Prenatal screening tests can help to determine if there may be any issues with the pregnancy or the baby. At Reproductive Fertility Center (RFC), we understand the importance of preserving your fertility and your child’s health, and we are committed to helping our soon to be parents however we can.

Types of Prenatal Tests

Most prenatal tests are non-invasive and will not increase the risk of miscarriage. However, screening tests are limited to a few conditions and only check for the likelihood of the baby having the defect rather than determining a diagnosis. The most accurate way to detect a congenital disability remains the more invasive tests, which can pose a minimal risk of miscarriage. Generally, these tests are only done when there is a reason to suspect a problem.

First Trimester Pregnancy Screening Options

Testing done between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy
Ultrasound: this technology creates an image of the baby in the uterus using sound waves

• Used to determine the size and position of the baby, confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, and find any potential abnormalities in the structure of your baby’s growing bones and organs
• Non-invasive screening

Blood tests: used to determine the chances of specific chromosomal abnormalities

• Tests for the likelihood of Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and other common chromosomal problems
• Non-invasive screening

Nuchal translucency ultrasound: a specialized ultrasound to check the amount of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck

• Excess fluid may indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome or other anomalies
• Non-invasive screening

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a diagnostic test that involves taking a small tissue sample from the placenta. This tissue contains the genetic information of the baby and can be used to rule out or diagnose chromosomal abnormalities.

• Cannot test for neural tubal defects
• Accurate approximately 98% of the time
• Considered invasive and increases the risk of miscarriage by approximately .05% to 1.0%

Second Trimester Screening Options

Testing done between 13-27 weeks of pregnancy 

Ultrasound: used to create an image of the baby in the uterus with sound wave technology

• Done to visualize the baby’s full anatomy and assess for either structural anomalies or abnormalities that are specific to certain genetic conditions
• Non-invasive screening

Blood tests: used to evaluate the levels of specific hormones and proteins

• Tests for markers of Down syndrome, neural tubal defects, and Trisomy 18
• Non-invasive screening

Amniocentesis: Generally, this test is only done after abnormal test results or ultrasounds. A needle is carefully inserted into the amniotic sac through the abdomen to withdraw fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells.

• Amniocentesis can detect 99% of neural tubal defects and almost 100% of certain genetic anomalies
• Similar to CVS testing, this is an invasive diagnostic test that carries a small increased risk of miscarriage

Schedule a Prenatal Test with a Los Angeles Fertility Doctor Today 

At Reproductive Fertility Center, it is our mission to help you achieve your fertility goals. If you are looking for a Los Angeles Board Certified Fertility Doctor, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your family goals and able to help every step of the way.

Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846

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