Second trimester anomaly screening

During the exam, we search for the signs pointing to the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities, we do a 3D exam of the brain, and we search for abnormalities in the nervous system and cranial structure. Then it becomes truly possible to perform a thorough structural examination of the spine, as well as the organs of the abdomen and chest, the kidneys, bladder, liver, stomach, bowels, heart and lungs, as well as screening for abdominal wall defects (e.g. umbilical hernia, abdominal wall hernia, diaphragmatic hernia) and limbs and lips. During the exam, we look at a total of 49 exam planes.During the ultrasound we also make a careful measurement of the cervix length, which enables us to calculate the risk of premature birth (this examination is optional).

In our center, we give a reliable answer not only to the question of whether the fetus has Down, Edwards, or Patau syndrome, but we look at every disorder that medical science has made it possible to screen for.

Cranium and central nervous system

developmental disorders of the large cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum (e.g. schizencephaly, Dandy-Walker syndrome)
disorders of the cerebral ventricles and cerebral spinal fluid circulation (e.g. ventriculomegaly, hydrocephalus)

Facial skeleton

structural and situational disorders of the eye (anophtalmia/microphtalmia)
disorders of the lips, hard palate, and jaw bone (harelip, cleft palate)

Chest, lungs and diaphragm

formal deformity of the chest
abnormalities in the lung tissue (cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestration, pulmonary hypoplasia)
diaphragmatic hernia
fluid accumulation in chest

Heart

a formal, situational, size and heart rate abnormalities
disorders of the heart chambers and septa dividing the chambers
disorders of the major blood vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein) e.g.TGA transposition of the great arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary artery stenosis/occlusion, abnormalities in the blood vessels of the aortic arch, etc.
abnormal thickening of the heart muscle
signs of decompensated fetal circulation (e.g. accumulation of pericardial fluid, pleural fluid, abdominal fluid accumulation)

Abdominal wall defects

(e.g. umbilical hernia)

Gastrointestinal system

e.g. duodenal stenosis/occlusion

Urine production and elimination system

structural abnormalities or lack of kidneys, cystic degeneration
structural abnormalities of the renal pelvis
urethra stenosis/occlusion

Skeleton and limbs

spinal disorders (spina bifida, formal deformities)
formal abnormalities of the limbs (e.g. clubfoot, deformations of limb bones)

Tumors

teratomas, liver, kidney, adrenal, placental, etc. tumors

Reviews

Dr Dániel Horányi is not only an outstanding doctor, he is also a fantastic person, and a partner in resolving problems. If I could characterize him in one word, it would be 'trust'.
33-year-old expectant women
I went to see Doctor Baross for the first time, but not the last! He was very, very thorough, and really paid attention to me (prenatal care). I could sense that he was very professional and precise in his work. The assistant was also very precise! I received 10/10 care!
29-year-old expectant women
Thank you for everything and for following my problem to the end.
35-year-old female patient
Doctor Gyula Csermely is an outstanding doctor, kind, patient, understanding in his explanations, and offers excellent treatment even if the patient is anxious. He is very thorough, doesn't waste time, and also has a winning personality. You can offer him your complete trust.
33-year-old female patient
I had an appointment with Dr Tibor Elekes for my third trimester ultrasound. It was a real experience: he commented on each step and was very thorough and precise. I will recommend him to people I know. You can see that not only expectant moms are in safe hands with Doctor Elekes.
35-year-old expectant women
Thank you very much for the incredibly precise work. I would especially like to thank Doctor Tibor Elekes and his assistant for the incredible amount of time that they devoted to us during the day yesterday, and that they kept going.
43-year-old expectant women
I was completely satisfied with Doctor Weidner both in professional and personal terms and in terms of his communication.
36-year-old female patient
I was completely satisfied with the care provided. The staff members are incredibly kind and considerate. During the examination, Doctor Elekes was extraordinarily thorough, and explained everything in detail. Thank you for providing such a high level of care.
42-year-old female patient
I am really grateful for Dr Áron Fekete's work. He was thorough, well-prepared and extremely empathetic. He is the best doctor I have ever had!
39-year-old female patient
The doctor carried out a very detailed and professional examination. His empathetic and patient attitude was a great help. I appreciate the little touches, like preparing a women's nightdress.
43-year-old female patient
I am absolutely delighted to have found this health center. Precise doctors, high-quality care, completely patient-centered. I am always satisfied when I leave. Without exception, all of the members of staff carry out their work to an extremely high standard. Thank you for being there.
29-year-old female patient
Thank you for everything, I was completely satisfied with the care, the attention, the work of the nurses, the people working at reception and the phone service too! Thank you for your work!
41-year-old female patient
The nurses were also very kind, Szabina and the nurse who looked after me during the operation and in the recovery room afterwards too. I was fully satisfied with everything. If I really put my mind to it, perhaps I could recommend that after the gynecological operation, if someone's stomach is cramping a lot, then you could offer them some painkillers/relaxants. I would have appreciated it, and would have paid for it too. But that really is just an idea. Everything was great.
37-year-old female patient
I had an issue two days after the examination, and I needed some medical information. I was able to consult with the assistance by phone and also with the doctor the day after. I really appreciated this!
33-year-old female patient
I have never been so satisfied with the staff working at a clinic, the procedure of care, the medical expertise and kindness. The whole examination was a really positive experience. Thank you!
31-year-old female patient
I am really grateful for the attention and precision of each member of staff. I am satisfied with everything. Many thanks
40-year-old female patient
Dr András Weidner completed my second trimester scan with infinite patience, empathy and kindness. Thank you very much!
32-year-old female patient
Every doctor and assistant is very kind and a good professional. I have been going to Dr Csermely for 20 years. I am satisfied with both him and Gabriella, his nurse.
31-year-old female patient
I am incredibly satisfied. Everything went very well during the examination. I encountered very professional and kind, attentive professionals. Even on the first phone call, I felt like this was a great place. Thank you very much for the great care. I can only recommend RMC, and I will!
31-year-old female patient
I consider the services of the RMC Fetal Medical Center to be of an outstanding standard compared to the average level of Hungarian healthcare. In terms of both the means of examination and the preparedness and thoroughness of doctors, care is provided at an incomparably higher standard than is usually the case in healthcare in Hungary – compared to state healthcare, which I have experience with.
36-year-old female patient
I was extremely satisfied with the care. The staff are extremely kind and attentive. During the examination, Dr. Weidner was very thorough and explained everything in detail. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for providing such a high standard of care.
43-year-old mother

Our related doctors

András Weidner, M.D.

Fetal Medicine Foundation-Certified Ultrasound Specialist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Gábor Baross, M.D.

Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Certified Ultrasound Specialist

Gyula Csermely, M.D., Ph.D.

Fetal Medicine Foundation Certified Ultrasound Specialist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

László Molnár, M.D.

Clinical Geneticist, Fetal Medicine Foundation-Certified Ultrasound Specialist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Any questions before booking an appointment?

If you are unsure which doctor to see or what examination you require, we are here to help!

Simply request a free callback from one of our colleagues, who will help you find the right specialist based on your specific issue.

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FAQ

Which tests do I need?

Non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) is done from the mother’s blood, which makes is completely safe for the pregnancy. The first trimester extended screening test, which consists of a blood test and an ultrasound exam, is recommended for every expectant mother. If this examination shows that the risk is low, then we recommend that the next tests be the 20th week, followed by the 30th week screening tests. If the risk is high, then further tests are necessary.
During the first trimester screening, NIPT may still be considered if your pregnancy is considered to be low risk (above 1:1,000), and is recommended if your pregnancy is medium (1:150-1000) or high risk (above 1:150) (if there is no genetic contraindication). If the risk is higher than 1:10, it is recommended to perform an invasive test according to professional rules, the opinion of which will be given in the framework of genetic consultation. Of course, parents can request the test without any medical reason, but only following the ultrasound exam, because NIPT does not replace the ultrasound exam, as several disorders and problems that cannot be detected with this test can be detected using ultrasound.
After a positive NIPT result, at the request of a high-risk expectant mother, or with other genetic indications, an invasive test (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) is recommended.

How do I prepare for the test?

The first trimester test consists of a blood test and ultrasound exam. You do not need to arrive with an empty stomach, unless you are a pre-natal patient here and you are also having blood draw for other tests. The second and third trimester screenings consist only of ultrasound exams. Because we do the screening exams without any time limit, in some instances the 60 minute exam can take up to several hours, and the next patient will need to wait. Of course, as is the case for every visit, we make every effort to keep the scheduled appointment times, but never at the expense of professionalism.

We make every effort to save time wherever we can – for example, we try to reduce time spent on paperwork. Every patient coming in for the first trimester test receives an email prior to the appointment, in which we ask that she read the material listed below prior to the appointment and bring it in already signed, if possible. This is one way we would like to reduce the amount of time spent with paperwork.

Examination consent form
Medical history
Research consent form
Service contract, if this is your first time at our office.

We do not send emails to patients coming in for second and third trimester screenings because these require less paperwork. But we also ask them to arrive 15 minutes before the appointment time in order to take care of the required paperwork.

Determining the need for non-invasive prenatal tests and invasive tests and evaluating the results of those tests occurs within the framework of a genetic consultation. Our assistants give appointments for these tests during the visit.

Why is it good for me to be seen by more than one doctor during a consultation?

All of the doctors in our center are specialist obstetrician-gynecologists with a certification in prenatal diagnostics. As senior physicians, Dr. Tibor Elekes, Dr. Gyula Csermely and Dr. László Molnár support the younger doctors of our institute in deepening their expertise in the field of prenatal diagnostics on the basis of the internationally recognized senior-junior procedure. This means that both the senior and junior doctor will deal with the patients during the examination. Both of them will devote enough time to answering the patient's questions and taking into account any needs that arise. This methodology provides even more optimal care and gives our patients even more opportunities to get answers to their important questions.

Prices and Pricing System

The vast majority of fetuses are healthy and no abnormalities are detected on the ultrasound. Nevertheless, all of our screening tests are extremely comprehensive and detailed, because we believe it’s important to know as much as we can. Reassuring the mother that her fetus is okay is just as important to us as helping anxious expectant mums with mild or severe ultrasound abnormalities by providing them with differential diagnostic knowledge and sufficient time for the scan. For these reasons, we apply a 'from-to' price range for our services. The amount paid by our patients at the end of the visit – which is based on an ethical pricing policy – depends to a large extent on the medical significance of any abnormality discovered, the need for documentation and consultation, and the nature of any legal liability incurred. You can find further details about the policy at this link.

Why does RMC ask if I am willing to take part in scientific research?

Our center is not only at the forefront of fetal medicine, we also actively contribute to the development of the related body of knowledge. At RMC, we are currently carrying out the research outline below, which our patients can participate in on a voluntary basis. We thank participants for their help with a gift package, the details of which you can find in an information leaflet attached to the preliminary email for the service.

RMC research: The results of the research contribute to a better understanding of the nature of early pregnancy conditions, which may allow for a more accurate understanding and prognosis in this field in the future.

SOTE–RMC MMK research: In 2014, the No. 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Semmelweis University (SOTE) launched a study looking at new ways to predict a condition known as preeclampsia. This condition occurs in approximately 3.8% of pregnancies. In most cases, with early identification and close monitoring, usually under controlled conditions, it is possible to reduce the risk of this process. Though early detection is becoming more effective, preeclampsia still causes the highest number of deaths during pregnancy. The screening method used in RMC Clinics is the most reliable of the methods used today. The aim of this research is to find an even more accurate method to predict preeclampsia, and that can also be used for monitoring purposes too. Only single pregnancies can be included in this research.

Second trimester anomaly screening

During the mandatory second-semester ultrasound exam 90% of developmental disorders and nearly 100% of severe heart defects can be detected.