Special diagnostic tests

Question 1

Ultrasound/ mid-pregnancy scan happens between weeks…

Answer 1

18-21

Question 2

What does an ultrasound/mid-pregnancy scan do?

Answer 2

checks for any major physical abnormalities

checks if anything else is wrong

Question 3

Nuchal fold translucency (NT test)

Answer 3

performed between weeks 11 and 13
amount of fluid under the neck is checked
shows whether baby may have Down’s Syndrome or not
not 100%

Question 4

Alpha fetoprotein test

Answer 4

AFP is made in the liver of an unborn baby
Blood test will show the level of AFP
Confirms if baby has spina bifida or anencephaly

Question 5

Chorionic villus sampling

Answer 5

Carried out weeks 11-14
Checks for genetic disorders, only offered if theres a high chance
Cells removed through a needle into the placenta which is inserted through the abdomen, or a tube through the cervix

Question 6

CVS cons

Answer 6

could lead to a miscarriage
No cures for most disorders
Termination taken into consideration

Question 7

Amniocentesis

Answer 7

weeks 15-18
small sample of amniotic fluid is removed and tested for genetic disorders
alternative to CVS

Question 8

Amniocentesis cons

Answer 8

small risk of miscarriage
results can’t be given until much later in pregnancy
If baby has a disorder and the mother wants to get a termination, this would have to be done before 24 weeks, although if results come back after 24 weeks this may not be possible.

Question 9

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT testing)

Answer 9

From week 10
Accurate at recognising disorders
less chance of miscarriage
Blood test
baby’s DNA analysed for possible chromosomal abnormalities
Parents will need to pay to have it done privately.