Pregnancy Test(s)

1. Ultrasound

•Sound waves to take a picture of the fetus.–Rub a cool gel over the abdomen and run a“wand” like piece of equipment over gel to see the fetus inside the womb.

USES of the Ultrasound

1. Tubal pregnancy (Eptopic)2. Multiples (twins, triplets)3. Verify due date4. Check fetal growth5. Possible miscarriage6. Help perform other tests7. Diagnose some birth defects8. Help select a delivery method

2. Amniocentesis

• A test using a small amount of amniotic fluid withdrawn through a needle inserted in the abdomen

When is an “amnio” used…

1. Most common use is to test for Down Syndrome when the expectant mother is over the age of 35. *Down Syndromoe: extra #21 chromosome causing mental retardation, heart defects, flat face, slanted eyes, low set ears

2. Previous child with birth defects3. Family history of genetic disorders

Amniocentesis Continued…

4. Suspected neural tube defects**Procedure involves some risks – only

performed when there is a valid medical reason

**Performed in the fourth month of pregnancy or later

Alpha Feto Protein (AFP)

• Test of mother’s blood1. AFP is produced in baby’s liver and is

excreted through the placenta into the mother’s blood.

2. Test is done between 15th and 17th week of pregnancy

3. A HIGH number of AFP could indicate the baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida