Prenatal testing

Ultrasound• Ultrasound images have many uses

during pregnancy. • used to determine due dates, • reveal the presence of twins or other

multiples, • rule out ectopic pregnancies. • helping to detect potential problems,

 birth defects, placental issues, breech positioning, and others.

• learning the sex of baby. • doctors can estimate how large a

baby is just before delivery.

3d ultrasound

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis

• Amniotic fluid contains live fetal skin cells and other substances, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). These substances provide important information about your baby's health before birth.

• procedure is usually scheduled between the 15th and 18th week.

• There is a small risk that an amniocentesis could cause a miscarriage (less than 1%, or approximately 1 in 200 to 1 in 400).– Injury to the baby or mother, infection, and preterm labor are

other potential complications that can occur, but are extremely rare.

Amniocentesis

• look for certain types of birth defects, such as Down syndrome, – a small risk for both the mother and her baby, the

prenatal test is generally offered to women who have a significant risk for genetic diseases, including those who:

• Have an abnormal ultrasound• Have a family history of certain birth defects• Have previously had a child or pregnancy with a

birth defect• Will be 35 or older at the time of delivery

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

• Completed earlier in pregnancy. – Weeks 10-12

• Determine chromosomal defects

• Small sample is taken from placenta

• If genetic disorders run in family

• Mother is over 35