pregnant & your baby has something wrong with it like retardation or anything like that how would u find out?

Question

will they tell you by looking at an ultra sound or do you have to take some kinda test

Answer 1

An ultraound can tell you a lot, and there is a blood test they do to see if the baby has Downs syndrome, but unfortunately there are many things you just cant know until the baby is born. I work with babies who have special needs, and over 90% of them had normal screenings and sonograms throughout the pregnancy. Mental retardation is caused by many different things, of which most you can not screen for during pregnancy.

It's important to know that over 95% of pregnancies result in a typically dveloping baby, so just take care of yourself and you should be fine.

Answer 2

They can tell some things by an ultrasound, called markers, that may indicate that there are birth defects. For instance, with Down's babies while in the womb they have shorter leg bones, thicker neck folds, no nose bone, and many other things. There are simple blood tests that can be done to give you a risk assessment of what your chances are of having a baby with a birth defect once you are pregnant, but they are not 100%. The only test that can give you some clarity is the amniocentesis, which is where they take a needle, insert it through the belly into the uterus and extract a small amount of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid contains DNA cells from the baby so they can tell if the baby has any birth defects. The downside is there is a 1-2% chance of a miscarriage so it's something to really think about.

Answer 3

Usually in your sixth month of pregnancy a screening called the alpha fetal protein test is performed to screen for retardation and spinal bifida etc... it is only a screening for a few disorders. Ultrasounds can detect physical issues that may be wrong with the baby. Once again these things are only screenings. An amniocentesis may be ordered to further confirm the findings,or you may just have to wait until the baby is born because the test does have a percentage rate for inaccuracy.

Answer 4

Most doctors do a blood test at around 12-14 weeks that checks for abnormalities and some diseases. Then they can tell some things durring your ultrasound if your doctor does one (most do these days) and if the ultrasound shows anything they usually do a amniocentesis which tells them more details.. Some things just can't be seen until the baby is born.

Answer 5

Something like Downs Syndrome would not be detected through an ultra sound. Older moms to be often will get a series of tests done to rule out birth defects, but younger women often don't. It used to be that you only saw really old women with their downs kids..because testing was unheard of and it occurs more frequently in older women. BUT, nowadays, its more common for younger mom's have have a downs baby, because they don't get screened for it..most older women get screened and make the decision then if they want to keep it or terminate.

If you are worried, speak to your doctor about various testing options. More likely than not, your baby will be perfectly healthy..most are.

Answer 6

There are many tests one can take, like blood test, triple screen (also a blood test) and amniocentesis (basically, taking a sample of your fluid surrounding your baby via a needle through your belly button).
Ultra sound will tell you physical abnormalities but not developmental problems.
It is best to talk to a OBGYN or visit a family clinic.
Visit www.babycenter.com, there are tons of information.

Answer 7

Different test are done at different points in pregnancy. Some of them are required and some are optional. Aside from the blood tests they also do an ultrasound to rule things out. If any results look questionable then there are more in depth tests that can be done.

Answer 8

There are special tests the Doctor can have done to check for different types of problems.
Usually if an ultrasound test shows a hint of a problem the Doctor will follow it up with more intensive testings.

Answer 9

There are tests that they give you @ 28 weeks to show if there is anything wrong...My son was born wit half a heart and I did not find out until he was 1 week old he went limp and stopped breathing...There is still no way to know for sure if you are going to have a "healthy" baby just take good care of yourself and make sure you always keep close watch of your precious ones. Good luck & God bless

Answer 10

The test is called amniocentesis. A needle is inserted through the skin of your belly and fluid is taken out of the uterus, where the unborn baby is growing. That way, doctors can examine the chromosomes and detect abnormalities.