Prenatal tests help in the identification and the treatment of the health problems that could cause danger to both mother and the child. Prenatal tests help to determine the blood group of the mother, her immunity to certain diseases, if she has gestational diabetes, cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. It also helps to identify the different features of the baby like age, sex, size and its placement in the uterus, fetal abnormalities like heart problems, if the baby has genetic, congenital or chromosomal problems.
Prenatal tests are very essential for those with high-risk pregnancies. These involves women who are 35 years of age or older than that, have has a premature baby, have a family history of mental retardation, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, lupus or a seizure disorder.
Some of the common prenatal tests are as follows;
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) - HCG is a hormone present in the blood and urine of the pregnant women to confirm her pregnancy. This is Prenatal Test used to detect the birth defects. High levels of this hormone may produce babies with Downs Syndrome.
Alpha fetoprotein Screening- this is a blood test indicating fetal defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. It is a test that measures the HCG hormone, Alpha fetoprotein and estriol and also adds inhibin for improving its accuracy.
Ultrasound- this Prenatal Test uses sound waves to create an image of the baby which helps in detecting any abnormalities in the baby. It is also used to determine the sex of the baby.
Glucose Screening- a test for identifying if the mother has gestational diabetes i.e. high levels of sugar in the blood during the pregnancy period.
Amniocentesis- it is particularly recommended for those women who are pregnant above the age of 35 or high risk mothers. A small sample of the amniotic fluid is taken in this test for testing to see if the baby has genetic or chromosomal disorders.
Your genetic counselor will help you to determine which tests are to be performed during your pregnancy and help you to in making proper decisions.
