Prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis is the diagnosis of disease or condition in a fetus or embryo before it is born. The aim is to detect birth defects such as neural tube defects, chromosome abnormalities, genetic diseases and other conditions.

Related Topics:
Diagnosis - Fetus - Embryo - Birth defect - Neural tube defects - Chromosome - Genetic disease

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There are both invasive and non-invasive methods of diagnosing a problem before birth. Examination of the mother's belly through ultrasonography are routinely done to check for any abnormality in the pregnancy.

Related Topics:
Non-invasive - Ultrasonography

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If an abnormality is suspected by a non-invasive procedure, a more invasive technique may need to be offered to get more information. Invasive techniques include amniocentesis, which can be done from about 14 weeks gestation, and usually up to about 20 weeks, and chorionic villus sampling which can be done earlier (between 9.5 and 12.5 weeks gestation) but is slightly more risky to the unborn child.

Related Topics:
Amniocentesis - Chorionic villus sampling

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