indications for prenatal diagnosis
Last reviewed 08/2022
The indications for prenatal diagnosis are divided into those relevant before conception, and those relevant during pregnancy:
Risk factors at conception:
- elevated maternal age
- consanguinity
- ethnic origin, e.g. where sickle cell anaemia is prevalent
- family history
- obstetric history
- maternal illness or medication, e.g. toxoplasmosis or rubella
- maternal exposure to teratogens, e.g. phenytoin treatment
Risk factors during pregnancy:
- abnormalities on ultrasound
- raised or decreased levels of alphafetoprotein
- poly- or oligohydramnios
- maternal infection, eg cytomegalovirus or Listeria
- exposure to teratogens
- exposure to radiation