Tricuspid Regurgitation Summary
MUMS has been using this test in screening for Downs syndrome for over three years.
The test is where we examine the heart with the use of Doppler to see if there is a leaking heart valve present on the right side of the heart.
From our audit we have found that about 1 in 40 pregnancies are affected by this condition. The condition is considered to be a variation of normal similar to the way that some babies when born have reflux of their milk up from their stomach making them sick after feeding. Eventually they grow out of the condition as their bodies grow and mature.
We have found that of every 100 pregnancies with this finding about 10 of the babies will have a chromosomal problem such as Downs syndrome. However, this is not usually as an isolated finding but other problems such as a thick nuchal measurement or problems with the blood results are also present.
We also find that another 7 pregnancies will have a major problem with the development of the heart. This is the same rate as you would find in women who are diabetic and become pregnant.
If we find this present and the pregnancy is low risk for Downs syndrome we recommend a detailed scan of the heart. This can be flagged up for the hospital looking after to perform or you can come back here for the scan at 23 weeks. Sometimes we can do earlier scans (18 weeks) to try and detect major heart conditions but 23 weeks is considered to be best time for the heart scan.