Cystic Fibrosis: Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis | ACOG

Amniocentesis: A procedure in which amniotic fluid and cells are taken from the uterus for testing. The procedure uses a needle to withdraw fluid and cells from the sac that holds the fetus.

Amniotic Fluid: Fluid in the sac that holds the fetus.

Carrier: A person who shows no signs of a disorder but could pass the gene to their children.

Carrier Screening: A test done on a person without signs or symptoms to find out whether he or she carries a gene for a genetic disorder.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A procedure in which a small sample of cells is taken from the placenta and tested.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF): An inherited disorder that causes problems with breathing and digestion.

Diagnostic Test: A test that looks for a disease or cause of a disease.

Embryo: The stage of development that starts at fertilization (joining of an egg and sperm) and lasts up to 8 weeks.

Ethnic-Based Screening: Screening recommended for people who belong to an ethnic group or race that has a high rate of carriers of a specific genetic disorder.

Expanded Carrier Screening: A blood test to screen for a large number of genetic disorders.

Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.

Gene: A segment of DNA that contains instructions for the development of a persons physical traits and control of the processes in the body. The gene is the basic unit of heredity and can be passed from parent to child.

Genetic Counselor: A health care professional with special training in genetics who can provide expert advice about genetic disorders and prenatal testing.

Genetic Disorder: A disorder caused by a change in genes or chromosomes.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A procedure in which an egg is removed from a womans ovary, fertilized in a laboratory with the mans sperm, and then transferred to the womans uterus to achieve a pregnancy.

Mutation: A change in a gene that can be passed from parent to child.

Obstetric Care Provider: A health care professional who cares for a woman during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These professionals include obstetrician gynecologists (ob-gyns), certified nursemidwives (CNMs), maternalfetal medicine specialists (MFMs), and family practice doctors with experience in maternal care.

ObstetricianGynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in womens health.

Placenta: An organ that provides nutrients to and takes waste away from the fetus.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing: A type of genetic testing that can be done during in vitro fertilization. Tests are done on the fertilized egg before it is transferred to the uterus.

Sperm: A cell made in the male testicles that can fertilize a female egg.

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Cystic Fibrosis: Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis | ACOG