AN unborn baby's genetic code could in future be mapped in the womb using DNA taken from its parents after the success of new research.

This could make it possible to scan for 3500 genetic disorders before birth, without physically disturbing either foetus or mother.

Lead scientist Dr Jay Shendure, from the University of Washington in Seattle, said: "It opens up the possibility we will be able to scan the whole genetic code of the foetus for single-gene disorders through one test."