The prenatal diagnosis Essay Example

some of them at least, can be detected at certain fetal ages. The alpha-fetal protein test is a test for neural tube defects (Kaplan, 2007).

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain and the spinal cord; examples include spina bifida and anencephaly (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2008). Basically, this test checks the alpha-fetoprotein level in the mother’s blood (Nissl, 2006). High alpha-fetoprotein levels indicate an abnormality. This test is done when the fetal age is about 16 to 18 weeks, and there is a high incidence of false-positives (Kaplan, 2007). Another prenatal test is called the chorionic villus sampling.

Usually performed between 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, chorionic villus sampling is done by taking a sample of a part of the chorionic villi (The Merck Manuals, 2003). This test can determine the presence of sickle-cell anemia, PKU, Down’s syndrome, Ducheme muscular dystrophy, among many others (Kaplan, 2007). Amniocentesis, a procedure wherein a needle is used to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid, is usually done at 16 weeks of pregnancy to determine genetic disorders and at 30 weeks to determine lung maturity (Kaplan, 2007).

These prenatal diagnostic tests are indeed important to prevent and detect certain genetic abnormalities. The early detection and prevention of these guarantee relief and a worry free pregnancy. Pregnancy causes anxiety, especially when one does not know how the baby is fairing in terms of survival and health inside the womb. Knowing what to do and what not to do, knowing that there is actually something that as a parent you can do to make your child healthier is something that

these tests give you. However, physicians know that although these tests are very useful, there are risks involved.

The procedures are all invasive. In the process, they can introduce bacteria and other foreign substances to the mother’s body. In doing the amniocentesis and the chorionic villus sampling, an ultrasound is needed as a guide to prevent trauma to the fetus, for there is an increased risk of limb defects (Kaplan, 2007). Complications for the chorionic villus sampling include bleeding, spontaneous abortion, and rupture of membranes (Kaplan, 2007). The risk for miscarriage after this test is done is around one in a hundred (Better Health Channel, 2007).

Side effects include light-headedness, abdominal discomfort, menstrual cramp like pain, and because these tests are just like any other tests, there is a possibility of inaccuracy (Better Health Channel, 2007). Also, it is imperative that a blood sample be taken before this test because an Rh-negative mother should receive Rhogam after chorionic villus sampling to prevent Rh isoimmunization (Kaplan, 2007). Amniocentesis poses more threats; miscarriage being the most alarming one. Infection is also a complication, most especially if introduced directly inside the uterus.

As per any health concerning decision, physicians are to tell the patients all of the possible complications that can occur with any procedures. Still, the patient still gets to decide what to do, with the guidance of the consultation that they had with their doctors. There is one thing that these tests assure us though, that the benefits totally outweigh the risks. And I hold a strong conviction for that too. First of all, I believe that although we would accept any kind

of human being that God gives us, with or without defects, it is also important that we give that child the kind of life he or she deserves.

Having been born with a genetic defect, especially when you very well know that it could have been prevented, declines the quality of life that person could have enjoyed. Aside from that, financial wise, healthcare is now becoming too costly for middle class people to even bask themselves in, and it will be a burden. I think that it would be cheaper to prevent an abnormality from occurring than health maintenance, especially if the child will have to be taken care of for the rest of his or her life.

Third, I believe that the complications regarding the tests can be prevented and its occurrence is so minimal that it can be ignored. The timing of conducting these tests and the skill of the operator will lessen complications. Life is possibly the most precious gift that we can ever get. It’s priceless and everything that we experience in it can never be taken away from us. Medical technology and research is giving us more and more reasons to enjoy life and to actually save more unborn children from harm. The benefit of having lived a normal, worry free and enjoyable life definitely outweighs the risks.