When Gender Prediction is Wrong

I’ve had four babies. In each of these four pregnancies, we were asked if we wanted to know the gender of the baby during the ultrasound. In each case, we said that we did. Fortunately for us, the technician was correct each time. We got the gender we were expecting. During each of my pregnancies, people would ask if I knew what I was having. When I said that I did, invariably they would say something like, “What if they are wrong?” I heard story after story about friends and friends of friends who got the opposite gender from the … Continue reading

Nuchal Translucency Screening

The Nuchal Translucency Screening is a test that can help determine your baby’s risk of having certain birth defects, most notably Down’s Syndrome. In addition, the test can show certain heart defects and other chromosomal abnormalities. This test is most often done on mothers who are considered at increased risk due to advanced maternal age. If you are offered this test, it’s important to understand that this is a screening test. It does not give a definitive diagnosis, but shows that a baby may be at increased risk of having certain abnormalities. A combination of ultrasound and a blood test … Continue reading

Let’s Talk About Early Prenatal Testing

Theoretically, the most important reason that prenatal testing exists is to give expectant couples peace of mind. For a lot of couples, this is exactly what it does. But some others feel it can actually add unwanted stress to a time in their life when it is most unwelcome. Still, many others get the full gamut of prenatal testing done simply because it’s available, or because they don’t think that they can or should refuse. The medical culture of our nation can be a huge pressure for moms-to-be. There is also a social pressure to get the tests done, since … Continue reading

Let’s Talk About Choosing a Healthcare Provider

So you’ve gotten a positive test result. What’s the first thing you think of? For many women, one of their first thoughts is about getting in to see a doctor. So, you run to the phone and try to make an appointment with an obstetrician. The interesting thing is, although you are eager to get some care, most doctor offices will probably hold off on seeing you until 10 weeks or so. At that time, your hormone levels will be consistent enough to get certain blood readings, and the baby’s heartbeat is more likely to be heard via doppler or … Continue reading

Prenatal Testing: Amniocentesis

An amniocentesis involves the doctor taking a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb. The sample is obtained with a long, thin needle. The test is generally used to detect possible birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities. The amniocentesis is generally used to detect genetic disorders, such as: * Chromosomal disorders like Down’s Syndrome and others. The test is about 99% effective at detecting chromosomal abnormalities. * Cystic Fibrosis * Huntington’s Disease * Sickle Cell Disease * Neural Tube Defects * Tay Sachs Disease The test is generally done between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. It’s … Continue reading