How To Prepare For Prenatal Testing During Pregnancy

If you've decided to undergo prenatal genetic testing, you're probably already aware of the huge range of testing options available to you at many different stages of your pregnancy.  The prospect of choosing a exam may seem a bit overwhelming, merely we'll break down the tests available, what to wait, and how to prepare for them during your pregnancy.

Initial Testing (Standard Prenatal Screening)

At your starting time prenatal visit, your physician will begin the prenatal testing process past conducting a physical test to assess your overall health.  This volition include checking your claret force per unit area, as well as a weight assessment. You're also likely to exist offered blood tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases, your immunity levels to diseases such as chickenpox and rubella, and y'all may likewise exist offered a blood exam for HIV. Other normal checks include regular urine samples to monitor glucose levels for signs of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and other weather that often impact pregnant women.

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How to prepare: These tests are routine, and you're likely to have had similar tests in the by.  If you're seeing a new health provider for this visit, it'southward a practiced thought to make sure that they have access to your medical records.  If yous don't have these (which is very common), you can telephone call your full general practitioner'southward office and accept your medical records sent over electronically.  If your function is still using paper records, ask whether your provider tin fax them.

Since urine samples are frequently needed, it may be a expert idea to avoid going to the bath just before your date.  If your md orders whatsoever additional tests, ask whether a menstruum of fasting is required.  You could besides prepare by jotting down a list of questions you have for your dr. in advance, and keeping them at manus during the engagement.

Screening for Down Syndrome: The Nuchal Translucency Exam

Offset around week 10, you'll be eligible to undergo non-invasive prenatal screening for genetic atmospheric condition. These tests assess your baby's risk of inheriting a genetic disorder, and are an excellent choice for mothers of avant-garde maternal age 35 or older at the time of birth, or those with any number of other risk factors for having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.

A common choice is the nuchal translucency screening, which requires only an ultrasound.  Your doctor volition utilize the ultrasound epitome to assess whether the thickness of the infant's nuchal fold (skin behind the cervix) indicates a high likelihood of developing Down syndrome.

How to set up: A full bladder may be required for your ultrasound, and so don't utilize the bathroom for a few hours earlier you arrive at your engagement.  When you come across with your physician, have a list of your questions ready in advance, so that you don't forget anything you wanted to ask.

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Additional Prenatal Claret Tests for Genetic Disorders

While the nuchal translucency test only assesses adventure for Downward syndrome, other non-invasive prenatal blood tests can report on adventure for Down's syndrome plus a number of other conditions (including Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and more).

How to set up: Talk to your doctor near whether these tests are right for yous.  Your physician will need to order a genetic test, which you can and so take performed at a lab near yous.  Prepare for your visit with your medico by writing down your questions and concerns in accelerate, and bringing them with you to the appointment.  Make sure your physician'southward office provides y'all all the information yous demand – including which lab you can go to, whether there are any special instructions (e.1000. a fast required), and when you'll get your results back.  You lot can too visit the website of the test you and your doctor determine on – they'll often take resource and information for patients like you.

After your results come in, you lot'll run across with your physician once again and perhaps as well a genetic counsellor.  Be ready to talk over your options.  If the results of the tests indicate the chance of a birth defect, your doctor may recommend that you undergo more invasive testing (similar chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) to provide more definitive insight on whether your babe has any genetic conditions.

Considering Genetic Counseling Options

The genetic screening process tin be complicated to navigate aside from understanding your pregnancy, and you may benefit from genetic counseling services. Genetic counselors are experts who are trained to assistance patients make up one's mind which testing options are correct for them, and to help them better understand the results of their tests. If results are positive for a genetic disorder, genetic counsellors can aid by discussing the potential implications of the diagnosis, treatment optionspre, and next steps.

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Source: https://www.findhealthtips.com/prepare-prenatal-testing-pregnancy/

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