Prenatal diagnosis is the process of identifying potential health issues or genetic disorders in a developing fetus before birth. There are several methods of prenatal diagnosis, including:
- Ultrasound: This is a non-invasive method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing fetus. It can be used to check the fetus’s growth and development, as well as to detect certain birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): This is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the placenta for genetic testing. It is typically done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
- Amniocentesis: This is a procedure that involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus for genetic testing. It is typically done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Cell-free DNA testing: This is a non-invasive test that analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA found in the mother’s blood. It can be used to detect certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome
At Orkid our team of experienced obstetricians, ultrasonographers, and genetic counselors can provide comprehensive prenatal care. We will help you understand the risks and benefits of prenatal diagnosis and help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with testing or not.