Prenatal diagnosis

Once pregnancy has occurred, and following initial control to confirm correct location of gestation and the number of embryos, the patient is referred to her personal obstetrician/gynecologist, since pregnancy monitorization is not habitually conducted in our center – except upon express request from the patient.
Although there is no comparatively greater risk of congenital anomalies in children conceived through assisted reproduction techniques, we strongly advise all women over 34 years of age to seek genetic counseling.
The anomalies affecting fetal morphology can be diagnosed (in a high percentage of cases) by means of high-resolution ultrasound exploration that allows the identification of developmental defects of the head (hydrocephalus, anencephaly, hare lip, etc.), limbs, spinal column (spina bifida), and so on.

Chromosomal defects (Down syndrome / mongolism, Turner syndrome, etc.) can be diagnosed in practically one hundred percent of cases through amniocentesis. This technique involves the collection of an amniotic fluid sample (the liquid in which the fetus is bathed within the uterus) via puncture at around week 14 of pregnancy, with an analysis of the chromosomes present in the fetal cells.

Our center has specialized personnel for performing both techniques. Each couple is duly informed of the risks and benefits of these techniques.