Prenatal Test - what is it and how the test is done
Giving birth to a healthy and well-developed baby is every mother's topmost priority. For this purpose, a new mother is kept under strict observation after the confirmation of her pregnancy by her doctor.
Every expecting mother must visit her doctor on the specified dates and undergo all the required tests and examinations to ensure that the health of both the baby and the mother are in perfect condition.
These tests are called 'prenatal tests' as they are done before the baby's birth. These tests include:
- Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels
- Chorionic Villus Sampling
- Amniocentesis
These prenatal screening tests need to take place as, most of the time, they can help diagnose any abnormality the baby might face beforehand. However, if the baby is healthy, there is almost no need to worry about anything! These tests help with counselling the mother on the next steps to follow.