Advantages and limitations of currently available methods of prenatal diagnostics

Introduction/Aim. Pregnancy is one of the most important and enjoyable but often one of the most stressful periods in a woman's life. The most common fears that occur in this period of life are related to the health of the baby, the course of pregnancy, and childbirth. In order to get more information about the health status of a baby, there are a lot of prenatal diagnostic procedures which can be recommended to the pregnant women. Different studies have shown that in some healthcare systems health-care providers have gaps in knowledge in some areas of prenatal diagnostics and testing, primarily due to the constant advancement of prenatal diagnostic technology, introduction of new tests, and improvement of availability, specificity and sensitivity of the already existing prenatal tests. The aim of this paper was to systemize the current knowledge and provide medical professionals with new and detailed insight into the currently available methods of prenatal diagnostics, their informativeness, application, indications, contraindications, and possible complications in order to improve the current medical practice. Methods. Internet search engines were used to find and select relevant literature data. Conclusion. Constant monitoring of technology advancement, continuous education of health-care providers and publishing of new findings about currently available methods of prenatal diagnostics, represent necessary preconditions for improving the current medical practice and health of the patients.