Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Arkansas Reproductive Genetics Program

General Information

Screening and Diagnosis for your baby
Two of the most valuable services that we provide are screening and diagnosis for physical and genetic defects that could affect an unborn baby. Nearly 97% of babies are born without major birth defects.  However, when such  defects do occur,  being aware of them before delivery can improve the outcomes for babies. A maternal serum screening test (blood test) can help assess your risk of having a baby with a certain birth defect, and a diagnostic test (ultrasound, amniocentesis, CVS) can help determine whether your baby has the birth defect or not.

Who needs screening and diagnosis?
 Your family doctor or obstetrician may offer you the opportunity to undergo prenatal screening and diagnosis.  Some of the most common reasons for undergoing screening or diagnosis include:

• Age. If you are 35 or older, your baby is at increased risk for certain birth defects and chromosome problems.
• An unusual arrangement of chromosomes. If either parent has an unusual arrangement of his or her chromosomes, the baby may be at risk of certain birth defects. Such unusual arrangements can run in families and also cause recurrent miscarriages.
• Genes. If  either parent has been diagnosed with a genetic disease (such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, Marfan syndrome, or others)or are known carriers of such conditions,  screening and diagnosis is recommended.
• Another child with a birth defect. If you’ve ever given birth to a child with a certain birth defect, (such as  Down Syndrome, a congenital heart defect, cleft lip, spina bifida, and others) your unborn baby may be at risk as well.
• Use of certain medications. Some medications used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, could have an effect on your baby’s development.
•  Maternal Illnesses. Insulin-dependent diabetic mothers, women with lupus or other autoimmune disorders, and women with congenital heart defects should take special care while they are pregnant, and screening and diagnosis for birth defects may be recommended.

Make a Referral to the Arkansas Genetics Program

Prenatal diagnosis screening

Clinics and Services

Financial Information

For additional information regarding prenatal diagnosis, genetic resources, genetic counseling and educational programs, call or write:

Arkansas Reproductive Genetics Program
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 West Markham Street # 506
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 296-1700 or 1-800-358-7229
Email: prenataldx@uams.edu