Chronic Villi Sampling (CVS) 1st trimester Chorionic villi (fetal cells) scraped off & suctioned Cells and chromosomes examined Danger: 1% death rate
Amniocentesis 11th-18th week of pregnancy Amniotic fluid & shed fetal cells obtained Chromosomes can be studied Danger: 1 in 200 risk of miscarriage
Ultrasound Visualizes the fetus Like sonar: sounds waves echo to produce an image May help ID age, multiple fetus’, complications No risk
Essay #4 If there is a known genetic disorder in one or more individuals in her or her husband’s family, should a pregnant woman be required to have prenatal testing done to determine whether her unborn child carries the disorder? Give reasons for your answer.