Blood Test for Pregnancy and Fetal Health Complications
December 20, 2016 | Terry Sharrer
During pregnancy, a protein derived from the DLK1 gene on Chromosome 14 rises in the mother’s blood, though it derives from the fetus. British researchers knew that this transmembrane protein functioned in developing adipocytes, and that low levels indicated the breakdown of fat (ketosis) and a buildup of acid in the blood of both mother and baby. For these reasons they believe that testing for the DLK1 protein could be predictive for pregnancy complications and poor fetal development. MORE
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