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Prenatal Screening
By: Rachael and Kai-Li
What it is
Prenatal Screening is a process that focuses on detecting anatomic and physiological
problems in the fetus, embryo, or zygote, during or before gestation starts. Prenatal
screening happens during pregnancy, or during fertilization if the couple is using
reproductive technologies in a lab.
Ultrasound
Used to locate position of developing fetus, and see developing organs and structures
in fetus. Used to find major physical problems within fetus. Ultrasound can also be
used to determine gender and whether there are twins. Used after the first trimester
Amniocentesis
The process of using a needle that draws amniotic fluid from surrounding fetus, analyze
for disorders, and determines the sex of the baby. For safety reasons, this cannot be
performed before the 14th week of pregnancy.
Chorionic Villi Sampling
Used to draw fetal cells from the chorion/placenta, it can be performed around the 9th
week of pregnancy. Chorionic villi sampling can be used to detect birth defects, genetic
diseases and other problems during pregnancy.
Current uses
Currently, prenatal screening is used to detect birth defects, genetic diseases,
physiological problems, gender, and number of babies (twins, triplets ect.) Prenatal
screening is also used to find the best/healthiest embryo when using in vitro
fertilization.
Future uses
In the future, technologies may be developed that can read the genes of embryo’s,
where doctors will be able to tell traits such as hair and eye colour. When screening an
embryo in in vitro fertilization, parents will be able to pick their baby based on physical
traits and not just on the potential for disease.
Risks and Benefits
Risks for prenatal screening
Preterm labour and delivery
Respiratory distress
Postural deformities
Fetal trauma
Alloimmunization of mother (immune response
to antigens after exposed to cells/tissues)
Benefits of prenatal screening
Being able to prepare for a baby that will
require a lot of medical care/has special
needs
Being able to arrange for postpartum
procedures
Peace of mind that the baby is developing
normally
Treating a condition doctors may not be able to
diagnose at birth