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FISH Prenatal Testing Explained

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FISH, or Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, is a diagnostic prenatal test which looks for a few common chromosomal abnormalities. A fluorescent dye is used to visualize and map genetic material in cells. FISH is usually performed with the same genetic material gathered for testing during CVS or amniocentesis. The advantage of FISH testing is that results are often available in as little as 24-48 hours. FISH has a low rate false positive results. If the fetal cells contain certain chromosomal abnormalities, this will be apparent with the FISH test. An exception might be if the parent has a chromosomal abnormality and the fetal cells were contaminated with parental […]

Q&A: What Songs Touch You?

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Have a question for Ending a Wanted Pregnancy? Email us. QUESTION What songs touch you in relation to your experience of ending a wanted pregnancy. Please share the artist, song title, a link to a YouTube video and if you like, a few words about how the song connects to your experience/grief/loss or healing. ANSWERS Happy Birthday by Piper and Flipsyde. Flipsyde – Happy Birthday (We The People) Pearl Jam’s Black was the first song that really got to me. I remember sitting in the Target parking lot crying when this came on the radio. “Now my bitter hands cradle broken glass of what was everything. All […]

What is Hydrops Fetalis (Fetal Hydrops)?

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Hydrops fetalis (fetal hydrops) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more places and is a symptom of an underlying problem with the fetus. Hydrops is typically discovered during an ultrasound in the first or second trimester, and the earlier it is found the worse the prognosis. Non-immune hydrops may indicate congenital heart defects, structural abnormalities, infection, or genetic disorders.It is sometimes associated with too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) and placental edema.   For more information, visit: Medscape—Pediatric Hydrops Fetalis Perinatology—Hydrops Fetalis Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin—Hydrops fetalis/erythroblastosis fetalis   Ending a Wanted Pregnancy stories tagged Fetal Hydrops

What is Wolf-Hirschshorn Syndrome?

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Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a condition that results when there is a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 4. This missing genetic material results in severe developmental delays and seizures. It is associated with variety of birth defects including microcephaly (small head size), cranial asymmetry, heart defects, curvature of the spine and cleft lip and/or palate. Prognosis depends on what birth defects are present. It is estimated that around 35% of WHS patients die within the first two years of life. Children with WHS often exhibit severe to profound cognitive and physical disabilities.   For more information about Wolf-Hirschshorn Syndrome, visit: Wolf-Hirschorn.org – Wolf-Hirschshorn Syndrome OMIM – Wolf-Hirschchorn Syndrome Medscape – Wolf-Hirschshorn Syndrome […]

What is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)?

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Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs only with identical twins or higher order multiples who share a single placenta. It takes place when there is a connection in the two babies’ blood vessels of their shared placenta. One twin, called the “recipient” has greater blood flow and the other, called the “donor” has inadequate blood flow.  Another name for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome chronic inter-twin transfusion syndrome. In severe cases the fetuses be of significantly different size; the “recipient” twin may have congestive heart failure and polyhydramnios; the “donor” twin may suffer oligohydramnios. Prenatal treatments and outcomes for TTTS have improved in recent years.   For more information on Twin-to-Twin […]

What are Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)?

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Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) is a congenital defect affecting only male fetuses at a rate of about 1 in 8,000. It involves extra “flaps” of tissue on the urethra that obstruct the bladder. Effects can range from minimal to incompatible with life depending on the severity of the defect. PUV requires long-term management beginning in infancy to prevent deterioration of urinary tracts and bladder dysfunction. Severe cases detected prenatally may involve a fetus that is small for gestational age and lack of amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios which may cause other serious developmental problems.   For more information on Posterior Urethral Valves, visit: Emedicine – Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) […]

What is Omphalocele?

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Omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect which causes the liver, intestines or other organs to develop outside of the body. In the first 6 to 10 weeks of a normal pregnancy, the intestines push out from the abdomen into the umbilical cord but by week 11 the intestine move back into the abdomen. An omphalocele happens when this fails to occur. In a small omphalocele only some of the intestines develop outside of the abdominal wall. But with a large omphalocele many organs may have developed outside of body, protected only by a thin, transparent sac. Infants born with an omphalocele may not develop an abdominal cavity adequate to […]

What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses a risk to fetal development only when contracted during the first half of pregnancy. Only 40% of these fetuses will develop the infection and of those, only 5 to 15% will have symptoms at birth. In a severely affected fetus, CMV may result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), microcephaly, calcification in the brain, cognitive disabilities, hearing loss, low blood platelet count and liver enlargement. Recurrent maternal CMV infection (a CMV infection contracted before the pregnancy) does not pose serious risks to the fetus.   Centers for Disease Control – CMV Congential Infection Perinatology – Diagnosis & Management of CMV Infection in Pregnancy Mother-to-Baby – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) […]

What is Achondrogenesis Type II?

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Achondrongenesis Type II is a form of skeletal dysplasia involving short limbs, a small chest with short ribs and underdevelopment of the lungs. It can also involve the failure of spinal and pelvic bones to properly form, and an enlarged abdomen. Facial malformation may include cleft palate, prominent forehead and a small chin. Fetal issues may include hydrops fetalis, the build up of excess fluid in the body. For further information on Achondrogenesis Type II visit: Wikipedia—Achondrogenesis Type 2 OMIM—Achondrogenesis Type II Genetics Home Reference—Achondrogensis     Ending a Wanted Pregnancy stories involving a diagnosis of Achondrogenesis Type II