Genetic testing in pregnancy can help identify babies who may have chromosomal or inherited disorders.
"Genetic Carrier Screening" evaluates you for recessive, or "hidden", genes that can pass a disorder on to your baby if he gets the abnormal gene from both biologic parents. An example is cystic fibrosis, a serious lung condition. The test is performed on the mother's blood either before or during pregnancy, without risk to the fetus. Follow up testing is recommended for the father of the baby if the mother is identified as a carrier of an abnormal gene. If both biologic parents carry the abnormal gene - then additional evaluation (amniocentesis) can be performed to identify whether your baby has the disorder.