Because your immune system becomes suppressed when you are pregnant, there is a good chance that you will feel a bit under the weather at some point during those nine months. But how can you be sure if it is safe to take medication? While some over-the-counter medications are safe for pregnant women to take, others are either unsafe, or their effects on a developing fetus are unknown.

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What is an amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis (amnio) is a diagnostic prenatal test used to detect chromosome disorders in a pregnancy, such as Down syndrome. It can also be used to test for other specific genetic disorders and open neural tube defects. Pregnant mothers aged 35 and over are offered amnio, due to their increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. An obstetrician or midwife may also suggest having the test if you have a family member with an identified genetic disease or if your screening tests or ultrasound results indicate that your pregnancy is at an increased risk for a chromosomal or other genetic disorder. Some pregnant women who don’t meet the general criteria choose to have an amnio.

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Introduction

Though there are no genetic disorders that exclusively afflict one ethnic or racial group, some diseases are more prevalent in certain groups. For example, there are some disorders that are more common in individuals who are Ashkenazi Jewish (with roots in Eastern and Central Europe).

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