Is it possible to detect physical or mental handicaps in a baby before birth?

Question

Is it possible to detect physical or mental handicaps in a baby before birth(while it's still in the womb)? If so, what are those handicaps that could be detected? And how?

Answer 1

some times but not all the time they do a test i think its called an afp test but dont quote me on it. this tests for spina biffida( i probably spelled that wrong) and down syndrome it also tests for abnormal chromosomes this test has been known to come up with false positives before but for the most part its pretty reliable and if you do get a positive your doctor will do further tests with your permission. they usually do the afp test right around 18 weeks or so or at least they did with both of my children if you are interested in it ask your doctor. good luck!!

Answer 2

While it is almost routine to check a baby for physical and chromozomal "defects" before birth, a strictly mental (no physical signs) handicap cannot be detected. Many physical defects, such as cleft palates and spina bifida, can be detected on routine ultrasounds. Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down's Syndrome, can be tested for using an amneocentesis. However, unless special circumstances arise, amneos are not routine for pregnant women under 35-40 years of age.

Answer 3

I would suggest having a Amniocentesis if you are concerned. Most women only have this done if they are high risk meaning over a certain age. (my mom had this done and so did my uncles wife)

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/327.html

What can this test detect-
Nearly all chromosomal disorders, including Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and sex chromosome abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome). Amniocentesis is more than 99 percent accurate in diagnosing these conditions.

• Several hundred genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Tay-Sachs disease. The test is not used to look for all of them, but if your baby is at increased risk for one or more of these disorders, in most cases amniocentesis can usually tell you whether he has the disease

• Neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Amniocentesis does not detect birth defects such as heart malformations or a cleft lip or palate. However, many structural defects can be picked up on the second-trimester ultrasound that's routinely done for every woman having an amnio.

Answer 4

They can detect some of these by doing ultrasounds. Also they do offer some blood tests to check for these things. Not everything can be 100% though, always keep that in mind.

Answer 5

They say nearly half of all disabilities can be detected before birth. Disabilities such as spina bifida, down syndrome, heart defects, etc. They check by blood tests and ultrasounds.

Answer 6

yes, by amniocentesis. The most common one they check for is down syndrome. How is it done? The doctors stick a long A%$ needle through your belly, all the way into the amniotic sac and withdraws the amniotic fluid. And they don't use anesthaesia, either!

Answer 7

Definitely... the doctors can detect that really early in the womb

Answer 8

I think i seen on tv awhile back that they can take a sample from the fluid and can tell if certain diseases are in the samples.I don;t know if al hospitals do it; but you could call a hosp near you...

Answer 9

It's possible to drive yourself crazy wondering. I have a 23-year-old who is severely autistic and that was not discovered in prenatal testing or ultrasound. Hell, now some people are saying it's the ultrasound that CAUSED it. So don't go around doing unneccessary tests. Just stay busy and enjoy your baby no matter WHO you get!

Anyway, what are you planning to do if you find a disability??

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Answer 10

doctors can do tests for certain character traits.