PREGNANCY TESTS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Prenatal diagnosis, Genetic counseling and Biochemical screening

The incidence of major abnormalities discovered at birth is just 2-3 % now. With the development in science, we can identify major abnormalities in the womb itself and that too in very early stages.
 
Prenatal diagnosis is the science of identifying these structural or functional abnormalities in the developing fetus.

Should I go for genetic counseling?

When will you go for the genetic Counseling? If you are not in the following high risk group, you need not go for it.

1. Advanced maternal age (more than 35)
2. A fetus with any structural defect identified by ultra- sonography.
3. Previous history of any previous child with a genetic disorder
4. Parent with a genetic disorder
5. Family history of specific genetic disorder
6. Patient or partner is carrier of chromosomal translocation / inversion.

Screening for Structural anomalies can be done by a good ultra-sonography, usually done between 20wks to 22 wks.

What are the Complications that can occur?

Chromosomal Abnormalities

These can be picked up by amniocentesis done in high risk cases and cases with a high index of suspicion. The most common of which is DOWN’S SYNDROME.

More on DOWN’S SYNDROME ...