Tag: prenatal testing
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The Quad Screen Test: What You Should Know
Read more The Quad Screen test is a blood test that provides insights into the health of your developing baby by measuring four key substances in your blood. It helps assess the likelihood of certain genetic conditions and can be a valuable part of your prenatal care. When is the Quad Screen Test Done? Typically,…
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Genetic Counseling: Understanding Your Options
Read more Genetic counseling is a vital process that helps prospective parents assess the risk of passing on hereditary diseases to their children. It involves consultation with trained healthcare professionals who specialize in genetic conditions. These experts evaluate family histories, investigate genetic issues, interpret information about specific disorders, analyze inheritance patterns, and discuss available options…
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Triple Marker Screening Test
Read more Also referred to as the Triple Test, Multiple Marker Screening, and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Plus, the triple marker screening test is a maternal blood test that identifies three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): This is a protein produced by the fetus. hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin): This hormone is produced by the…
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Determining Baby’s Gender: When and How to Find Out During Pregnancy
Read more One of the most exciting questions expectant parents face is whether they will welcome a baby boy or girl. From ultrasounds to genetic testing, there are various ways to discover your baby’s sex during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about when and how you can find out. When Can You Discover…
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Integrated Screening Test: What You Need to Know
Read more The Integrated Screening Test is a valuable method for assessing the likelihood that a baby may be born with conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect. This screening combines results from two blood tests along with a first-trimester ultrasound, integrating this information with your personal details to…
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Down Syndrome: Trisomy 21 – Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Read more Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is the most prevalent birth defect in the United States. It was first identified by Dr. John Langdon Down in 1866, and the genetic cause of Down syndrome was discovered in 1959. In the U.S., it affects approximately 1 in every 800 babies, resulting in around…
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Genetic Counseling: A Friendly Overview
Read more Genetic counseling is an essential process where trained healthcare professionals help individuals and families understand the risk of passing on inherited conditions to their children. It involves evaluating family histories, researching health issues, interpreting data about genetic disorders, examining inheritance patterns, and discussing available options with families. Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling? According…
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Prenatal Testing During Pregnancy
Read more Hey there, mama-to-be! As you embark on this incredible journey of pregnancy, you might find yourself wondering about the various prenatal tests and screenings that will come your way. Don’t worry; it’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Let’s break down what you can expect in a relaxed, friendly…