Prenatal Testing

Prenatal testing does not guarantee the birth of a normal baby. It only provides information about malformations or disorders that can be specifically tested for. Some malformations cannot be found or are difficult to find before a baby is born, such as phenylketonuria, cleft lip and cleft palate. Others, such as chromosomal abnormalities, can often be identified by various tests, including amniocentesis, ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling and fetoscopy.
Testing for a fetal abnormality allows for termination of a pregnancy, if that is desired. Sometimes a prenatal diagnosis may call for prenatal surgery in utero (in the uterus) to correct various conditions, such as kidney blockage or omphalocele (congenital hernia of the navel).

Results learned from prenatal testing can be used to make special arrangements for care of the baby, if necessary, after birth. Results may also influence which method of delivery is chosen.
Counseling and support of the couple or family can help prepare them for what lies ahead after the baby's birth. Support can include social services, mental-health counseling (psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker) and spiritual guidance.

For some couples, counseling is the beginning of the grieving process over the loss of the "perfect baby." Counseling can help a couple begin to deal with the possible death of the fetus or baby, or the challenges associated with a child with special needs.