What should a healthcare provider do to assess the risk of congenital abnormalities at the first visits?

Offering screening tests for aneuploidy is the best approach during the initial visit to assess the risk of congenital abnormalities. This screening typically includes tests like the first trimester combined screen or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which evaluate the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities. These tests analyze various factors, including maternal age, ultrasound findings, and maternal serum markers, to provide valuable information about the risk of aneuploidies.

At this early stage, it is crucial to identify any potential complications early on, allowing for appropriate counseling and interventions. Screening for aneuploidy is designed to provide early insights, and discussing these options can help parents understand potential risks and prepare for further testing or imaging if necessary.

In contrast, just performing a full blood workup without focusing on specific screening for congenital abnormalities may not provide the targeted information needed regarding the risk of aneuploidies. Not conducting any tests would miss valuable opportunities for early risk assessment, and simply checking the heart rate does not assess the fetal risk for congenital conditions. Thus, screening for aneuploidy appropriately addresses the need for early evaluation of congenital abnormalities.