Prenatal Screening By: Rachael and Kai-Li

What it is Prenatal Screening is a process that focuses on detecting anatomic and physiological problems in the fetus, embryo, or zygote, during or before gestation starts. Prenatal screening happens during pregnancy, or during fertilization if the couple is using reproductive technologies in a lab.

Ultrasound Used to locate position of developing fetus, and see developing organs and structures in fetus. Used to find major physical problems within fetus. Ultrasound can also be used to determine gender and whether there are twins. Used after the first trimester

Amniocentesis The process of using a needle that draws amniotic fluid from surrounding fetus, analyze for disorders, and determines the sex of the baby. For safety reasons, this cannot be performed before the 14th week of pregnancy.

Chorionic Villi Sampling Used to draw fetal cells from the chorion/placenta, it can be performed around the 9th week of pregnancy. Chorionic villi sampling can be used to detect birth defects, genetic diseases and other problems during pregnancy.

Current uses Currently, prenatal screening is used to detect birth defects, genetic diseases, physiological problems, gender, and number of babies (twins, triplets ect.) Prenatal screening is also used to find the best/healthiest embryo when using in vitro fertilization.

Future uses In the future, technologies may be developed that can read the genes of embryo’s, where doctors will be able to tell traits such as hair and eye colour. When screening an embryo in in vitro fertilization, parents will be able to pick their baby based on physical traits and not just on the potential for disease.

Risks and Benefits Risks for prenatal screening Preterm labour and delivery Respiratory distress Postural deformities Fetal trauma Alloimmunization of mother (immune response to antigens after exposed to cells/tissues) Benefits of prenatal screening Being able to prepare for a baby that will require a lot of medical care/has special needs Being able to arrange for postpartum procedures Peace of mind that the baby is developing normally Treating a condition doctors may not be able to diagnose at birth