University of Nebraska Medical Center - Prenatal Diagnosis Options

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Prenatal Diagnosis Options

Blood test on a pregnant woman which measures levels of AFP, uE3, and hCG

Indications	Used to provide a more sensitive screening test for Down syndrome as well as conditions such as neural tube defects. Further testing may be necessary.
Complications	None to mother or fetus other than those normally seen with drawing blood (bruise, infection).
Timing	14 weeks - 20 weeks 6 days gestational age. Optimal 16-18 weeks gestation.

Examine image of fetus on a computer monitor

Indications	Early: Implantation, fetal age, appropriate growth, number of babies. Later: Placental position, major organ and other fetal structure, heart beat, fetal movement, procedure guidance, fetal well-being.
Complications	Not known to cause any problems to fetus or mother.
Timing	Throughout pregnancy.

Obtain small amount of fluid surrounding fetus for analysis

Indication	Chromosome, gene, or chemical studies.
Complications	0.2 - 0.5% risk. Cramping, bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, abdominal tenderness, fetal loss.
Timing	Routine: 14-18 weeks gestation. Early: 12-14 weeks gestation. Can be done up to delivery.

Obtain small amount of placental tissue for analysis (transcervical or transabdominal).

Indications	Chromosome, gene, or chemical studies.
Complications	1 - 3% risk. Cramping, bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, abdominal tenderness, fetal loss.
Timing	10-11 weeks gestation. (Transabdominally can be done up to delivery.)

Obtain small amount of fetal blood from umbilical cord for analysis.

Indications	Chromosome, gene, or chemical studies, fetal blood type, fetal anemia blood incompatibility, infection.
Complications	3 - 5% risk. Cramping, bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, abdominal tenderness, infection, onset of labor, slowing of fetal heart, fetal loss.
Timing	18 weeks gestation and after. Can be done up to delivery.

Human Genetics Laboratory