Genetics and Pregnancy Topics

Prenatal Testing

Prenatal Testing Services: Kaiser Northern California Genetics website with detailed information regarding prenatal testing options including amniocentesis, CVS, Integrated screening and Quad screening.
Amniocentesis and CVS Information

California Prenatal Screening Program

California has a Prenatal Screening Program that identifies women who are more likely to be carrying a fetus with certain birth defects. The screening tests included in the California program estimate the change for Down Syndrome, trisomy 18, open neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, and Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome. Screening is offered to all pregnant women in California but the decision about whether or not to have a screening test is up to you.

For additional information on the program, please visit the Regional Genetics website or the California Department of Public Health website.

Ethnicity-Based Genetic Screening

Genetic Screening Program Overview of Kaiser Permanente’s prenatal ethnicity-based genetic screening program. Includes detailed information regarding hemoglobin diseases (sickle cell disease, thalassemia), cystic fibrosis, Canavan disease, Tay Sachs disease, and familial dysautonomia.

Other Useful Prenatal Links

MotherToBaby, a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, is dedicated to providing evidence-based information to mothers, health care professionals, and the general public about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk directly to the experts behind the most up-to-date research!