Prenatal Genetic Screening
Many genetic abnormalities can be diagnosed before birth. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing during the pregnancy if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders and/or you have had a fetus or baby with a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing is not required.
Examples of genetic disorders that can be diagnosed before birth include the following:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Hemophilia A
- Thalassemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
Genetic screening methods may include the following:
- Ultrasound scan
- Alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) or multiple marker test
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
- Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (withdrawing a small sample of the fetal blood from the umbilical cord)
If you have questions regarding genetic screening, call (314) 996-5433 or email us to make an appointment to speak with a doctor.