Chorionic villus sampling
For parents who have previously had a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and are concerned that their next child might also have the condition, antenatal screening can be carried out between the tenth and twelfth week of pregnancy.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure that tests for serious foetal problems, including SMA.
Screening tests
As it is possible for a person to be a carrier of SMA and to pass the condition on to their children, screening tests for the defective genes are available.
These can be particularly useful if it is already known that one person of a couple carries the gene, and the couple would like to know if the other partner is affected.
Genetic counselling may be required if the screening tests indicate that the defective gene is present.
