Prenatal Diagnosis

Conditions and Treatments

The UCSF Prenatal Diagnosis Center provides comprehensive genetic counseling for diseases such as:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Down syndrom
• Other conditions such as Canavan disease, fragile X syndrome, sickle cell anemia, Tay Sachs disease and thalassemia

If you meet one of the following criteria, you may benefit from genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic testing:

• Women 35 years of age and older on their due date.
• Couples who have a child or close relative with a birth defect.
• Pregnant women with abnormal results from an expanded alpha fetoprotein (AFP) test - a blood test that estimates the risk of chromosomal disorders.
• Pregnant women who have concerns about the health of the fetus.
• Couples with one or both partners who carry an inherited disease such as Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis.
• Pregnant women who have been exposed to agents, such as medications. that may harm the fetus.
• Women who have had an ultrasound that found an abnormality in the fetus.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated March 24, 2008