Blog #6 Prenatal Testing

I have different views on the various levels of prenatal testing. For the most part the tests are completely understandable and noninvasive. I feel the mother and father should determine which tests work for them and make them feel the most comfortable. Below I listed some prenatal tests, what they test and may choice in each one.

General testing includes:

• Urine Tests- “A urine test is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and pre-eclampsia by screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones and bacteria” (American Pregnancy Association-APA, 2007). I was not worried about these tests because they are regularly requested by your doctor.
• Blood Tests- “Blood tests are used to glucose, iron and hemoglobin levels. A blood test is also used to assess whether you are immune to rubella, to see if you have a sexually transmitted disease, or to see if you have a toxoplasmosis infection. Blood tests can also be used to diagnose certain genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease” (APA, 2007). I only allowed these tests when it seemed important to me. For instance they do some blood tests that can be unnecessary because of false positives.
• Rh Factor Tests- “As part of your prenatal care, you will have blood tests to find out your blood type. If your blood lacks the Rh antigen, it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive” (APA, 2007). If you are positive then your body will act as though you are allergic to your baby and cause your body to reject the pregnancy. I did not even know that my doctor did this test until I received the bill from my insurance.
• Ultrasounds- “Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that detect or aid in the detection of abnormalities and conditions related to pregnancy” (APA, 2007). It would not be uncommon for ultrasounds to be preformed periodically throughout the pregnancy. Ultrasounds were no problem for me because I wanted to see my baby and make sure that his size was good for his term and to determine other abnormalities.

Other Invasive Testing includes:

• Amniocentesis- “Amniocentesis detects chromosome abnormalities, neural tube defects and genetic disorders. Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 is the most common chromosome abnormality. Genetic disorders include disorders like cystic fibrosis. The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida” (APA, 2007). This test is done at the request of the mother. She can refuse the test when it is offered. I denied this test because it can cause problems for the baby and can cause false positives anyways. I also did not want to know about down syndrome or other problems, because it may have caused me to be stressed the rest of the pregnancy.
• Glucose Challenge Screening & Glucose Tolerance Test (NST)- “The test evaluates how your body processes sugar. A high level in your blood may indicate that your body is not processing sugar effectively (positive test)” (APA. 2007). It was explained to me that this test was done to make sure your glucose levels are safe for the baby. Also the baby could contract diabetes if the blood sugar levels in your body were too high.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)- “Chorionic villus sampling detects chromosome abnormalities (i.e. Down syndrome) and genetic disorders (i.e. cystic fibrosis.). This test is different from amniocentesis in that it does not allow for testing for neural tube defects” (APA, 2007).

Reference:

American Pregnancy Association- Prenatal Testing. (2007). Retrieved February 21, 2007 from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/index.htm