According to the UN, over three hundred and eighty thousand babies are born each day worldwide, making a significant addition to the growing population. However, around two hundred and forty thousand newborns do not survive past twenty-eight days each year, primarily due to congenital disabilities.
Thankfully, the NIPT test or the Non-invasive Prenatal test can help experts identify specific birth defects in babies while still in the womb. It is a relatively simple test that can accurately determine if an unborn child is at risk for congenital disabilities.
Pregnant women in their first trimester should consider getting the test done as it will help them know they are carrying a healthy fetus. The following information covers some critical aspects of the test, enabling you to grasp its importance.
How is it done?
It is critical to understand that DNA carries a mountain of genetic information, setting one person apart from everyone else. When a woman is pregnant, part of the baby’s DNA passes into her bloodstream. These minuscule particles are known as cell-free DNA.
A little blood is extracted from the pregnant mother without harming the fetus and tested for potential developmental defects like Down Syndrome (also referred to as Trisomy 21) and Edward Syndrome. Some tests also screen the baby for microdeletions, typically occurring because of a few missing sections in specific chromosomes. Also, these tests will reveal the gender of the child, so parents who do not wish to know beforehand should inform their doctor.
When should you consider it?
Although it is not mandatory, any expecting mother pregnant for at least ten weeks can opt for this critical prenatal testing. More specifically, those at high risk of genetic abnormalities should invest in screening to help them identify potential defects in the baby.
Also, women who already have a child with Down Syndrome and those over thirty-five should consider the test, as they may have a higher chance of carrying fetuses with similar defects.
Where to get the test
Finding a reputable and reliable diagnostics laboratory to enjoy accurate NIPT test results is essential. Ideally, you should prefer a clinic that actively manufactures and delivers real solutions for various critical areas, such as reproductive health and viral diseases.
Moreover, trustworthy clinics will allow you to choose what you wish to screen for specifically, such as Trisomy, Chromosomal Aneuploidies, and Turner Syndrome.
One way to know if a laboratory is worth your money is to check its reputation, range of tests provided, result accuracy, and locations it serves. You can also browse their reviews on social media sites, helping you gauge how successful the diagnostics agency is. It will help you get reliable results and have a hassle-free pregnancy.
After the test
A positive result from your prenatal test can be highly disheartening, claiming your unborn baby has a defect that will impair its life or lead to more severe consequences. However, you must avoid making any hasty decisions based solely on these screening results.
Therefore, it is best to consult with a genetic counselor to better understand the results and what to expect next. Finally, your gynecologist can help further by enabling you to weigh your options, and with luck, your child might have a considerably better chance at a normal life.