My niece is 24 weeks pregnant and was recently taken to the hospital because of headache and fever. She was diagnosed as having a...
What is an ultrasound? In prenatal testing, sound waves pass through the mother's abdomen to the fetus and then bounce back and create the...
What is Alpha-Fetoprotein? Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein substance produced by the liver of the fetus. A small amount of this protein is excreted...
What is amniocentesis? Amniocentesis provides genetic information about the fetus -- as well as information about its health and maturity -- through the removal...
I'm 34 years old and my AFP results came back, indicating a 1 in 150 chance of Down syndrome. My doctor has given me...
Excerpt from Every Woman's Body Prenatal Testing Women who have chronic health problems or unusual health histories will have more tests than most women,...
One of my friends experienced a stillbirth. It was later discovered, through a simple blood test, that she has a blood clotting disorder (Factor...
What is a "color doppler?" Can it be used in place of an amnio or other intrusive test for birth defects? Can we legitimately...
Your first ultrasound appointment! You'll probably go in with a mixture of excitement and concern, and you may have many questions, such as: How...
To be a volunteer at the U of MN hospital, I must take a Mantoux skin test for tuberculosis. I am 18 weeks pregnant...