PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS

Serious birth defects, often genetically determined, complicate and threaten the fives of 3% of newborn infants. These disorders account for 20% of deaths during the newborn period and an even higher percentage of serious morbidity in infancy and childhood. The cost of neonatal intensive care is staggering. Higher still are the costs of rehabilitation programs for the severely handicapped. Birth defects that go undiagnosed until late in pregnancy have immeasurable and tragic effects on the family. With the growing recognition of the frequency and importance of congenital disorders and with current social trends toward smaller families and delays in childbearing, prenatal diagnosis is important in the management of many pregnancies. This monograph reviews general indications for prenatal diagnosis, maternal serum screening, individual prenatal diagnosis procedures, ultrasound screening and targeted ultrasound, and newer applications currently under investigation.