Prenatal tests: Quick guidebook to common tests

Prenatal screening tests can present information and facts about your baby’s wellbeing just before he or she is born. Take into consideration the timing and what prenatal tests can expose.

By Mayo Clinic Staff members

Prenatal tests is supplied in all pregnancies. Here’s an overview of common prenatal screening tests:

What it is When it is really finished What the final results could inform you Comply with-up
Mobile-no cost DNA (cfDNA) screening
Blood test As early as week 10 Risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy eighteen and trisomy thirteen and fetal sexual intercourse Possible invasive tests, these kinds of as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis
1st trimester screening
Blood test and ultrasound 11-14 months Risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and trisomy eighteen Possible invasive tests, these kinds of as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis mobile-no cost DNA screening may also be thought of
Quad display screen
Blood test 15-22 months Risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy eighteen and open neural tube problems, these kinds of as spina bifida Possible targeted ultrasound, or invasive tests these kinds of as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis mobile-no cost DNA screening may also be thought of

Some wellbeing care vendors pick out to merge the final results of to start with trimester screening with the quad display screen — even though you will never learn the remaining final results of this sequential tests right until equally tests are completed and analyzed.

In addition, fetal ultrasound normally plays an essential function in prenatal care and screening. Early in pregnancy, ultrasound can be utilized to validate and date a pregnancy. Afterwards, ultrasound can be utilized to detect specified delivery problems and fetal anomalies, which include neural tube problems.

Blood tests and ultrasounds pose minimal hazards for you and your baby. If the final results of a blood test or ultrasound are constructive or worrisome, your wellbeing care company could propose a far more invasive diagnostic test — these kinds of as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. These tests can be utilized to diagnose ailments, but they have a slight threat of pregnancy reduction.

If you are worried about prenatal tests or speculate no matter if you have to have precise screening or diagnostic tests, focus on the hazards and benefits with your wellbeing care company.