Heartburn and pregnancy go hand in hand. For many moms-to-be, heartburn kicks up during the first trimester and tends to get worse in the second and third trimesters. By Deirdre Wilson |
 | Pregnancy ultrasound is a safe test that can help to determine the health of your baby. It can also serve as an early warning system for any abnormalities. By Sharon Hurley Hall |
 | Amniocentesis is a test that screens for a variety of genetic and developmental disorders in the womb. Since it is an invasive procedure, there are slight risks of injury to both mother and child. By Laura Evans |
 | Prenatal testing is a routine part of care that allows your doctor to treat any conditions that might harm your developing baby. Learn what they look for and what tests to expect. By Cheryl Bowman |
Down Syndrome screening isn't like tests that produce a yes or no result; it only indicates the potential for the condition, and says little about the symptoms a child will have. |
Prenatal genetic testing carries some risks, and it should only be used to screen for potential illnesses or complications. By Cheryl Bowman |
The alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, measures the amount of AFP in the mother's blood. In down syndrome the amount of AFP tends to be lower than normal. In spinabifida, the amount of AFP in the mother's blood tends to be lower than normal. By HS Schulte |
