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Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview Most people have healthy pregnancies, and their babies are born without trouble. But people with high-risk pregnancies often need to be closely watched for possible problems. Fortunately, many tests and procedures are available to keep track of

Medical Genetics: Types of Genetic Changes The human body has about 20,000 different genes in each cell. Genes are located on chromosomes, which are stick-shaped structures in the middle of the cell (nucleus). Each cell usually has 46 chromosomes grouped in 23 pairs. Each gene

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) in Children What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome in children? Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a group of defects of the heart and large blood vessels. A child is born with this condition (congenital heart defect). It occurs when

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)? A baby born to a person who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD includes: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This is

When You Have a Multiple Pregnancy How is a multiple pregnancy managed? Your healthcare provider or midwife will talk with you about your care with you based on your pregnancy, overall health, and health history. Care will also be based on the number of fetuses you are carrying

Posterior Urethral Valves in Children What are posterior urethral valves in children? Posterior urethral valves are a problem with the urethra in a boy. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Posterior urethral valves are small

Kyphosis in Children What is kyphosis in children? Kyphosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It’s when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) in the upper back curve outward more than they should. A child with kyphosis has a back that is abnormally rounded or humpback. The

Alcohol and Pregnancy The risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a baby. Everything a pregnant person drinks also goes to the baby. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the baby's developing body

Scars What is a scar? A scar is the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is often made of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons. They may be due to infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue. Scars may

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns What is CMV in newborns? CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a type of herpes virus. It's very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases, CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious