How Does PlGF Testing Help in High-Risk Pregnancies?

ByCaesar

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. However, for some women, it comes with heightened risks. One such risk is preeclampsia. This is a pregnancy-related condition that is linked to high blood pressure disorder, in severe cases, organ dysfunction. If not managed properly, it can endanger both mother and baby. Luckily, PlGF testing can come to your rescue. This test helps detect the risk of preeclampsia early on to ensure timely treatment.

In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about the PlGF test. Read on!

What is PlGF?

PlGF is short for Placental Growth Factor. This is a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays an important role in the development of blood vessels in the placenta. This ensures your baby receives enough oxygen and nutrients to grow properly.

In a healthy pregnancy, PlGF levels rise steadily, especially during the first and second trimesters. However, in pregnancies with complications like preeclampsia, PlGF levels tend to fall. This makes PlGF testing a valuable biomarker for predicting risks like preeclampsia.

What is PlGF Testing?

PlGF testing is a blood test that measures the concentration of Placental Growth Factor in a pregnant woman’s blood. Since PlGF levels fall in the case of preeclampsia, it helps rule out the condition. The PlGF test is usually combined with other clinical data, such as blood pressure readings and ultrasound scans, to provide a more accurate risk assessment.

Why is PlGF Testing Important in High-Risk Pregnancies?

High-risk pregnancies are those in which the mother, baby, or both have a higher chance of developing complications. Some factors that make a pregnancy high-risk include: 

  • Maternal age (teen mothers or women over 35)
  • High blood pressure or diabetes
  • Kidney disease or autoimmune conditions
  • Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
  • Previous history of preeclampsia or preterm birth
  • Obesity
  • Family history of pregnancy complications

For these mothers, PlGF testing can help in the following ways:

Early Detection of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia affects around 2-8% of pregnancies. It also causes over 50,000 maternal and 500,000 fetal deaths worldwide. These alarming numbers suggest the importance of early detection for this condition. This is where the PlGF test comes into play. It allows doctors to detect the risk of preeclampsia weeks before symptoms appear.

Differentiating Between Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

High blood pressure in pregnancy does not always mean preeclampsia. Some women develop gestational hypertension. This is generally less dangerous but still requires monitoring. A PlGF test helps distinguish between gestational hypertension and preeclampsia to enable proper treatment. It is also important to note that without proper treatment, gestational hypertension may also turn into preeclampsia. In fact, research suggests that this happens in 50% of cases.

Preventing Unnecessary Hospital Admissions

Without a PlGF test, many high-risk women are admitted to the hospital as a precaution. This leads to stress, unnecessary expenses, and even strain on healthcare systems. With PlGF testing, you can be sure and only get admitted if you are truly at risk.

What to Expect During PlGF Testing?

The PIGF test is quick, simple, and completely safe for both you and your baby. Here is what typically happens:

  • A nurse or lab technician will clean the skin on your arm with an antiseptic.
  • They will then collect a small amount of blood into a vial or syringe from your arm.
  • Your blood sample is sent to a laboratory for further testing.

Once the results are ready, your doctor will review them. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and fetal growth, prescribe medications, schedule additional tests, or plan for early delivery if the risk to you or the baby is high.

The Wrap Up

Pregnancy should be a time of joy, not fear. However, for women facing high-risk pregnancies, the journey can feel uncertain. This is where PlGF testing helps. It brings clarity, reassurance, and safety to both mothers and babies. If you are an expecting mother looking to stay ahead with PlGF and advanced prenatal screening, you can explore options like the First Trimester Quadruple Delfia test. It helps assess risks early on in pregnancy.

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