Stupid Question: Re: Genetic Blood Tests`

[pacificrules]

As a second time mom, I feel like I should know this but can't make it make sense to me. How to the genetic tests work that are based off the mother's blood. I am scheduled for a blood draw next week for the Verifi test, but also believe that Harmony and Maternit21 are the same test type. How does mother's blood have the baby genetics/gender??

[pacificrules]

Dec 27, 2013 20:18:19 GMT -5 namasteak said:

There are small amounts of fetal DNA in mama's blood.

How is that??

[winemaker06]

You never really share a bloodstream with the baby, just nutrients that cross the placenta.
But fetal DNA cells show up in the mom's blood very early on. Possibly to make sure mom's body doesn't reject the baby.
The sequenom and other testing websites have good information if you want all the details but it's really technical.

[speckledfrog]

I'm not sure of the details, but I believe they cross through the placenta and enter the mother's bloodstream.