Research Paper for Master of Midwifery Details to follow Essay

Research Paper for Master of Midwifery Details to follow - Essay Example to these are the development of rapid diagnostic tools in molecular biology like the polymerase chain reaction, microarray technology and DNA sequencing facilities (Berg et al, 2002; Mathews andVan Holde, 1996). In obstetrics, many antenatal tests are offered at different gestational periods (British Columbia Reproductive Care Program, 2003). Options for genetic testing are given to the mother once she presents as pregnant following the guidelines set by the country’s National Health Service (Department of Health, 2007). Issues that surround antenatal genetic screening are those that pertain to the safety of the fetus and the mother due to the sampling procedures, the implications for the termination of the pregnancy if the tests come out with a prediction or detection of serious genetic illness, the provision for an informed choice to the mother and/or father, and the roles that the medical practitioner play during the antenatal period (Rothenberg and Thomson, 1994; Kent, 2005). The aim of this paper is to present basic antenatal screening procedures, the difficulties and genetic counseling associated with the decision-making process towards pregnancy termination, the roles that health care personnel play during this period, and antenatal care of the mother who decides on the fate of her unborn child. Each person is different from all others because of his distinct DNA. This DNA codes for his genes, and these genes are translated to the proteins or enzymes that are involved in basic metabolic processes of life (Mathews and Van Holde, 1996; Alberts et al,2002). When there is a defect in the genetic code, an erroneous protein is produced and the metabolic process where this protein participates in is affected resulting in disease. There are many causes of genetic defects because of the several essential processes leading to the correct translation of the protein code (Kornberg and Baker, 2005). Single errors or mutations in copying a piece of DNA can lead a