Maternal Screening: Abnormalities- State Hygienic Lab

Maternal Screening: Abnormalities

Abdominal Wall Defects	Omphalocele is a defect in which the intestines of the fetus develop outside the body. Gastroschisis is a defect in which the intestines and occasionally other organs protrude through the defect, usually on the right side of the fetal abdomen.
Chromosomal Abnormalities	Down syndrome is caused by an additional chromosome 21. This extra chromosome always causes mental retardation and frequently causes heart defects and other abnormalities. Trisomy 18 is caused by an additional chromosome 18. These trisomic fetuses abort spontaneously in approximately 95% of occurances.
Neural Tube Defects	Anencephaly: This disorder occurs when most of the head, brain, and possibly the spinal cord do not develop normally. Encephalocele: This disorder results in a hole in the skull through which brain tissue protrudes. Spina bifida: This disorder, also known as cleft or open spine, is a defect of the spinal column.There are three types of spina bifida: Spina bifida occulta , Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele.