7 important things all first time mums and dads should know

First time parents have doubts and questions: “How will we ever learn to become parents? Will we have to be like our parents?” With these questions come concerns about the baby. “Suppose we have a deformed child? Will it be our fault? How can we ever face such a thing?”

At night they dream about the various defects they have seen or heard of. The dreams stir up attachment and help prepare prospective parents of the possibility of a less-than-perfect baby.

Parents-to-be dream of three babies-the perfect four-month-old who rewards them with smiles and musical cooing, the impaired baby who changes each day, and the mysterious real baby whose presence is beginning to be evident in the motions of the fetus.

Fortunately, we have an ever-growing number of prenatal tests that can take the worry out of pregnancy by helping to identify a fetal health concern early. They tell you what your chances of giving birth to an abnormal baby and give you the option of taking further tests to determine the health of your unborn baby. For instance, in the first trimester, a mother can be tested for HIV/AIDS so that she can be treated and transmission to the fetus be prevented.

Antibody Rh-Negative testing early in pregnancy also allows for critical life-saving preventive measures to be taken.

Of course the decision to undergo any of these tests, and the wait-however long or short-for the results, can be frightening, even overwhelming. A few of the available tests provide less than certain results hence expectant parents may still harbour concerns about their baby’s health. So it’s important to understand which tests are available, what they’re for and their implications for you and your baby.

Making your mind

Before taking a test, think carefully about the issues involved and understand them.

*Discuss the implications of testing with your partner. Few events can be more heartbreaking than choosing to terminate a much longed-for pregnancy.

*Remember biochemical tests, such as blood tests, can’t diagnose abnormalities. They help identify babies at a higher risk of disorder and whether further tests –amniocentesis, CVS or a detailed scan-are necessary.

*You should be given the opportunity to discuss the procedures such and the risks involved before you are screened. Also, if there’s any history of genetic disorder within your own or your partner’s family, tell your doctor who may wish to refer you for genetic counseling.

The following preliminary tests help determine whether you should have further, diagnostic tests.

*Alpha-Fetoprotein Test-AFP is a blood test that screens for neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

*Triple or Quad-Screen Test is to check for Down’s syndrome. The test is done around 16 weeks. The detection rate for Down’s syndrome is 60 per cent.

*Nuchal Scan is a detailed ultrasound scan done at around 11 weeks to detect babies with Down’s syndrome, heart conditions and other chromosomal abnormalities. During the scan doctors measure a black “space” behind your baby’s neck. A space of 2.5mm or more may signify a link with Down’s syndrome.

*Chorionic Villus Sampling-CVS is done when specific inherited diseases are a concern. It is done at nine-11 weeks instead of waiting until 16-18 weeks for an amniocentesis test.

There are also more genetic tests for parents-to-be to choose from if either one has a heritable disorder in his or her family.