Prenatal Diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis means diagnosis before birth. It is a way for your doctor to see if your developing baby has a problem. The two main methods are amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests help find genetic disorders before birth. Some parents have increased risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder or other problem. They may want to have one of these tests. Knowing about problems before the baby is born may help parents. They may be able to make better decisions about health care for their infant. Certain problems can be treated before the baby is born. Other problems may need special treatment right after delivery. In some cases, parents may decide not to continue the pregnancy. Amniocentesis or CVS is done when there is an increased risk that the baby may have genetic disorders or birth defects. It is often done if: You are 35 years of age or older by the time your baby is due. You have an increased risk of having a baby with a chromosome abnormality. This could include Down syndrome.1. You had a screening test that showed there could be a problem. 2. You have had a child with Down syndrome or another disorder. 3. This could include spina bifida. 4. You or your partner is a known carrier of a genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis.