Prenatal diagnostic tests, conducted during pregnancy, may
determine whether the baby has a particular problem. If you are
concerned that your child may have a serious disorder, ask your
doctor if tests can be conducted. It is important to remember
that prenatal tests do not guarantee a perfect baby. They can
only test for specific problems. Most prenatal tests are only
recommended if you fall into a high-risk category. That is, if
you are over 35 years old, or you have a family history of
genetic disorders. Besides revealing the baby's age and whether
or not you are carrying twins, ultrasound can also detect some
physical abnormalities. The doctor rubs a jelly-like substance
onto your abdomen before pressing an instrument like a
microphone against your skin. Sound waves pass into the uterus,
bouncing off the baby. The sound waves are translated by a
computer into a picture on a television screen. The test is
believed to be harmless to you and your baby. This test must be
done in the 10th to 12th week after t