Pregnancy is a time of great anticipation — and anxiety. You may be wondering if you'll experience complications or if your baby will have health problems. Take comfort in the fact that most babies are born healthy. Still, you may want details about your baby's health beyond what your health care provider can observe. Enter prenatal testing.
Types of prenatal testing
Prenatal testing includes both screening tests and diagnostic tests:
- Screening tests. Prenatal screening tests, such as blood tests and ultrasounds, are routine in most pregnancies. Specific screening tests, such as the first and second trimester screening for abnormal chromosomes, also may be offered. Screening tests can identify whether your baby is more likely to have certain conditions, but they usually can't make a definitive diagnosis. Screening tests pose few or no risks for you or your baby.
- Diagnostic tests. If a screening test indicates a possible problem — or your age, family history or medical history puts you at increased risk of having a baby with a genetic problem — you may consider a more invasive prenatal diagnostic test, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Diagnostic tests may carry a small risk of miscarriage.
Questions to consider
Prenatal screening tests for fetal abnormalities are optional. It's important to make an informed decision about prenatal testing, especially if you're screening for fetal conditions that can't be treated.
- What will you do with the test results? Normal results can ease your anxiety. However, if prenatal testing indicates that your baby may have a birth defect, you may be faced with wrenching decisions — such as whether to continue the pregnancy. On the other hand, you may welcome the opportunity to plan for your baby's care in advance.
- Will the information shape your prenatal care? Some prenatal tests detect problems that can be treated while you're pregnant. In other cases, prenatal testing alerts your health care provider to a condition that requires immediate treatment after birth.
- How accurate are the results? Prenatal testing isn't perfect. The proportion of false-negative and false-positive results varies from test to test.
- What are the risks? Weigh the risks of specific prenatal tests, such as anxiety, pain or possible miscarriage, against the value of knowing the results.
- What is the expense? Insurance coverage for prenatal testing varies. If the test you're considering isn't covered by your insurance plan, are you willing and able to cover the cost of the test on your own?
The decision is yours
Prenatal testing can provide information that influences your prenatal care. Keep in mind, however, that some screening tests introduce the need for careful personal decisions. Ultimately, the decision to pursue prenatal testing is up to you and your partner. If you're concerned about prenatal testing, discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider. A trusted friend or loved one, genetic counselor or spiritual adviser also may be able to help you make the best decision.
Last Updated: 2010-06-19
