prenatal tests

Pregnancy Genetic Testing
Pregnancy

Why Some Pregnant Women Say No to Genetic Testing

When you're pregnant, the long list of screening tests that you're offered, often as a matter of course, can feel like an invitation to months of worry.
by Kim Westerman

When you're pregnant, the long list of screening tests that you're offered, often as a matter of course, can feel like an invitation to months of worry. How long will I have to wait to get results? What do negative results really mean? Are they definitive? And would I have an abortion if those results indicate that the fetus has a serious problem? Some moms-to-be opt out of the tests entirely — and to some degree, out of the worrying.

In recent discussions on Circle of Moms, women who've forgone genetic screening are sharing their reasons. While the most common one is religious beliefs that prohibit abortion, there are several other rationales given by women who choose not to test.

Keep reading.

Pre-Conception Genetic Testing Facts
Pregnancy

The Total Workup: Test Your Pre-Conception Genetic Testing Knowledge

While some pregnancies are an unexpected surprise, many are planned for months, or even years, before they happen.
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While some pregnancies are an unexpected surprise, many are planned for months, or even years, before they happen. For those with an inkling that they want to be in a pregnant way, there are vitamins to take, lifestyle changes to make, and tests to be done. Genetic testing has come a long way, now able to screen for 2,200 different diseases.

We know you know your prenatal tests, let's see how well you understand genetic testing.

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Quiz about prenatal tests
Pregnancy

Test Your Prenatal Screening Knowledge

Doctor visits during pregnancy are filled with sounds of lil ones' heartbeats, information about the baby and sonograms shots of the active fetus.
by

Doctor visits during pregnancy are filled with sounds of lil ones' heartbeats, information about the baby and sonograms shots of the active fetus. Checkups also involve a lot of blood work as docs screen for a variety of issues in both the pregnant mother and baby.

lilsugar readers passed our first quiz about prenatal tests with flying colors, let's see how well you do with these follow-up questions.

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Did You Have Amniocentesis?
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Did You Have Amniocentesis?

Throughout pregnancy, you are likely to undergo a slew of prenatal tests, but most don't get women talking as much as amniocentesis.
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Throughout pregnancy, you are likely to undergo a slew of prenatal tests, but most don't get women talking as much as amniocentesis. According to A.D.A.M.:

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to draw a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds and cushions the baby in the womb. This fluid contains cells that have been sloughed off of the developing fetus. Amniocentesis is most often used to detect genetic abnormalities, though the results can also reveal the baby's sex, gauge lung maturity (if done close to term), detect amniotic fluid infections, or spot other pregnancy complications.

Women over the age of 35 and those with a family history of genetic disorders are encouraged to undergo the procedure. Did you undergo the test?

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Would You Support Prenatal Autism Screening?
Poll

Would You Support Prenatal Autism Screening?

Earlier this week, researchers at Cambridge University published results of an eight-year study linking high rates of testosterone in the womb (specifically amniotic fluid) with autism traits in children.
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Earlier this week, researchers at Cambridge University published results of an eight-year study linking high rates of testosterone in the womb (specifically amniotic fluid) with autism traits in children. The researchers performed amniocentesis on 235 pregnant women. The results have some people advocating for prenatal autism screening, similar to those for Down's syndrome, to help parents better prepare for the birth of a special needs child. Parents of autistic children are speaking out against the test, fearing it will lead to less support for children with their condition.

The lead researcher for the study, Simon Baron-Cohen (Sacha Baron-Cohen's first cousin) said:

"If there was a prenatal test for autism, would this be desirable? What would we lose if children with autistic spectrum disorder were eliminated from the population? We should start debating this. There is a test for Down Syndrome and that is legal and parents exercise their right to choose termination, but autism is often linked with talent. It is a different kind of condition."

Would you want to know if your child had a greater chance of being on the autism spectrum before he was born?

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Glucose Test Tip
Behavior Tips

Lil Tip: Make the Glucose Test Go Down Easier

Somewhere between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy, women have to take a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes.
by babysugar

Somewhere between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy, women have to take a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes. In the past, it was a sugary orange soda type drink, which is apparently being changed to a lemon lime flavor. Neither sound that appealing but one thing that can help the "medicine" go down a bit smoother — ice cubes!

Before you head in for your glucose test, remember to bring a cup of ice with you to the doctor's office. Pour the liquid on top and chug it with more ease than a lukewarm glass would offer.

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Quiz about prenatal tests 2008-04-18 04:00:12
Pregnancy

How Well Do You Know Prenatal Tests?

When it comes to prenatal tests we tend to focus on the initial pregnancy test (as in peeing on the stick or seeing the doctor to confirm pregnancy with a blood sample) and the first ultrasound.
by babysugar

When it comes to prenatal tests we tend to focus on the initial pregnancy test (as in peeing on the stick or seeing the doctor to confirm pregnancy with a blood sample) and the first ultrasound.

Of course, anyone who has delivered a baby in the last few decades will tell you to expect quite a few tests and doctor visits.

The American Pregnancy Association lists 16 common prenatal tests for different stages of your pregnancy. They aren't all required, but it's certainly good to learn what they measure.

Do you know all about prenatal tests? Take our quiz and find out!

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