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2025-02-18T04:39:42Z

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			File:Prenatal_Down_syndrome_screening_algorithm.png\|Prenatal Down syndrome screening algorithm
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			File:CC-BY_icon.svg\|Prenatal testing
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Prab at 21:16, 20 September 2023

2023-09-20T21:16:57Z

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'''Prenatal diagnosis''' refers to the identification of diseases or conditions in a fetus or embryo before its birth. The primary objective is to detect birth defects such as [[neural tube defects]], chromosome abnormalities, genetic diseases, and other conditions. Prenatal diagnostic methods can be either non-invasive or invasive.

=== Reasons for Prenatal Diagnosis ===

* '''Early Intervention''': Enables parents to plan for any health needs of the baby before birth.
* '''Emotional Preparation''': Allows parents to seek counselling, reducing shock and other reactions post-birth.
* '''Medical Preparedness''': Enables healthcare staff to be ready with suitable treatments during and post delivery.
* '''Abortion Decision''': Gives parents the option to abort if they so choose.
* '''Genetic Considerations''': In families with inheritable genetic conditions, prenatal diagnosis can detect chromosome abnormalities or specific genetic problems.

=== Risk Factors for Prenatal Testing ===
* Age of the pregnant woman (e.g., over 35).
* History of premature babies or babies with defects.
* Maternal health conditions like high blood pressure, lupus, or diabetes.
* Ethnic backgrounds of partners prone to genetic disorders.

=== Methods of Prenatal Diagnosis ===

==== Non-Invasive Methods ====
* '''External Examination''': Feeling the mother's abdomen.
* '''[[Ultrasound]] Detection''': Scans to confirm pregnancy dates, twin detection, check for abnormalities, or identify risks of disorders like Down's syndrome.
* '''AFP Screening''': Checks levels of alpha fetoprotein, β-hCG, and estriol in maternal serum.
* '''Detection of Fetal Blood Cells in Maternal Blood''': Allows potential sampling of baby's DNA.

==== Invasive Methods ====
* '''[[Chorionic Villus Sampling]] (CVS)''': Early sampling and testing of the chorionic villus but carries higher risk.
* '''[[Amniocentesis]]''': Sampling of amniotic fluid to test floating baby cells.
* '''Embroscopy and [[Fetoscopy]]''': Observation or sampling of blood/tissue using a probe and camera.

=== Ethical and Practical Issues ===

* Deciding between continuation of pregnancy or abortion after testing.
* Assessing the risks versus benefits of invasive prenatal diagnosis.
* Concerns about potential societal preferences for certain traits in offspring.
* The impact of false positives and negatives on parents' mental well-being.
* Decisions related to treatment or surgery options for detected abnormalities.
* Assessing societal pressures on women's choices regarding prenatal testing.
* Evaluating the role of genetic counseling in aiding parents' decisions.

== See Also ==
* [[Neural tube defects]]
* [[Chromosome abnormalities]]
* [[Genetic counseling]]
* [[Amniocentesis]]
* [[Ultrasound]]
* [[Amniotic stem cell bank]]
* [[Amniotic stem cells]]
* [[Chorionic villi]]
* [[Genetic counseling]]
* [[Newborn screening]]
* [[DNA testing]]

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120520123627/http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=31&compID=43 Our Bodies Ourselves chapter on Prenatal Testing and Disability Rights]
* [https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-tests.aspx Prenatal Tests and Why Are They Important?] - March Of Dimes

{{Pregnancy}}
{{Obstetrical procedures}}
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[[Category:Obstetrical procedures]]
[[Category:Tests during pregnancy| ]]
[[Category:Midwifery]]
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Prenatal testing - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

Prab at 21:16, 20 September 2023