quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Prenatal Testing

A Dad's Eye View

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

An amniocentesis (also called an "amnio") is a test to check for chromosomal defects and open neural tube defects in the fetus at approximately 15 to 20 weeks of gestation. The test is done by using a long, thin needle to collect a small sample of the amniotic fluid around the placenta. This fluid has fetal cells in it, which contain genetic information. Typically, an ultrasound image helps guide the needle so there is little risk to the fetus. Results from the test are usually available in 10 days to two weeks.

Not all women need an amniocentesis. The procedure is generally offered to women with an abnormal screening test, a family history of genetic abnormalities or women over age 35.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is not as common as amniocentesis, but it is also a test for genetic defects. The advantage of CVS is that it can be done earlier in the pregnancy, typically at 10 to 12 weeks, leaving the option for terminating the pregnancy available.

CVS involves sampling the placental tissue itself using a catheter through the mother's vagina into the cervix. The disadvantages of CVS are a slightly increased risk to the fetus and the fact that CVS does not detect neural tube defects, so the maternal screen is still necessary.

The glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a fancy name for the test that checks for gestational diabetes. The test is typically done between weeks 24 and 28 and measures the levels of sugar in the mother's blood an hour after drinking some glucose solution that tastes like orange soda. A blood test before and after looks for the mother's ability to break down that glucose. If her sugars stay too high, she may have to adjust her diet or start medications to regulate her blood sugar.

Want to see more?

• Picture Day! A Guide to Ultrasounds
• Prenatal Screening: The Pros and Cons of Enhanced AFP
• Coping With Morning Sickness: How to Help Your Partner
• Putting Yourself in Her Shoes: Sympathy-Building Exercises for the Dad-to-be
• What Not to Do in the Delivery Room
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.