Prenatal Testing at New World Fertility Clinic
Pregnancy is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring stress and concern for expectant parents. Ensuring your baby's health is a priority, and while most babies are born healthy, understanding your options for prenatal testing can provide peace of mind.
Types of Prenatal Testing:
At New World Fertility Clinic, we offer two primary types of prenatal testing:
1. Screening Tests: These tests assess the risk of your baby having certain birth abnormalities, many of which are genetic. Available in the first or second trimester, screening tests include blood tests, specialized ultrasounds, and prenatal cell-free DNA screening. While they can't provide a definitive diagnosis, they can indicate an elevated risk, prompting further diagnostic testing.
2. Diagnostic Tests: If a screening test suggests a potential issue, or if you have a higher risk due to age, family history, or medical history, diagnostic tests may be recommended. These invasive tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, can confirm a diagnosis but carry a small risk of miscarriage.
Screening Test Options:
First Trimester Screening: This involves a blood test and an ultrasound to measure the nuchal translucency (the clear space at the back of the baby's neck). An increased measurement can indicate a higher risk of Down syndrome and other conditions.
Second Trimester Screening: Known as the quad screen, this blood test measures four substances in your blood to assess the risk of Down syndrome, other chromosomal abnormalities, and neural tube defects.
Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Testing: This blood test analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood to detect a higher likelihood of chromosomal issues like Down syndrome. It can also determine the baby's sex and Rh blood type.
Deciding on Prenatal Screening:
Prenatal genetic testing is optional and should be considered carefully. Reflect on the following questions:
- How important is it for you to know about potential chromosomal differences affecting your baby's health and development?
- If a screening result is positive, are you prepared to undergo further testing?
- How beneficial would it be to know about a chromosomal difference before birth to prepare accordingly? Early detection might lead to changes in pregnancy management or delivery plans.
- What are your feelings about continuing or terminating the pregnancy if a chromosomal difference is found?
- How will knowing or not knowing impact your mental state during pregnancy?
If you have concerns or need guidance, our fertility experts are available to help you navigate these decisions. Even if you choose not to undergo screening tests, regular ultrasounds can still provide valuable information about your pregnancy, such as gestational age, the number of babies, and potential growth or anatomical issues.
For more information or to speak with a fertility expert, visit our Tagore Garden center or call us at +91 8448786106. At New World Fertility Clinic, we're here to support you through every step of your pregnancy journey.
