PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 1 Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Overview

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6010 Human Prenatal Development

Prof. Name

Date

Overview

Ensuring the well-being of a developing fetus is of utmost importance during pregnancy, necessitating the evaluation of genetic and chromosomal factors. Various tests, both invasive and noninvasive, are available for prenatal screening (Gross, 2019). Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has surged in popularity since 2011 due to its capacity to assess genetic abnormalities without posing risks to the fetus (Montgomery & Thayer, 2020). While NIPT does not provide a definitive diagnosis, it identifies elevated risks (Montgomery & Thayer, 2020).

Understanding NIPT

NIPT involves the analysis of cell-free DNA present in the bloodstream of pregnant women, carrying minimal risk comparable to a routine blood draw (Montgomery & Thayer, 2020). It is highly accurate in detecting common abnormalities such as trisomy 21, 18, and 13 (Samura, 2020). Additionally, NIPT can determine fetal sex and is typically conducted around the tenth week of gestation (Montgomery & Thayer, 2020).

Advantages and Drawbacks

NIPT offers psychological benefits by alleviating stress for expectant parents (Kater-Kuipers et al., 2018). However, there is a possibility of false reassurance due to its imperfect accuracy, leading to false positives or negatives (Samura, 2019). Nonetheless, NIPT provides parents with time to prepare for potential medical needs of the child and enables closer monitoring during pregnancy (Montgomery & Thayer, 2020).

Role of Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling plays a pivotal role in educating expectant parents about the implications of NIPT results (Kater-Kuipers et al., 2021). Counselors assist in navigating complex decisions and offer support, including referrals to advocacy groups (Kater-Kuipers et al., 2021).

Conclusion

NIPT stands as a safe and dependable tool for assessing fetal health, particularly in high-risk pregnancies. However, its utilization requires informed decision-making, which can be facilitated by genetic counseling.

References

Azri, S., Larmar, S., & Cartmel, J. (2014). Social work’s role in prenatal diagnosis and genetic services: Current practice and future potential. Australian Social Work, 67(3), 348–362.

Benoy, M.E., Iruretagoyena, J.I., Birkeland, L.E., & Petty, E.M. (2021). The impact of insurance on equitable access to non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT): private insurance may not pay. Journal of Community Genetics, 12(1), 185-197. doi:10.1007/s12687-020-00498-w

Gross, D. (2019). Infancy: Development from birth to age 3 (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

Kater-Kuipers A., Bakkeren, I. M., Riedijk, S. R., Go Attie, T. J. I., Polak, M. G., Galjaard, R. H., . . . Bunnik, E. M. (2021). Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): Societal pressure or freedom of choice? A vignette study of Dutch citizens’ attitudes. European Journal of Human Genetics : EJHG, 29(1), 2-10. Doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41431-020-0686-9

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 1 Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Overview

Kater-Kuipers, A., Bunnik, E. M., de Beaufort, I. D., & Galjaard, R. (2018). Limits to the scope of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): an analysis of the international ethical framework for prenatal screening and an interview study with Dutch professionals. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 409. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-2050-4

Labonté, V., Alsaid, D., Lang, B., & Meerpohl, J. J. (2019). Psychological and social consequences of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 385. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2518-x

Montgomery, S., & Thayer, Z. M. (2020). The influence of experiential knowledge and societal perceptions on decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20, 1-14. Doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03203-4