Genetics and Pregnancy Topics

PRENATAL TESTING

Prenatal Testing: Screening and Diagnosis: Detailed information regarding prenatal testing options including amniocentesis, CVS, first trimester screening and Expanded AFP screening. Helpful decision-making guide.

Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling Brochure
Amniocentesis Brief Fact Sheet
CVS Brief Fact Sheet

Perinatologists: Home pages of the specialists who perform amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and targeted ultrasounds at Santa Teresa, Santa Clara and Hayward Kaiser facilities.

After Amniocentesis Instructions: Precautions and recommendations for women after a CVS or amniocentesis procedure.

SCREEN POSITIVE CALIFORNIA PRENATAL SCREENING RESULTS

First Trimester Preliminary Screen Positive

• Screen Positive for Down syndrome in the 1st trimester
• Screen Positive for Trisomy 18 in the 1st trimester

Second Trimester Screen Positive

• Screen Positive for Down syndrome in the 2nd trimester
• Screen Positive for Trisomy 18 in the 2nd trimester
• Screen Positive for Neural Tube Defects/Abdominal Wall Defects
• Screen Positive for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

ETHNICITY-BASED GENETIC SCREENING

Genetic Screening Program Overview of Kaiser Permanente's prenatal genetic screening program. Also includes detailed information regarding hemoglobin diseases (sickle cell disease, thalassemia), cystic fibrosis, Canavan disease, Tay Sachs disase, and familial dysautonomia.

Genetic Carrier Testing Brochure

• Canavan Disease Carrier
• Cystic Fibrosis Carrier
• Familial Dysautonomia Carrier
• Tay Sachs Carrier

OTHER USEFUL PRENATAL LINKS

California Teratogen Information Service: Contact information for California Pregnancy Risk Information Line. Specialists provide information by telephone regarding the effects of medications, drugs, chemicals, and infectious diseases during pregnancy

Organization of Teratology Information Specialists: Fact sheets regarding the effects of various medications and other exposures during pregnancy.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy: General information regarding the benefits of this vitamin in reducing the risk for certain types of birth defects.

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