in everyone. Therefore, in case of negative results, the test can be renewed after a few days.

 A blood test is required to confirm the positive result in your test. It always gives clearer result. 

• Even if you have a positive test result, menstruation is possible with a low probability. Basically, these tests measure the pregnancy hormone. In cases such as chemical pregnancy, bleeding can be encountered despite the positive result.
• Early tests can create negative psychology in people expecting pregnancy. Facing a negative result of the tests can be frustrating. Therefore, this detail should not be ignored before taking an early pregnancy test

How Is Early Pregnancy Test Done? 

Applying an early pregnancy test is quite easy. The things you need to pay attention to achieve healthy results are as follows; 

• Make sure the test you have taken has not expired and is stored in a cool, dry place.
• Be careful not to drink large amounts of fluids in the few hours before taking the test.
• Apply the test at the times recommended in the leaflet.
• It is recommended that you drain the first part of your urine and use the next part.
• Hold or drain the urine in the amount or time specified in the prospectus.
• Wait for the time specified in the instructions for use in the test and observe the result.
• If there is only one line in the result field, the result is negative. However, this does not mean that you are not 100% pregnant. If in doubt, you can try the test again close to your menstrual period.
• If a double line appears, the result is positive. If the second line is faint, it also means positive. In this case, you can wait a few days and repeat the test for a more satisfactory result.
• The test is considered invalid if there are no lines in the result field. Youhave toretake the test to get the correct result. 

An early pregnancy test is highly preferred as it can tell you that you are pregnant before your expected period. But getting pregnant is something that takes time. Sometimes, although there is no problem, this process can take up to 1 year. 

Coming up with high expectations every month and then being disappointed can wear a woman out. This stress can even make it difficult to conceive. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this situation before performing these tests. 

Would you like to leave your experiences or questions as a comment? 

Have a nice and healthy day!