As we approach the 3rd Annual Scotland Maternity & Midwifery Festival we focus on one of the exhibitors waiting to meet you in Edinburgh, Natera – a worldwide genetic testing and diagnostics company that’s changing how doctors and patients manage genetic disease.
Twins are becoming more common with the increase in older mothers. The market-leading NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), Panorama™, now provides more comprehensive screening specifically for multiples.
From the moment we see the blue line appear on the pregnancy test we cradle our stomachs, eat well, follow our doctor’s advice and alter our activities in order to protect and nourish our bump.
We know how to prepare for the best possible outcome – based on the things we are aware of – but how do we protect and provide for the things that are more unpredictable… including the presence of not one but two babies?
Thankfully, technology today means you will never be surprised in the delivery room when the second baby arrives. Natera works to create tests for both single and multiple pregnancies which deliver essential genetic information about your baby – or babies – early in your pregnancy. Their simple non-invasive blood test, Panorama, can screen for a range of genetic abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome, as well as determine gender as early as 9 weeks, providing you and your delivery team with the opportunity to plan for your baby’s future good health.
In London, the Panorama test is available at selected locations including The Birth Company and The Portland Hospital. Both clinics have used the test for a number of years and find it to be very useful. As Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at The Birth Company, Dr Donald Gibb says, “Panorama has been a preferred NIPT for four years and we have done thousands to date. Natera’s technology goes from strength to strength. It provides screening for Di GeorgeSyndrome, which is the commonest observation after Down’s Syndrome. Much can be done to improve the outcome for children with this condition [after birth].”
Dean Meredith, Sonographer and Ultrasound Manager at The Portland Hospital, concurs, “The Panorama prenatal test is reliable, noninvasive and accurate. Being able to do this early in the pregnancy gives our patients much-needed reassurance or time to make difficult decisions about their pregnancy.”
The benefit of knowing if a child is going to be born with medical complications can allow for advance preparation. A patient who planned to give birth at home might choose a hospital instead. A pre-birth diagnosis can also allow for early medical intervention, possibly even in utero or immediately following birth, resulting in more effective, targeted care.
Expert knowledge can help alleviate any issues, ease concerns and help you feel more confident about caring for your baby. Prenatal testing allows you to know more
about your baby – or babies – before they are born.
Genetic information acquired during pregnancy rather than at birth lets parents gain further knowledge and make plans accordingly. No one likes a surprise; with a simple, early test, expectant parents can best prepare for their exciting new arrival. And, if you are having twins, it allows you to be doubly organised!
CONTACT INFO
In Scotland, Panorama is currently available in Perth, Dundee, St Andrews Clinics with more coming in 2020.
Contact Tay Medispa
Tel: 01738 451 567
Website: www.taymedispa.co.uk
For more information about where Panorama is available nationally please contact Johan Estellon at [email protected].