Health Service

Advanced medical technology that is used since the early 70’s has been able to detect abnormalities or defects in the fetus since the fetus is still very young. Some technologies are:

Amniocentesis
This is the way that now the most widely used to detect defects in the fetus in the womb. Examination carried out on fetal cells are released in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid itself is taken with suction needle is inserted into the uterus with instruments guided by ultrasound. Of the fetal cells are present in amniotic fluid was examined chromosomes (karyotype) and levels of fetal protein called alpha-Feto-protein (AFP).
Chromosomal abnormalities may be an indication for the existence of inherited disorders such as Turner’s Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and Down’s Syndrome. Turner’s Syndrome terjad more in girls, while the Fragile X Syndrome can cause defects in the form of mental retardation in boys. Meanwhile, elevated levels of AFP may be an indication of a defect in the fetus, but can not show the shape and nature of these defects.
Amniocentesis was performed at gestational age 15 to 20 weeks. Most linked to sixteenth week. The results of this investigation became known only approximately 3-4 weeks later. But the action itself amniocentesis boost the risk of miscarriage sebasar 1%,

Placenta biopsy
Technique is done by taking a sample of placental tissue using a needle biopsy, ultrasound guided. Placental tissue taken chromosomes were then examined and tested for several types of hereditary disease in a way similar to tissue taken through amniocentesis. Placental biopsy is usually performed on the eighth to tenth week of gestation. Chromosome examination results are usually known only 2-3 weeks later.
Ultrasound
Tools Ultrasound  can also be used to see if there are defects in the fetus in the womb, especially defects that occur in the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, and the hands or feet. The surplus is the result can be known immediately. This technique is usually used as an aid to the examination techniques amniocentesis or placental biopsy. That is, if the amniocentesis or placental biopsy is an indication of a birth defect, performed an ultrasound examination to determine visually where and how severe the disability.

Alpha-fetoprotein levels of serum (S-AFP)
Which examined the levels of AFP in the fetal maternal blood. Levels are influenced by the levels of AFP in amniotic fluid. If the S-AFP levels in maternal blood increases, or if lower than it should, there are indications that the fetus has congenital defects. To confirm performed amniocentesis and ultrasound examination. Marked increased levels of congenital abnormalities in the organs of the body mentioned above, whereas if too low, indicating that the fetus menglami disorder called Down’s Syndrome. Multiple abnormalities in the form of brain growth is not perfect, eyes like the Mongols, and accompanied also by some other physical disorders. S-AFP examination is usually done at 14-16 weeks of gestation.

Examination elements carried fetal cells in maternal blood
This technique only recently developed. Elements separated fetal cells and participate in the mother’s blood supply is so small only. But with the discovery of a more sensitive technique, elements of these fetal cells can now be detected and also detected no abnormalities kalalu luggage.

Genetic screening (DNA) or DNA Screening
It is also a new technique to detect abnormalities or hereditary disease. It also can reveal whether a fetus that would later get the disease or just be a carrier without his own seed will be affected. Disease that can be detected through this method is among others thalassemia. In some countries in the middle of the sea, this technique is used and in Sardinia, for example, there are provisions allowing the fetus to parents penguguran if they do not want their children will suffer from thalassemia.

Not all parents able and willing to accept the fact that the fetus in the womb suffer from congenital defects, especially when it is known that the defect is severe. Anxiety and disappointment that occurs can make pregnancy does not want to continue. In Danish, approximately 1.79% of all detected fetal ended by abortion at the request of his parents after they learned that the fetus in the womb suffer from congenital defects (The Danish Council of Ethics, Third Year Report: Fetal Diagnosis and Ethics, 1991)

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