Genetic Testing During Pregancy Dr. Julia Cormano explains the difference between screening and diagnostic testing, what can be learned from a blood test, and what to expect from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. More videos from the Motherhood Channel: uctv.tv/motherhood/ | University of California Television (UCTV)

Why is Genetic Testing Important During Pregnancy? Genetic testing is a topic that often causes confusion during pregnancy. Let’s break it down and understand its importance. What Are Chromosomes? • Chromosomes are tiny, thread-like structures that carry DNA or genes—the building blocks of life. • A healthy baby requires 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father, making a total of 46 chromosomes. What Can Go Wrong? • During the formation of the egg or sperm, sometimes chr