title: Prenatal testing for birth defects and nursing practice.
abstract: Recent advances in the prenatal diagnosis of birth defects including amniocentesis, ultrasound and fetoscopy are discussed. Indications, technical considerations and limitations are presented. Parental reactions to the stresses encountered during the process of prenatal diagnosis are related. Implications are identified for nursing care practice in different clinical settings including prenatal diagnostic units, paediatric services, obstetrical services and in the community.
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000175:diagnosis; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis