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You're Home! » What Prenatal Testing Options Are Available?

What Prenatal Testing Options Are Available?

May 30, 2017

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*Contributed post by Jenna Smith

Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will closely monitor the growth and development of your child. In order to do this, he or she will conduct routine screenings and may offer diagnostic tests. Prenatal screening is meant to give your doctor an indication as to what might be a concern for your baby’s health. What Prenatal Testing Options Are Available?

Noninvasive Prenatal Genetic Testing

During pregnancy, DNA associated with the fetus circulates throughout the mother’s body. Using a blood sample from the mother, scientists can analyze this DNA to assess the risk that the fetus may have a chromosomal abnormality. This screening method is referred to as noninvasive prenatal genetic testing. Noninvasive prenatal testing can be done as early as week 10 in your pregnancy. Prenatal diagnostic tests, which are offered if a screening shows a risk is present, will give definitive answers.

 

First Trimester Screening Test

A first-trimester screen is the first screening offered to pregnant women. This screening consists of a two-part test. One part involves collecting a sample of blood from the mother in order to look at two substances: the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and the protein pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). The level of each substance could indicate a risk of a chromosomal abnormality.

The other part of a first-trimester screening involves ultrasound imaging. During the ultrasound, the doctor measures the amount of fluid located in a certain region behind the baby’s neck, referred to as the nuchal translucency. The amount of this fluid may indicate a high risk of a chromosomal abnormality. The first-trimester screening test is typically performed between gestation weeks 11 and 13.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

If your doctor believes that your developing baby has a high risk of having a chromosomal or genetic disorder due to the results of screening tests, you will be offered the option of diagnostic testing.

One diagnostic testing option is Chorionic villus sampling or CVS. During this procedure, your doctor guides a needle through your abdomen or cervix using an ultrasound image for guidance. A sample of the placenta is collected and analyzed in order to identify any possible chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders. If you choose to get CVS, this procedure is usually performed between gestation weeks 10 and 13.

Triple/Quad Screening Test

Further along in your pregnancy, your doctor may want to monitor levels of specific hormones and proteins in your blood. Using a blood sample from the mother, a triple screening measures
the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estriol. In a quad screening, all the mentioned substances are measured in addition to Inhibin A. If the levels of one or more of these substances are out of range, this may indicate a high risk of a chromosome abnormality. Triple/quad screening is typically done between gestation weeks 15 and 18.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a diagnostic testing option that analyzes cells found in the amniotic fluid for chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, or neural tube defects. This procedure involves collecting a sample of amniotic fluid by using an ultrasound image to guide a needle through your abdomen into the uterus. If you choose to get an amniocentesis, this procedure is typically done between gestation weeks 16 and 20.

Still, Have Questions About Prenatal Testing?

If you’d like more information regarding prenatal testing during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor. When you’re informed, you can make the best decisions regarding your pregnancy.

Sources:
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Posted by Kim Delatorre 29 Comments
Filed Under: Archives, Beauty/Health, Kids Tagged: amniocentesis, genetic disorders, health, newborn, Pregnancy, prenatal, testing

About Kim Delatorre

Kim Delatorre is a mommy to three beautiful, smart kids and wife to an amazing husband of 24 years! She enjoys reading, writing, spending time with her family, and blogging.

Comments

  1. Gabrielle says

    June 20, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    This is really important information for anyone planning motherhood.

    Reply
  2. rusthawk (@rusthawk) says

    June 20, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    Very informative. Not sure I would have wanted to avail myself of most of these when I was expecting my children.

    Reply
  3. Barrie says

    June 18, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    I knew some of these but not all. wow!

    Reply
  4. Mia says

    June 18, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    It is surprising that testing can be done as early as 10 weeks. So many advancements have been made in the last few years.

    Reply
  5. Chris L says

    June 17, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    So many test options. I am not sure if this is really good.

    Reply
  6. Maryann D. says

    June 17, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    There are more prenatal tests now then when I had my children years ago.

    Reply
  7. Barrie says

    June 17, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Good information for poeple who are pregnant or think they are!

    Reply
  8. melissa craig says

    June 12, 2017 at 2:20 am

    I had my children at an older age so I had MANY tests

    Reply
  9. Mia says

    June 9, 2017 at 11:56 am

    Good article to inform folks what is available and to be aware of reasons for tests.

    Reply
  10. April Gupton says

    June 9, 2017 at 10:00 am

    Things have come a long way, great info!

    Reply
  11. Sandy Cain says

    June 8, 2017 at 11:24 am

    And what if the baby shows abnormalities? Abortion? A very troubling question. Should we abort those with Down’s Syndrome, for example? I know I couldn’t.

    Reply
  12. Cynthia R says

    June 7, 2017 at 8:42 am

    We’ve come a long way. So much safer for mom and baby. Compare now to scenes from say Call of the Midwife.

    Reply
  13. gracefulcoffee says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    I had no idea all these thing existed. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Victoria Scott says

    June 5, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    This is an awesome list. Definitely worth sharing!

    Reply
  15. vickiecouturier says

    June 5, 2017 at 5:23 am

    I used to work for a ob/gyn back in the middle 90’s things have really come a long way since then,,the big question I always asked when offering the options of the testing that was available back then,was what would you do if it comes back positive? have to consider that when choosing too,,an ive seen some false positives,that led to much more testing and expense,usually by then its a late term abortion if that is the route they choose,,,back then most of the tests were optional,,we had to sent them to another bigger town for the abortion,,our office did not do them,,ive seen it go both ways termination and carrying the baby to the end,,and handling what comes,,it is a very hard decision,,personally I chose not to know,because I wasn’t going to terminate either way

    Reply
  16. Mia says

    June 4, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    I was not aware that prenatal testing could be done as early as 10 weeks.

    Reply
  17. patty.wright says

    June 3, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    I think this will be done more often in the future.

    Reply
  18. kymom13 says

    June 3, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Wow, that’s a lot of testing available for pregnant women!

    Reply
  19. patty.wright says

    June 3, 2017 at 12:37 am

    I already had kids and they are grown. Good article though

    Reply
  20. Michelle Castagne says

    June 2, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    Very interesting info. So many tests!

    Reply
  21. Barrie says

    June 2, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Good information! I had no idea!

    Reply
  22. Gabrielle says

    June 2, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    It’s amazing how many tests there are now.

    Reply
  23. texasinak says

    June 2, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    I didn’t realize there were so many options. Thanks for posting this.

    Reply
  24. Mia says

    June 2, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    So many decisions for expectant parents to make.

    Reply
  25. April Gupton says

    June 2, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Things have come a long way!

    Reply
  26. VICKI RAINS says

    June 2, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Wish they would have had some of this information years ago when I needed it.

    Reply
  27. monique s says

    June 2, 2017 at 11:40 am

    it is great for expectant moms to have resources like this

    Reply
  28. Jay Jackson says

    June 2, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Great article, I will have to share this with my sister in law, she is trying to get pregnant.

    Reply
  29. tat2gurlzrock says

    June 2, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Interesting article. I didn’t realize there are so many test options.

    Reply

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