Antenatal screening is the possibility of diagnosing fetal malformations during pregnancy.

Antenatal screening is the possibility of diagnosing fetal malformations during pregnancy.

It is indicated in patients whose fetus presents a high risk of malformations.

Amniocentesis involves taking a little amniotic fluid from the baby (no general anesthesia). The liquid collected is then quickly sent to a laboratory specialized in cytogenetics.

The common pathologies sought in the fetus are :

- Homozygous sickle cell disease (SS)

- Chromosomal abnormalities (Trisomy 21 or Mongolism) and other trisomies.

The people for whom this technique is necessary :

- AS/AS couples (heterozygous sickle cell anemia)

- Women aged 40 and over

- Couples with a history of fetal malformations.