Important Prenatal Screening & Tests

• Prenatal screenings include tests for an internal checkup during pregnancy 
• Prenatal testing allows your doctor to monitor the growth of your fetus 
• Some prenatal screenings are repeated several times throughout the pregnancy

Prenatal screenings and tests is an umbrella term for a wide variety of medical tests and scans done during pregnancy. 

Prenatal screening tests are done routinely during your prenatal visits and allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health as well as your baby’s growth and development. There are certain other tests that can help highlight the risk or probability of certain health conditions such as birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

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Majorly, there are two types of prenatal testing. These include:

Screenings: Prenatal screening tests help in the early detection and identification of certain birth defects and genetic disorders.

Diagnostics: Diagnostic tests are done if your fetus is at risk of certain health conditions, as suggested by screening tests. Diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis of a condition.

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Prenatal screening tests done in the first trimester of pregnancy include:

• Carrier screening for genetic conditions
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
• Ultrasound
• Blood tests

Also Read: First Trimester Pregnancy – Everything you need to know

Common prenatal tests done during the second trimester of pregnancy are:

• Blood tests (quad marker screening test)
• Ultrasound
• Amniocentesis
• Glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes (how can gestational diabetes affect a baby)

Prenatal screenings and tests performed in the final trimester of pregnancy include:

• Test for group B strep
• Fetal monitoring

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