Maternal Serum Screening and Ultrasound

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Questions and Answers

What role does folic acid play in a healthy pregnancy?

Folic acid is essential for the development of the baby's spinal cord and brain, and a deficiency can lead to birth defects such as spina bifida.

How do drug and alcohol use by the mother during pregnancy affect the developing fetus?

Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the developing fetus, leading to birth defects, developmental delays, and even premature birth or miscarriage.

What is gestational diabetes? a. How does it develop? b. How is it treated? c. How does it affect mother/baby?

Gestational diabetes is a condition where a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It often develops due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that make cells less sensitive to insulin. It's typically treated with diet and exercise, and sometimes medication. If left untreated, it can pose risks to both the mother and baby, including premature birth, high birth weight, and low blood sugar after delivery.

What are the different types of screening tests that you can get during pregnancy?

The main types of screening tests during pregnancy include maternal serum screening, ultrasound, noninvasive prenatal screening, and diagnostic testing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of diagnostic tests that you can get during pregnancy?

Diagnostic tests directly examine fetal cells and include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different stages of pregnancy when you can get specific tests?

Tests can be carried out at various stages of pregnancy. Maternal serum screening can be performed in the first and second trimesters, while ultrasound exams are commonly done throughout pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of testing involves analyzing cell free fetal DNA?

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) involves analyzing cell-free fetal DNA, which is released by the placenta into the mother's blood. Signup and view all the answers

What are some more invasive tests used to diagnose genetic issues in a developing fetus?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are diagnostic tests that involve taking samples from the placenta or amniotic fluid, respectively. While effective, they are more invasive and carry a slightly higher risk of complications. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common genetic disorders that are routinely screened for in newborns?

Newborn screening programs typically check for a range of genetic or metabolic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (PKU), and hypothyroidism. Signup and view all the answers

How are males and females represented in a pedigree?

Males are typically represented by a square while females are represented by a circle in a pedigree. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Maternal Serum Screening

A blood test that measures hormones to assess risk of disorders in the fetus.

First Trimester Screening

Includes testing for hCG and PAPP-A, usually with NT ultrasound.

Quad Screen

Second trimester blood test measuring four substances to assess risk of conditions like Down syndrome.