Prenatal Diagnosis

What is the prenatal diagnosis?

DNA Testing for abnormalities or problems in a human fetus before birth is known as prenatal diagnostic or screening. Some of the disorders that this technique can find are Sickle cell anemia, Thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, neural tube defects, hemophilia, birth defects, etc.

Purpose of this diagnosis

• To provide important treatment before and after the birth.
• To diagnose the condition of the unborn fetus and take steps in advance.
• To prepare in advance of any medical condition arising and they need to operate on the baby right after birth.

There are two types of Prenatal diagnostic:

1. Non-invasive
2. Invasive

Non-Invasive techniques:

• Ultrasonography
• Fetal blood cells in maternal blood
• Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP)
• Maternal serum beta HCG
• Maternal serum estriol

Invasive Techniques

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling

Prenatal diagnosis is advised if screening test results show abnormality. Although it doesn’t always mean a genetic disorder it just tells about the possibility doctor advise having a prenatal diagnosis to make sure everything is fine and there are no genetic, chromosomal, or other types of defects in the fetus.

Read more:- Crouzon Syndrome

If the result of prenatal diagnosis shows any kind of genetic defect or other defect then contact us today to know more about Genetic Testing before

taking any hard steps since several diseases can get cured before birth on their own and some conditions can be treated immediately after birth to reduce any kind of repercussions. And even if the disorder diagnosed is not treatable there are medications to reduce its effect and the individuals with it can normally lead a healthy life.