A chromosomal abnormality results when the cell divides incorrectly. When this happens during cell division, the resulting embryo can develop a number of different medical diseases depending on which genes are affected.

It is also possible for a chromosomal abnormality to form after exposure to certain chemicals such as radioactive material. http://www.utmb.edu/whc/healthcare/infertility/PGD-Fact.pdf

Even when a chromosome abnormality occurs, it can vary in severity among the people diagnosed with it. Like most diseases, the severity of the medical condition produced by the abnormality can also vary, but people with the condition will have certain common characteristics. http://genetics.emory.edu/docs/factsheet41.pdf

One of the reasons a woman cannot get pregnant, might be to chromosomal abnormalities. Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a type of chromosomal abnormality screening that tests each embryo and implants a healthy embryo using in-vitro fertilization.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oD0f8Oo5zU

Make an appointment with a fertility doctor to discuss if preimplantation genetic screening might be right. Make an appointment to discuss any concerns and the PGS procedure with a doctor.

During this time your doctor will review your medical and family history, especially any history of family chromosomal abnormalities. A doctor may advise the woman to take a blood or ultrasound test. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/T010100.asp#T010108

Another test to screen for chromosomal abnormalities is a blood test. Using this test, a physician is able to request a laboratory to take a sample of the mother’s blood. This test will look at any abnormalities is contained within the serum of the blood.

Therefore, the blood test is used to determine if the parents have a high potential of passing on a genetic condition to the child. Certain medical conditions such as Down Syndrome can be screened in this way. http://www.utmb.edu/whc/healthcare/infertility/PGD-Fact.pdf

The ultrasound test on the mother will be able to screen for chromosomal abnormalities just by viewing the growth and development of the baby. The proper name for this test used in screening is the Fetal Nuchal Transluceny (NT) ultra-sound test.

More specifically, this test is used to view if the baby’s neck has more fluid than usual. If there is more fluid than usual, than this can suggest a chromosomal abnormality. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/T010100.asp#T010108

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.