8. Brittle bone disease.
A high level could also indicate not enough amniotic fluid, more than one fetus .
developing (twins), or that the mother is farther along in the pregnancy than is .
estimated. Low levels signal an increased risk for Down Syndrome. Low levels .
can also occur when the fetus has died or when the mother is overweight.
If a mother receives a high or low test result she is referred to a .
Perinatologist (a specialist in Maternal/Fetal medicine) and sent for a type 2 .
sonogram. A type 2 sonogram is similar to a regular ultrasound but they take .
measurements of arms, legs, head, look at the spine, measure heart rate and .
look closely at the heart and the 4 chambers. The sonogram is performed on the .
abdomen and trans vaginally. Sonogram alone is only 60% accurate. The .
newest screening test on the rise is the Fetal Nuchal Translucency test. It is .
performed via an ultrasound/sonogram in the late first trimester. It involves .
identifying/measuring collections of fluid behind the neck/back of the fetus. .
.
The procedures available for diagnostic testing include Amniocentesis, .
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), and Percutaneous Umbilical Sampling .
(PUBS). Amniocentesis is performed between 15-20 weeks gestation and .
involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds the .
fetus. During the procedure an ultrasound is performed to locate the fetus, the .
fluid, and the placement of the placenta. A long thin needle is inserted through .
the abdominal wall and amniotic fluid is removed. Chromosomes are examined .
from the fetal cells to detect Down Syndrome and other defects such as .
Trisomy 13 and 18. Results are back in 2 weeks and are about 98-99% .
accurate. There is a 1/100 chance of miscarriage. Chorionic Villus Sampling is .
done between 8-12 weeks gestation. An instrument is placed through the cervix .
or abdomen to remove fetal tissue from the area of the placenta.