ADVANCES IN NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING: IMPLICATIONS FOR OBSTETRIC CARE AND FETAL HEALTH

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has emerged as a transformative tool in modern obstetric care, offering a highly accurate and safe method for early detection of fetal genetic anomalies. This article examines the evolution of NIPT, highlighting its clinical applications, benefits, and limitations. The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) analysis has significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy, reducing the need for invasive procedures like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). While NIPT is primarily used to detect chromosomal disorders such as trisomy 21, 18, and 13, its potential applications extend to broader genetic screening and prenatal disease management. Ethical considerations, accessibility, and the economic impact of implementing NIPT in diverse healthcare systems are also explored. These advances underscore the pivotal role of NIPT in improving maternal and fetal outcomes, paving the way for personalized obstetric care.