Lexington Womens Health

Genetic Testing

Genetic TestingA screening test can be done to identify people at high risk for Downs Syndrome, cystic fibrosis, open neural tube defects, and other chromosomal problems. 

Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome #21.  This extra chromosome causes mental and physical abnormalities.  About 1 in 800 babies is born with Down syndrome.  The risk of having a baby increases with age, but can occur at any time and without a family history of genetic problems.

Cystic fibrosis causes lung and digestion problems, which can lead to a shorter life span.  Approximately 1 in 20 Caucasians carry the gene that causes cystic fibrosis.

Trisomy 18 is caused by an extra chromosome, and causes sever mental and physical problems.  Only 1 out of 10 babies will live for a year.

Open neural tube defects can lead to paralysis and other mental problems.  These occur in 1 out of 1000 live births, but are prevented by taking Folate, a B vitamin, BEFORE the pregnancy.  This defect is not age related.

Not all diseases or birth defects are detected by this test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lexington Women’s Health is comprised of four board certified obstetrician-gynecologists supported by an experienced and well trained team of medical professionals. Emily Cunningham, M.D., Jennifer Fuson M.D. FACOG, Joanne O’Nan M.D., Leah Mitchell M.D., Melissa Courtney ARNP., Kethryn Allen, PAC, Laure Schadler C.N.M., and Crystal Brown, ARNP make up the medical staff of Lexington Women’s Health located at 1720 Nicholasville Rd., Suite 702 Lexington Kentucky. If you are looking for an obstetrician or gynecologists in the Lexington Kentucky area contact Lexington Women’s Health to schedule an appointment with either Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Fuson, Dr O’Nan or Dr. Mitchell today.