Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
See a genetic counselor to find out the probabilities of having a baby with specific birth defects. Provide the details of your family history for both you and your partner. Remember, the older you are, the higher your chances are of having a baby with birth defects.
Step2
Take the alpha-fetal protein (AFP) test between the fifteenth and twenty-first weeks of pregnancy. A positive on the alpha-fetal protein test may indicate a neural tube defect such as spina bifida, a multiple pregnancy or simply that your due date is off. Be aware: This test produces many false-positives. You will have to undergo others to determine what, if anything, is wrong with your baby.
Step3
Have an amniocentesis done between the fifteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy. The amniocentesis takes amniotic fluid directly from the mother's abdomen. The fluid is then tested for genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. However, there are risks associated with this test, including miscarriage. Discuss the pros and cons with your care provider.
Step4
Get an ultrasound. An ultrasound can do more than determine your baby's age and the sex. Ultrasounds can look for structural defects, malformations or indications that your baby isn't developing properly.
Step5
Speak to your doctor about performing a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) eleven to thirteen weeks into your pregnancy, especially if you suspect some sort of chromosomal or genetic birth defect. CVS involves taking a tissue sample from the placenta. Like the amniocentesis, there is a risk for miscarriage.
