Being prepared for what comes our way is by far the greatest gift a prenant woman can receive. Knowing the health and status of an unborn child my help ensure mothers are well informed and equipped for the new life or lives which may be cared for until adulthood. With prenatal testing, women are given such advantages.
There are several prenatal tests available to women that may serve as a guide when making important decisions about their future and the future of the unborn child. The tests include
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) which is used to determine chromosomal defects though not conclusive during the first trimester (Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J. H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., & Alexander, W. J., 2010).
First-trimester screening is a non invasive ultrasound and blood test that detect Down Syndrome and other defects that may affect an unborn fetus (Alexander, L. L., et al, 2010).
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) measures a substance fetal kidneys produce which is performed early in pregnancy (Alexander, L. L., et al 2010).
Amniocentesis is performed to analyze the cells for chromosomal defects and neural-tube defects (Alexander, L. L., 2010).
The prenatal tests listed above are tests offered to give perspective parents an opportunity to prepare for the arrival of their offspring. Alexander, L. L., et al (2010), states "risk factors that increase the likelihood of birth defects include family or personal history of birth defects, a previous child with a birth defect, certain medications used around the time of conception, diabetes before pregnancy, and women being age 35 or older when the baby is due"(p. 145).
With so much to fret over, while carrying the new bundle of joy, it may be to ones advantage to not only prepare for the new arrival but to ensure the new arrival is healthy.
References
Alexander, L. L., LaRosa, J. H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., & Alexander, W. J. (2010).
Dimensions in women's health. Prenatal care. (5th Ed.) (pp. 145-146). Sudbury, MA:
Jones and Bartlett.
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