Monday, February 19, 2007
Blog #6: Prenatal Testing
I believe that prenatal testing should be available and required for all women who are pregnant. The benefits of prenatal testing are astounding. Simple sonograms can detect problems that the fetus may have early on, so that the child will be able to have a chance to fix the problem. Doctor visits can screen soon-to-be mothers for conditions that will effect the baby and the mother. For example, if it is found that the mother has gestational diabetes, the doctor may be able to prevent the condition from worsening. From a monetary standpoint, most of the time it is less expensive to treat a problem in the early stages than waiting until the child is born. There would be more expensive treatments to cure the ailment when the child is born. On the other hand, early detection helps prepare the parents if there is actually developmental issues with the child. Prenatal testing should be available to all pregnant women to protect their unborn children. Hospitals still have the responsibility to take care of sick babies when they are born. Testing will help keep babies healthy and cost down.
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6 comments:
Hmm... I can see your point about making it mandatory for the protection of the children. I am someone who would not want the testing to be required. I am all for having a healthy pregnancy, don't get me wrong. I will be more than happy to have an ultrasound, to get tested for gestational diabetes, the Group B beta hemolytic strep, and any STD that may cause problems to my child while in utero or in transit to the outside world. However, I do not want genetic testing performed--no amniocentesis or anything invasive like that. Maybe it seems like I am sticking my head in the sand, but I am a worrier. I know myself, and I know that nothing can be done about genetic abnormalities other than not allowing that child to live its life. Also, with some of the invasive testing, you run the risk of introducing infection into the sterile amniotic sac putting the child at risk. Other than infection, the child could be harmed by the needle if they are not careful, or it can stimulate premature labor. I would want the tests available, but I would not want them forced upon me.
I agree, it's always cheaper and better to prevent the diseases than wait until they've progressed after the baby is born. I don't think any testing should be required, because it's the woman's body and her choice. But I do think it should be a big priority to make ALL testing availabile to all women.
I totally agree with you that it is best to treat health issues at an early stage than wait until the problem has advanced. This saves life, money and is satisfying to know that your pregnancy is a healthy one. Long term problems could easily ruin a child’s life and cause a decline in abilities and overall life.
I totally agree with you that it is best to treat health issues at an early stage than wait until the problem has advanced. This saves life, money and is satisfying to know that your pregnancy is a healthy one. Long term problems could easily ruin a child’s life and cause a decline in abilities and overall life.
I totally agree with you that it is best to treat health issues at an early stage than wait until the problem has advanced. This saves life, money and is satisfying to know that your pregnancy is a healthy one. Long term problems could easily ruin a child’s life and cause a decline in abilities and overall life.
I completely agree with you. I am a big advocate for preventive medicine because like you said, it's less expensive and easier to get a handle on when a condition is caught in the early stages. I think prenatal testing offers a great way to catch things early so that you can correct it in order to deliver a healthy baby and to educate the parents ahead of time in a case where a condition might be unable to be corrected.
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