What is a noninvasive prenatal screening?
Noninvasive prenatal screening is a blood screening measure that serves to pinpoint your developing baby’s risk for chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome.
Should I get a noninvasive prenatal screening?
Noninvasive prenatal screenings offer the chance for more specifics than traditional first and second-trimester screenings. Women may also opt for this method if invasive screenings might leave them vulnerable to miscarriage. Your doctor may also recommend a noninvasive prenatal screening if you:
- Have risk factors for having a baby who has a chromosomal condition (based on your age and pregnancy history)
However, it’s important to keep in mind that noninvasive prenatal screenings have shown to be less effective among women who are pregnant with multiples, obese, pregnant via a donor egg, gestational carriers, or less than ten weeks pregnant.
When should I get a noninvasive prenatal screening?
Women typically undergo a noninvasive prenatal screening after reaching ten weeks of pregnancy. Your specific timeline may vary depending on your OB/GYN's recommendations. They can offer counseling on the options, benefits, and limits of first and second-trimester screening.
What does a noninvasive prenatal screening process involve?
The prenatal screening process involves examining your and your fetus’s DNA, by extracting a sample of your blood. The blood sample is sent to the lab and screened for the increased chance of specific chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18. The screening can also reveal information about fetal sex. Typically, you’ll receive results within two weeks.
What are possible results from a noninvasive prenatal screening?
The noninvasive prenatal screening can reveal health information:
Chromosomal conditions
If your screening results are normal, you probably won’t need further testing. However, if your results indicate potential chromosomal abnormalities, you’ll undergo amniocentesis or CVS to extract further sampling, and confirm a diagnosis.
Are there any risks involved with a noninvasive prenatal screening?
A noninvasive prenatal screening poses no physical risk to you or your fetus. However, the process can’t screen for all chromosomal and genetic disorders and therefore has no way of ensuring an unaffected pregnancy.
