abnormalities by examining all the structures of the body. We will also determine the risk of Down's syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. We do this using ultrasound and a blood test.'What tests will I be offered? The nuchal fold translucency test
and when. If you're feeling anxious or unsure, discuss things with your partner, midwife or GP before going ahead.LEARN THE JARGON Screening tests assess the risk of an abnormality. A diagnostic test can tell you for certain if your baby has any
gets embedded so abnormally deeply in the wall of the womb, it can't be shed by contractions. Another common reason is a snapped umbilical cord. This can happen if you're given an injection of syntometrine to make your uterus contract and shed
an abnormality of the shape of your womb, or fibroids.A blood test for a condition called antiphosphoilipid syndrome or Hughes Syndrome (this can cause recurrent miscarriages and there are treatments that can reduce the risk) should also be done.Other blood tests
acid until week 12 of your pregnancy. Folic acid has been proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects – abnormalities in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord such as spina bifida. Find out more about folic acid here.Eat little
. The likelihood of a pregnancy ending in miscarriage is 6.4% in women under the age of 35, but rises to 23.1% in women over the age of 40. Women over 40 who smoke have an even higher miscarriage rate. Foetal abnormalities The risk of neural-tube defects
sperm quality,' says Dr Glenville. So get him out of his jeans and into loose shorts.Get off your bikeIf your partner is a keen cyclist he should ease up. A study of mountain bikers found sperm abnormalities due to reduced blood flow to their bits
to the guidelines of 1-2 units once or twice a week as there hasn't been any research to show this is unsafe.' The reports on binge drinking being OK when pregnant were based on a small study, which said they couldn't find a link between drinking and abnormalities
twins, but an ultrasound will.An AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test measures a protein secreted by the fetal liver and an abnormally high reading usually indicates more than one baby.Ultimately, you won't know you're having twins until you have an ultrasound
for abnormal cervical cells, including a cone biopsy. This meant that her cervix had been shortened and she had developed cervical stenosis, and would therefore have difficulty getting pregnant. She had already experienced a miscarriage at just 6.5 weeks
