Laboratory & Diagnostic Support
Genetics Clarity: Diagnostic & Consultative Support
Dr. Maheshwari understands that a "high-risk" designation can feel overwhelming. Her goal is to provide you with the most advanced genomic insights and personalized support to navigate your pregnancy journey with confidence.
What Defines a "High-Risk" Pregnancy?
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk if there are factors that increase the chance of a genetic condition or medical complication. Common reasons for a referral to our genetic services include:
- Advanced Maternal Age: Expectant mothers who will be 35 or older at the time of delivery
- Abnormal Screening Results: A "high risk" or "positive" result from a routine NIPS/NIPT or serum screening.
- Ultrasound Findings: Detection of soft markers or structural variations during a routine scan
- Family History: A personal or family history of genetic disorders, birth defects, or hereditary conditions.
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A history of multiple miscarriages or a previous stillbirth.
- Consanguinity: Couples who are blood relatives (common in specific regions) may have a higher risk for certain recessive conditions
Dr. Maheshwari aims to translate complex genetic data into clear, actionable information, providing early insights and supportive counseling to empower patients throughout their reproductive journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "High-Risk" mean my baby will have a problem?
Not at all. Most "high-risk" pregnancies result in the birth of a healthy baby. The term simply means you deserve extra monitoring and more precise information.
Is diagnostic testing safe?
While procedures like Amniocentesis carry a very small risk (approx. 0.1% to 0.3%), we discuss the benefits and risks in detail so you can make the best choice for your family.
Can we test for specific conditions common in our family?
Yes. We offer targeted carrier screening and single-gene testing for specific hereditary conditions.
Diagnostic Confirmation:
For definitive answers, we offer specialized procedures performed under expert guidance:
- CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling): Performed between weeks 10–13.
- Amniocentesis: Performed after week 15.
- Microarray & Whole Exome Sequencing: Advanced analysis used to identify rare genetic variations that traditional tests might miss.