• Bleeding from the vagina
• High temperature
• Abdominal pain
• Fainting spells
• Excessive fluid retention particularly facial
• Excessive vomiting
• Itchiness of the legs particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy
• A worrying injury
• Severe headaches or visual disturbance
• Pain and burning with urination
• Irritating vaginal discharge or sores on genitals

Listen to your body. If your are really worried call your doctor, no matter how trivial your concern may seem

Each person has a Rhesus factor (Rh) that is either positive or negative. About 85 per cent of the population are Rh positive with the remainder Rh negative.

An incompatibility arises when an Rh negative woman has a partner who is Rh positive, resulting in an Rh positive baby.

If the mother’s and baby’s blood come into contact during childbirth, her body produces antibodies against the baby’s blood.

How is my baby affected?

If you have rhesus incompatibility, your blood is tested every few weeks to check for an immune system response. If you are producing antibodies, the present baby is not affected, but a subsequent pregnancy may be at risk because the mother’s antibodies can cross the placenta and harm the developing foetus by destroying its red blood cells, causing severe anaemia, and possible miscarriage.

Women in this situation are given injections of anti-D, which coats the baby’s Rh positive cells and protects against the manufacture of antibodies.

High blood pressure during pregnancy, especially if associated with protein in the urine or swelling in the face, hands and ankles, can be an early sign of a disorder called pre-eclamptic toxaemia. This disorder is also known as pre-eclampsia, toxaemia, hypertensive disease of pregnancy or HDP, pregnancy-induced hypertension or PIH and gestosis. All these names reflect the uncertainty as to its cause.

Pre-eclampsia affects between five and ten per cent of all pregnant women, but rarely in the early stages. It is a serious condition that affects the placenta, reducing blood and oxygen supply to the baby.

If the condition is allowed to progress, clots and fatty acids build up in the placenta blocking the arteries and causing placental failure. The mother’s own blood supply to the vital organs, the brain, kidneys and liver, is also compromised.

Symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

• High blood pressure
• High levels of uric acid in the blood
• Fluid retention in hands and ankles
• Facial swelling or puffiness
• Small urine output

The risk of pre-eclampsia is highest in a first pregnancy.

While you are advised to watch for these symptoms, a rise in blood pressure alone does not indicate pre-eclampsia, and neither does an increase in fluid retention. The two occurring together, however, is significant and should be acted upon.

Eclampsia

In its most severe form, known as eclampsia, it can lead to convulsions, premature labour and in rare cases, fatality. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have gastric flu if these symptoms occur in late pregnancy:

• Headache
• Flashing lights or visual disturbances
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Consult your doctor immediately.

Possible Causes

The causes of pre-eclampsia are not clearly known. Poor nutrition is thought to be a factor, particularly if lacking in protein. High levels of toxic metals, such as copper or lead, and low levels of microminerals, especially zinc, could also be causes. Called the “disease of theories” by a doctor in the 1800s, it remains an enigma although medical professionals agree that you are more likely to get pre-eclampsia if any of the following applies:

• You have diabetes or kidney disease (“toxaemia” translates as poisoning of the blood)
• Your normal blood pressure exceeds 140/90
• You are having a multiple birth
• A family history of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• You are in your teens, or over 40
• You suffer from migraine

Treatment

The following steps will help in the early stages of pre-eclampsia. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or health professional immediately.

• Eat a high protein diet
• Eat foods rich in arginine including nuts, seeds, wheat, bread, brown rice oats, chickpeas, egg plant, capsicum, tomatoes, mushrooms, sugar, chocolate, cocoa, carob, coffee, caffeine soft drinks, raisins
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation to reduce blood pressure
• Avoid fatty and sugary foods
• Drink 2-3 litres of water daily
• Drink nettle, dandelion and lime flowers tea regularly
• Take adequate levels of vitamin E, B6, C and E, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc
• Take evening primrose, flax seed oil and fish oils
• Drink raw beetroot juice (blended with carrot and apple for taste)
• Include garlic in your diet
• Try reflexology to help reduce blood pressure or use acupuncture helps build the immune system and strengthens the kidneys

If you have symptoms, it is best to either lay on your left side, or sit well-propped to improve blood flow to the baby. If your blood pressure exceeds 170/110 you will probably be admitted to hospital for regular blood pressure and urine checks until levels fall. Sedatives are often prescribed.

If you have developed pre-eclampsia, an intravenous drip will administer a drug to prevent convulsions and injections will be given to lower blood pressure. A Caesarean section may be carried out.

A multiple birth is when two or more babies are born within the same pregnancy. The increasing use of fertility drugs has contributed to the incidence of multiple birth with more than half the triplets born resulting from assisted conception techniques such as IVF or GIFT (see Assisted Conception for more information on these methods).

In 2000, 245,700 babies were born in Australia and of these, 3,900 mothers had a multiple birth, constituting 1.6% of all births. This compares with 2,200 multiple birth recorded in 1980.

Of the 3,900 mothers who had a multiple birth in 2000, 3,800 of these produced twins with the remaining 100 resulting in triplets or higher order multiple births.

How Twins Are Formed

There are two ways that twins are formed:

Non-Identical Twins

Fraternal twins occur when a woman releases two (or more) ripe eggs that are fertilised independently by different sperm. If both eggs implant and grow in the womb, the babies will be fraternal twins. Because the eggs have been fertilised by different sperm, they can be different sexes and very different in character. They are referred to as dizygotic twins and account for about 80 per cent of twins.

Identical Twins

Monozygotic, or identical twinning, is less common. This occurs when a single fertilised egg divides into separate halves and continues to develop into two separate but identical babies. Identical twinning often occurs after fertilisation, and often after implantation in the uterus. Although they share the same placenta, they have their own amniotic cavity and own cord. Identical twins are always the same sex because they have been fertilised by the same sperm.

Some women suspect quite early in their pregnancy that they are carrying twins. If you are a fraternal twin, the likelihood of you giving birth to fraternal twins is almost twice as high as other women, though often it skips a generation.

Possible Implications

For many women, particularly first time mothers, the news of a multiple pregnancy is a shock.

The apprehension of being able to cope with one baby is suddenly increased. For those already with children, the prospect of two new babies can be daunting. If it is possible, it is a good idea to arrange help for the first few months.

Carrying more than one baby does have its difficulties. A multiple pregnancy is considered high risk and involves more antenatal visits and closer monitoring. Though as the figures above suggest, many multiple births occur in Australia without problems and multiple pregnancies do better than ever before. With the access to advanced methods of testing and scanning many of the problems can be detected and helped.

Morning sickness may be more severe and may continue for longer during multiple pregnancy. You will also be prone to anaemia caused by an iron deficiency because of extra demands on your supplies. Your doctor will usually prescribe extra iron and folic acid.

Obstetricians and midwives usually advise hospital births for multiple pregnancies as the chance of a complicated delivery are increased. The risk of developing Pre-Eclampsia is also higher as multiple pregnancies place extra strain on your body’s resources at an earlier stage of pregnancy so you are more likely to suffer from extra weight gain and higher blood pressure.

There is no doubt that a multiple birth puts greater stress on both the mother and babies and that problems are more likely because of this.

Most multiple pregnancies do not reach the 40 week full term and the possibility of premature labour increases from 20 weeks.

With twins, you can probably expect to go into labour between 34 and 38 weeks. With triplets, it is likely to be between 32 and 36 weeks.

Often the babies grow more slowly in the womb and are smaller than normal at birth due to the lack of space. Termed Intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) these babies are likely to be affected by the stress of labour, to breathe poorly, to suckle poorly, and to suffer from a severe lack of oxygen in labour. It is common for one baby to be bigger and stronger than the other.

There is a higher than normal risk of stillbirth and sometimes only one baby survives. A vaginal birth is more complicated with two babies carrying the risk of one getting tangled up with the other, or obstructing the birth canal, and often one is positioned in the breech position. In many cases a caesarean section may be necessary.

Adequate rest is important in multiple pregnancy. You will often feel better if you have regular rest times and go to bed early. Nutrition is also vitally important. Your placenta is providing for two or more babies and everything you eat counts. If you are not eating adequately, strain will be placed on both you and your babies.

The latter stages of pregnancy will be more taxing as extra pressure is placed on your digestive organs, your back, your diaphragm and lungs, making breathing more difficult. Less oxygen will make you feel fatigued.

You are more likely to experience varicose veins and piles because of the extra pressure on your circulation. Avoid standing for long periods of time and try to get regular, gentle exercise.

You may find it uncomfortable to lie flat as your heavy womb is pressing on major blood vessels. The best position is to lie propped up with pillows under your knees, or to lie to the side with pillows under head, your bump and upper legs to release the lower spine.

Pelvic floor toning is important throughout your pregnancy. Start early as muscle toning is more effective before there is undue strain placed on the muscles. Try some Pelvic Floor Exercises

Miscarriage is the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy before the foetus is mature enough to survive outside the womb, usually occurring before the gestational age of 24 weeks.

It is estimated that as many as one in every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Many of these may occur undetected in the early stages of pregnancy before a woman is aware that she has conceived.

Not all miscarriages happen the same way.

Threatened Miscarriage

If there is bleeding without pain in the first trimester and the foetus remains in tact through to full term, this is known as a threatened miscarriage. Often bleeding in the early stages occurs at the time that a normal period is due. Once you are pregnant, hormones halt menstruation but sometimes these levels are not high enough to prevent scanty bleeding.

Some doctors may advise injections of progesterone to stop the bleeding. The blood comes from the placenta where it is not properly attaching to the uterine wall or from around the cervix. It is very rare for blood to come from the baby.

Missed Miscarriage

A missed miscarriage occurs when the foetus dies but remains in the womb and is either naturally expelled later or removed by an operation.

Inevitable Miscarriage

When the foetus dies and is expelled from the womb, this is known as an inevitable miscarriage.

Incomplete Miscarriage

Sometimes small fragments of the placenta or blood clots in your womb, this is termed an incomplete miscarriage.

Late Miscarriage

Late miscarriage is often the result of an incompetent cervix that starts to dilate long before it should. The first sign may be the breaking of the waters due to the dilating cervix rupturing the amniotic sac. It is thought that a previous abortion performed beyond 12 weeks, repeated mid-term pregnancy miscarriage or a previous difficult labour could all be factors linked to incompetent miscarriage.

If a miscarriage occurs after 24 weeks, it is termed premature birth and the birth and the death has to be registered. Medical professionals consider a developing baby beyond 24 weeks as “viable” meaning that the baby has a strong chance of surviving with the help of advanced technological and special care.

The cause of miscarriage is not always known. While miscarriage is always distressing it may help to know that the majority of miscarried foetuses are found to have severe chromosomal disorders. These babies would not have been able to survive outside the womb. Medical professionals are unable to explain exactly how this occurs though it seems nature has an ability to detect an abnormal foetus and triggers spontaneous abortion. Sometimes the foetus has failed to develop and what is called a blighted egg or ovum, is expelled. It is estimated that one in six miscarriages may be the result of a faulty ovum failing to grow. The presence of fibroids in the uterus has also been linked to miscarriage. Hormonal imbalance may be another factor as some women who have suffered repeated miscarriages have also experienced trouble conceiving.

A miscarriage after the 20th week may be due to placental insufficiency. The placenta may fail to function inhibiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus. In such cases, improved preconception care* including dietary advice may be recommended before trying to conceive again.

Recent findings in Australia have shown that half of all miscarriages can be attributed to the mother and half to the male partner. Statistics also reveal that the potential for miscarriage increases where the male and female are exposed to oil based paints, glues, x-rays or oven cleaners.

Possible Warning Signs

These symptoms are not always indicative of miscarriage but must always be treated seriously. If you do experience any of the following contact your doctor or health professional.

• severe abdominal pain or cramping followed by bleeding
• spotting or discharge with dark blood
• dizziness
• high fever

A pain in the shoulder could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, where conception occurs outside the womb. An ectopic pregnancy must be medically terminated.

In the event of miscarriage

Following miscarriage, your doctor or medical professional may suggest an ultrasound scan to determine if your womb is clear. If you have had an “incomplete miscarriage” some doctors advise surgical removal of any remaining contents in a procedure known as dilation and curettage. There are differing views on whether or not this is necessary. Some doctors feel it prevents infection that if left undetected may affect your chances of future pregnancy. The other school of thought is that this is a traumatic experience that is rarely necessary.

The grief caused by an early miscarriage is often underestimated and the emotional and hormonal repercussions can take some time to heal. Miscarriage, at whatever stage of pregnancy, is for most women equivalent to losing a baby. Although there may be a little comfort in knowing that the pregnancy just wasn’t meant to be, the actuality of dealing with loss can be extremely painful for the entire family. It is important that you talk about your feelings together and help each other through this time of mourning.

In some cases expecting parents are faced with the decision to terminate a pregnancy due to suspected foetal abnormality. It is often said that this is one of the drawbacks of modern medical technology and antenatal testing.

Grieving

Most hospitals have a trained professional to guide you through this time. But sometimes you may find yourself left alone, in shock, to cope with the dreaded thoughts in your head. It is hard to deal with such anguish alone and steps must be taken to console your loss. Some counsellors believe touching your baby can be a positive place to begin your grieving. You may wish to ask your medical professional if you can hold your baby.

Some people choose to name their baby, either informally or in a religious ceremony, and arrange a funeral to help the healing. If the miscarriage occurs late in pregnancy, you may wish to keep a memento like a handprint or lock of hair. There are many support groups often run by people who have experienced a miscarriage or death of a child themselves.

It is a good idea to see your doctor or obstetrician about six weeks afterwards to talk about what happened and why. You may be advised to wait a while before trying to conceive so that you can recover physically, emotionally, hormonally and psychologically. The time will come when you feel ready to try again. Most women who miscarry go on to have happy, healthy children.

About six per cent of all newborns are considered to be low birthweight, weighing less than the internationally agreed definition of 2.27 kg (5lb). Low birthweight is a condition that can be dangerous to a newborn and even life-threatening and generally low birthweight babies require immediate special care.

Premature or Pre-term Babies

These babies are born either as a small-for-date baby, or as a premature baby. Half or more of low birthweight babies are born too soon. They are pre-term or premature. In many cases there seems to be no obvious reason why these babies enter the world so soon.

In some cases there may be one or more of the following factors associated with an early labour: Illness during pregnancy, smoking poor nutrition, or a high stress lifestyle. But in other cases, none of these factors may be present.

Small-for-Date Babies

Small-for-date babies are those that are born around their expected due date but for some reason have not grown as big as expected. Sometimes this occurs due to poor nutrition, smoking, an inefficient placenta, or in cases of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.
Often multiple birth babies are low birthweight.

Troubled Births

These small babies often have troubled births and may suffer breathing problems that requires close monitoring because of their immature respiratory tract.
Other problems may include hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) and convulsions.
They often lack the fat layer under the skin that insulates them and require an incubator, as babies must be kept warm.
Their skin is often red as the blood vessels can be seen through the thin layer of skin. Often they are jaundiced, have difficulty feeding, and be susceptible to infection.

Later in Life

Research shows that globally, low birthweight babies tend to perform less well at school and are pre-disposed to a greater risk of more serious problems later in life such a diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The following infections can affect your pregnancy:

Genital Herpes

A Caesarean section is advised if there is genital herpes in the vagina or vulva at the time of birth. An active infection of genital herpes can have severe repercussions for the baby including brain damage, blindness and death, though very few babies become infected.

Gonorrhoea

This sexually transmitted disease can infect the baby during birth. The baby can then be treated with drugs.

Hepatitis C

It is thought that babies are more likely to get Hepatitis C if their mums are infected in the third trimester.

HIV

Pregnant women with HIV do not always pass on the infection to their babies. You may be advised to have a Caesarean section to avoid blood contact during childbirth. Mothers with HIV must not breastfeed as this increases the chance of transmission.

Hyperthermia or Overheating

A temperature higher than 39C for a prolonged period can be damaging to the developing baby, particularly in the first three months. When exercising, be careful not to become overheated. Your baby’s temperature is always slightly higher than your own though it is unable to sweat.

Listeriosis

The bacterium listeria monocytogenes causes the illness listeriosis, considered serious as it can be transferred to the foetus and at worst can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Sometimes listeriosis has no symptoms though often it manifests as flu-like with symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea or more serious symptoms such as meningitis or blood poisoning.

Listeria grows in the fridge. Do not eat foods that have been stored in the fridge for more than 12 hours. In other words, avoid left-overs and eat only freshly cooked or prepared food. Do not eat food that is past its use-by date. If you are in doubt, throw it out.

Avoid high risk foods including:

• Pate
• Smoked seafood
• Soft or gourmet cheeses such as ricotta, Camembert, cottage, blue vein, Danish blue, Stilton
• Unpasteurised cheeses
• Soft serve icecream
• Cold cooked chicken
• Cold meats
• Store bought salads
• Salads prepared more than 12 hours ago
• Raw seafood including sashimi, sushi and oysters

Rubella

Also called German measles, rubella can cause abnormalities in babies, particularly in the first trimester. It has been known to cause blindness and deafness. It is advisable to check with your doctor that you have been vaccinated. If you are given a shot, you must then wait two months before conceiving.

Salmonella

Salmonella can cause food poisoning and gastroenteritis. Infection can be traced to meat, eggs, chicken and fish. The major symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea, shivering and fever. If the infection progresses to the bloodstream, antibiotics are prescribed. Otherwise a fluid-only diet is prescribed.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted disease, syphilis can cross the placenta and cause premature birth or stillbirth. It is less common these days and can be detected and safely treated in early pregnancy. If a baby is infected during birth, the baby can then be cured with drugs.

Toxoplasmosis

Humans can contract this parasitic disease by eating uncooked or under-cooked meats, unpasteurised goat, cow and sheep products, or by coming into contact with the faeces of dogs and cats or kittens. If it crosses the placenta during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it can cause blindness in the baby. Few people show symptoms though sometimes a rash, fever, enlarged lymph nodes and glands may be evident.

High Risk Factors

Most women have normal, healthy pregnancies. Regular prenatal checks can detect problems early and prevent or minimise major complications developing. There are certain factors that constitute a risk to you and/or your baby. Some of these you can do something about and other are beyond your control and require close monitoring.

General risks that may affect your pregnancy:

• Alcohol abuse
• Smoking
• You are very thin
• You are very large
• You are malnourished
• You take recreational drugs
• You have a medical condition requiring management and medical drugs

Your pregnancy is likely to be considered high-risk if, during a previous pregnancy, you have had any of the following complications:

• Difficulties conceiving or assisted conception
• Repeated miscarriage in first trimester
• Miscarriage/premature birth in second trimester
• Severe vomiting in early pregnancy
• Stillbirth
• Previous thrombosis
• A previous baby with an abnormality
• Two or more caesarean sections
• Severe bleeding at any stage during pregnancy
• Rhesus disease
• Postnatal depression

Medical conditions where pregnancy may be closely monitored include:

• Asthma
• Liver problems
• Thyroid disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Mental illness
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease (especially valve replacement)
• Epilepsy
• Kidney disease
• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis
• Active herpes
• Paraplegia
• Cerebral palsy
• Aids/HIV positive

You may need to alter your medication during pregnancy. Discuss this with your doctor before you conceive.

You may be referred for Genetic Counselling where you will be given advice on the probability of recurrent hereditary abnormalities or diseases.

Risks that may require extra care in delivery include:

• Very small baby (weighing less than 2.5kg)
• Very large baby (weighing more than 4kg)
• Twins or multiple birth
• Breech baby
• A previous caesarean delivery
• Previous problems in delivery
• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• Diabetes
• HIV infection
• An active case of genital herpes

Recommendations

• If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you may be advised to:
• Alter your medication accordingly under the supervison of your doctor or health professiona
• Have closer monitoring with more antenatal check-ups and ultrasound scans
• Abstain from sexual intercourse, orgasm or the use of vibrators as these may trigger premature labour
• Steer clear of stimulants including coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs
• Do gentle exercise only. High contact sports are not advisable. Walking or supervised antenatal aqua classes or yoga are more preferable
• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink 2-3 litres of water daily
• Examine your work environment to ensure there are no hazards
• Avoid strenuous work or take maternity leave earlier than expected
• Avoid travelling distances
• Keep stress levels low
• Avoid carrying heavy objects

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when there are high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The body's need for insulin, the hormone that controls the level of sugar in the blood, increases and sometimes there is not the reserve to make the extra required to balance the levels. This is when diabetes develops.

Symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health professional. For many women the first they know of gestational diabetes is sugar in the urine, detected via a routine urine test.

Your baby's health

Undetected, gestational diabetes can affect your baby's health by causing low blood sugar level, a larger than average size, higher risk of abnormalities and, at worst, stillbirth.

Your health

Your health can be affected by high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. You could also experience fainting due to low blood sugar levels.

It is important to attend all your antenatal check-ups. Should you be diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, adjustments in diet and exercise will be advised and, if necessary, insulin injections may be given. You may be advised to have more scans to closely monitor your baby's development.

If your condition has been controlled during pregnancy, it should not affect labour. And if there are doubts about you or your baby's welfare, you may be induced at 38 weeks.

If your baby is considered large, you may be advised to have a caesarean birth.

After the birth, your baby's blood sugar levels will be checked by a heel prick test. You will also be encouraged to feed your baby immediately if blood sugar levels are low.

Your own blood sugar levels should return to normal and you will be tested at six weeks you. You are likely to develop diabetes again and may suffer from it later in life, so it is important you are tested regularly.

You are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

• are over 35
• have a family history of diabetes
• are overweight
• have previously had a very large baby
• have had a previous unexplained stillbirth
• are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander or Chinese

Read Sarah's story.

Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition caused in most cases by a presence of an extra chromosome. Dr John Langdon Down first described the condition in 1866 and in 1959, Professor Lejeune proved the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Whereas the usual number of chromosomes is 46, a person with Down’s has 47, causing disruption to growth and development. The extra gene can come from either the father or mother. It is thought the genetic accident occurs during the initial cell division following conception.
For reasons still being researched, the chance of a woman having a child with Down’s increases with age, particularly after 35. One thought is linked with the declining quality of the eggs with age. It appears the age of the father is a less significant factor. Smoking has been linked to Down’s Syndrome.

People with Down’s Syndrome share distinctive family characteristics and also have distinguishing features common to Down’s. These may be:

• delayed mental and social skills
• learning disabilities
• an average mental age achieved of 8 years
• eyes slanting upwards and outwards (known as the Mongoloid slant)
• a flat-shaped head at the back
• loose skin at the nape of neck
• a vertical fold of skin between the two lids at the inner corner of the eye called the epicanthic fold.
• a smaller mouth cavity
• a larger tongue often slightly protruding
• a face appearing slightly flatter
• a flat nasal bridge
• broad hands with short fingers and a little finger curving inwards
• the space between the first and second toe extended
• decreased muscle tone at birth
• below average birthweight

Down’s Syndrome babies often suffer the following:

• congenital heart defects
• early mortality as a result of heart abnormalities
• gastrointestinal abnormalities
• obstruction of the duodenum in the small intestine
• a higher than average incidence of acute lymphocytic leukaemia
• potential for visual problems
• frequent ear infections or hearing loss, and
• an increased susceptibility to infection
• A Down’s baby often requires surgery directly following birth.

here is no specific treatment for Down’s Syndrome. It is thought that parents of Down’s babies are at increased risk of parenting a subsequent baby with Down’s.

Antenatal Tests

Down’s Syndrome can be detected early in pregnancy. A Triple Test can be carried out at 14-20 weeks. Because the results are inconclusive, you would be offered amniocentesis or cordocentesis . Alternatively, a Nuchal ultrasound scan tests the baby’s neck development for signs of Down’s Syndrome. Again it does not provide a definitive answer but it can show at a very early stage if there is a chance your baby has Down’s. If it shows a high risk, you will be offered amniocentesis or CVS.

Amniocentesis can be carried out from 14-26 weeks and involves passing a fine, hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the womb to collect a sample of amniotic fluid. The results can take three weeks but are considered accurate. Cordocentesis can be carried out from 18-24 weeks. The doctor inserts a needle through your womb and into one of the blood vessels in the baby’s umbilical cord. A tiny sample of blood is taken and analysed.

Check out our Antenatal Testing section for information on ultrasound scans and invasive tests