Prenatal diagnosis involves identifying potential disorders before birth. Techniques include:
1. Ultrasound Imaging: This non-invasive method uses sound waves to create images of the fetus. It helps in detecting structural abnormalities, such as congenital heart defects and neural tube defects.
2. Amniocentesis: This test involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid to analyze fetal cells and biochemical substances. It helps in diagnosing genetic and chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.
3. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Similar to amniocentesis, CVS involves taking a sample of placental tissue to detect genetic conditions.
4. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This blood test analyzes fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. It screens for chromosomal abnormalities with high accuracy.
