The placenta is an organ that develops on the wall of your womb in pregnancy and links your blood supply with your baby’s. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood via the umbilical cord. The placenta carries out functions that the unborn baby cannot do for itself.
Each of your body’s cells contain a structure called the nucleus. Within the nucleus are chromosomes, which in turn contain genes that instruct our bodies how to develop and function.
By taking a sample from a part of the placenta called the chorionic villi, we can examine the baby’s chromosomes and investigate whether your baby has a chromosomal disorder (such as One of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in humans. All chromosomes come in pairs, but Down’s Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Down’s Syndrome
), or whether it has an inherited a genetic condition (such as Sickle cell trait and disease is an inherited condition. Within each red blood cell is a structure called haemoglobin that carries oxygen (for energy) to the body’s cells. In sickle cell the structure of the haemoglobin is abnormal.
Sickle Cell
).
You may have been offered a test because:
-
there is a chance your baby has
One of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in humans. All chromosomes come in pairs, but Down’s Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Down’s
, All chromosomes come in pairs, but Edward’s Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18.
Edward’s
or All chromosomes come in pairs, but Patau’s Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13.
Patau’s Syndrome
-
your family has an inherited disorder such as
Sickle cell trait and disease is an inherited condition. Within each red blood cell is a structure called haemoglobin that carries oxygen (for energy) to the body’s cells. In sickle cell the structure of the haemoglobin is abnormal.
Sickle Cell
,
Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders passed down through families. In thalassemia the body produces no or too little haemoglobin that results in anemia (tired, short of breath and pale). The most serious cases can be life threatening.
Thalassemia
, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition where the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.
Cystic Fibrosis
or Muscular Dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of inherited conditions that affect the ability of muscles to function.
Muscular Dystrophy
- abnormalities have been found on scan and further investigations are needed
- you have had a previous pregnancy/baby affected by a genetic condition
