More Pregnant Women in Japan Undergo Prenatal Checkups

Tokyo, June 1 (Jiji Press)–The share of pregnant women in Japan who underwent prenatal checkups mainly for fetal chromosomal abnormalities quadrupled to 11.5 pct in 2023 from 3.2 pct in 2011, a Japanese research team said. The surge followed the 2013 introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing using blood samples, which is less stressful for mothers than other methods. The research team, including Aiko Sasaki, a doctor at the National Center for Child Health and Development, analyzed about one million cases from five organizations that conducted test analyses over the 20 years through 2023. The number of NIPT cases increased to 40,813 in 2023 from 7,775 in 2013 and doubled from 2022, when the age restriction of 35 or older was effectively abolished. In contrast, the number of confirmatory tests, which involve collecting amniotic fluid through a thin needle inserted into the uterus, decreased from 7,811 in 2003 to 5,620 in 2023, after peaking at 16,454 in 2014. There has also been a downward trend in villus tests, which involve collecting part of the placenta, and maternal serum marker tests, which involve estimating risk from blood components. NIPT has gained popularity as an alternative to conventional tests due to its lower stress levels for mothers and an increased number of institutions offering it following the removal of the age restriction. Amniotic fluid testing, whose rate of chromosomal abnormality detection has risen from about 8 pct to 20 pct, is increasingly used when NIPT indicates a high risk. The research team believes the actual number of those who underwent prenatal checkups may be higher, as its survey does not fully account for uncertified facilities not adhering to the guidelines of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The use of testing has changed significantly, the team said, emphasizing the need for an appropriate counseling system. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]