Intrauterine growth restriction, preterm
labour and an increased risk of infection from
invasive procedures during pregnancy can
potentially harm growth and development of
the fetus, causing spontaneous abortion or early
labour (Hanprasertpong et al, 2013). Diagnostic
technology—for example, amniocentesis and
chorionic villus sampling—should be replaced by
a single maternal blood sample, reducing the risk
of infection to the fetus (Rund, 2016).