Why do I need a karyotype test?If you are pregnant, you may want to get a karyotype test for your unborn baby if you have certain risk factors. These include:Your age. The overall risk of genetic birth defects is small, but the risk is higher for women who have babies at age 35 or older.Family history. Your risk is increased if you, your partner, and/or another one of your children has a genetic disorder.Your baby or young child may need a test if he or she has signs of a genetic disorder. There are many types of genetic disorders, each with different symptoms. You and your health care provider can talk about whether testing is recommended.If you are a woman, you may need a karyotype test if you've had trouble getting pregnant or have had several miscarriages. While one miscarriage is not uncommon, if you have had several, it may be due to a chromosomal problem.You may also need a karyotype test if you have symptoms of or have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, or a certain type of anemia. These disorders can cause chromosomal changes. Finding these changes can help your provider diagnose, monitor, and/or treat the disease.
