Although most kids are born healthy, there is always the possibility that something may go wrong. Depending on age, lifestyle difficulties, and medical history, some couples will be at a higher risk than others.
A genetic disease known as Down syndrome is one of the most frequent genetic issues a newborn might have. While genetic testing is typically recommended for women, the decision to do so is ultimately yours. It’s a good idea to go to a DNA test lab to get tested and the implications for you and your family if your baby is discovered to have a genetic condition.
You’re more likely to have a child with a genetic disease if you:
- you or your spouse have previously had a kid with a genetic issue
- you are over the age of 37.
In pregnancy, two types of tests can be performed.
- Screening tests can determine if you are at risk of giving birth to a child with birth abnormalities. These tests will not reveal anything specific about your fetus and gives the DNA testing fast results.
- Diagnostic testing can reveal whether the fetus is healthy.
Women can choose whether to have tests to find out their risk of having a baby with a congenital disability. Some hospitals have genetic counseling services that can discuss the implications of testing and what it might mean to you.
Some of these tests are required early in pregnancy, and if you are a public patient, you may need to arrange for testing with your doctor (GP).
- Tests for screening
The majority of prenatal examinations take place between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy. The primary screenings can be skipped if desired. All pregnant women, however, are offered the tests. Some people prefer not to participate in the trials. Triple screen: this test examines three chemicals in a pregnant woman’s blood. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol are compounds.
- Quad screen: A quad screen measures four things in the blood of a pregnant woman. AFP, hCG, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A are examples of this.
- A Penta screen measures all of those above, as well as the substance hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin.
- Cell-free DNA: This newer blood test can be conducted after ten weeks of pregnancy. This blood test might be more accurate than others. It takes DNA from the infant and accumulates it in the mother’s circulation. These DNA snippets are used to forecast a baby’s chance of birth abnormalities.
Neither the mother nor the baby is in danger from any blood tests. You and your doctor may determine which screening is best for you if you want to undertake one.
- Tests for diagnosis
A diagnostic test examines the fetus’s genetic material and determines if the fetus has a genetic condition.
- CVS stands for Chorionic Villus Sampling
This is an invasive procedure. Your doctor will take a tiny portion of the placenta called the chorionic villus. It’s examined for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. A tiny sample of the placenta is collected for this test. The placenta sample can be examined for Down syndrome and, in certain situations, other genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis. As a result of this test, one woman in a hundred (1%) will experience a miscarriage.
- Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves the removal of the fetus
A sample of the amniotic fluid around the infant is taken, which can be used to identify Down syndrome or other genetic disorders. There is a one in two hundred chance that amniocentesis will result in a miscarriage. This is an invasive procedure. Your doctor will take a little volume of amniotic fluid from the region around the baby. It is examined for specific proteins in the DNA test Lab. This can help you determine whether your child has Down syndrome or other genetic issues. Women who have an abnormal pregnancy screening blood test should take it. Between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy, it is finished.
