Down's Syndrome is detected through the Alfa-fetoprotein test. This test is done by drawing blood from the mother. Alfa-fetoprotein is produced by the fetus and mixes with the mother's blood. An ultrasound alone would not diagnose Down's Syndrome.
A high level of AFP can be an indication of a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. However, high levels of AFP can also indicate that the mother is further along in her pregnancy than realized and her due date needs to be recalculated. A high AFP could also mean the mother is carrying twins, according to Kaiser Permanente.
A low level of AFP can be an indication of genetic defects such as a higher risk of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) or Trisomy 18, a more severe and less common chromosomal anomaly.
It is important to understand that the AFP test is a screening test-- NOT a diagnostic one. Since it is possible to get a false positive, an ultrasound and Amniocentesis is performed if the result comes back positive. Many times, these additional tests will come back normal or it can diagnose the child's defect.
The reason why the AFP is done first is because of the risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage is the primary risk related to amniocentesis. The risk of miscarriage ranges from 1 in 400 to 1 in 200. In facilities where amniocentesis is performed regularly, the rates are closer to 1 in 400. Miscarriages can occur because of infection in the uterus, the water breaks or labor is induced prematurely.
Regarding your diabetes question-- yes, it is possible even if you eat healthy. For some women, the breaking down of sweets and carbohydrates becomes a problem during pregnancy. Eating healthy can certainly help prevent this but not eating meat can pose a nutritional deficit. Make sure that you take your prenatal vitamins daily as well as any additional supplements your doctor may suggest according to your blood test results.
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Down's Syndrome is detected through the Alfa-fetoprotein test. This test is done by drawing blood from the mother. Alfa-fetoprotein is produced by the fetus and mixes with the mother's blood. An ultrasound alone would not diagnose Down's Syndrome.
A high level of AFP can be an indication of a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. However, high levels of AFP can also indicate that the mother is further along in her pregnancy than realized and her due date needs to be recalculated. A high AFP could also mean the mother is carrying twins, according to Kaiser Permanente.
A low level of AFP can be an indication of genetic defects such as a higher risk of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) or Trisomy 18, a more severe and less common chromosomal anomaly.
It is important to understand that the AFP test is a screening test-- NOT a diagnostic one. Since it is possible to get a false positive, an ultrasound and Amniocentesis is performed if the result comes back positive. Many times, these additional tests will come back normal or it can diagnose the child's defect.
The reason why the AFP is done first is because of the risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage is the primary risk related to amniocentesis. The risk of miscarriage ranges from 1 in 400 to 1 in 200. In facilities where amniocentesis is performed regularly, the rates are closer to 1 in 400. Miscarriages can occur because of infection in the uterus, the water breaks or labor is induced prematurely.
Regarding your diabetes question-- yes, it is possible even if you eat healthy. For some women, the breaking down of sweets and carbohydrates becomes a problem during pregnancy. Eating healthy can certainly help prevent this but not eating meat can pose a nutritional deficit. Make sure that you take your prenatal vitamins daily as well as any additional supplements your doctor may suggest according to your blood test results.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html
November 23, 2009 - 5:15amhttp://pregnancyandbaby.sheknows.com/pregnancy/baby/Understanding-the-AFP-test-4450.htm
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