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Years ago, doctors only had pedigrees and Punnett squares to help predict the inheritance pattern of genetic disorders. Today, thanks to modern technology, doctors use tools such as amniocentesis and karyotypes to help detect genetic disorders. During amniocentesis, doctors use a long needle to remove a small amount of fluid that is surrounding the developing fetus, or baby. The fluid contains cells from the baby that can be examined and used to create a karyotype. A karyotype is a picture or arrangement of the baby's chromosomes and can reveal whether the baby is developing the correct number of chromosomes.

Posted by Ms. Larkin