Your doctor will ask you questions at your first prenatal visit or at your preconception appointment to see if you’re at risk for having a baby with a genetic disorder. The older a woman is, the higher risk she has of having a baby with genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Other risk factors include having a family member who’s a carrier or has an inherited disorder. Depending on the risk level of you and your partner, you’ll undergo certain tests like ultrasoundography (part of routine prenatal care), chorionic villus sampling, or amniocentesis. While this process can cause a lot of anxiety, some couples find that the benefits of early detection outweigh the cons. Either way, it’s absolutely your choice to get tested.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
