GENETIC SCREENING

Excerpt: “There are many options for prenatal testing, that is, testing that parents can choose to find out more information about their baby. This information may include estimated due date, baby’s gender, and gathering details about baby’s overall health. Some parents choose to “test for everything,” others choose just the minimum, and some parents choose to decline all testing. All pregnant women have a small chance (3-4%) of delivering a baby with a physical and/or mental birth defect. Most birth defects (65-75%) have an unknown cause, whereas others are genetic (15-20%) or caused by environmental exposures (10%). Optional testing is available during pregnancy to detect some genetic disorders in the baby, including certain chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome) and neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida). Families may choose to use this information to decide to terminate a pregnancy, or to become emotionally and financially prepared for a higher needs baby. Other parents, knowing they would do nothing differently if they had the information, choose to forego all or most prenatal testing options.” © 2021 Augustine Colebrook All Rights Reserved

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