Should I Get Prenatal Testing? What Types of Tests Are Right for Me?

Introduction

Pregnancy can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. You might wonder if your baby has any health issues. While most babies are born healthy, you might want to know more details. If so, you can consider getting some prenatal tests.

Types of Prenatal Tests

There are two main types of prenatal tests: screening and diagnostic tests.

Prenatal Screening

The most common prenatal screenings include blood tests and ultrasound examinations. If needed, you can also undergo low-risk congenital genetic disorder screening in the first six months of pregnancy to check for chromosomal abnormalities. Screenings can suggest potential health issues but often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests

If you are older (e.g., over 35 years old), have a family history of genetic disorders, or if screening results suggest potential health problems, you can consider diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. These tests are invasive and slightly increase the risk of miscarriage.

Considerations

Many prenatal tests are not mandatory. When considering whether to undergo such tests, you should be prepared for the following:

• Test Risks: While tests can provide more information, they may also pose risks like miscarriage. You need to weigh the pros and cons.
• Test Costs: Some prenatal tests are not covered by health insurance, requiring out-of-pocket payment.
• Accuracy of Test Results: Prenatal tests are not perfect and can have false negatives or false positives. They are not 100% accurate, requiring your evaluation.
• Are You Ready for the Results? Normal results can alleviate your anxiety. However, if prenatal testing indicates that your baby might have a congenital defect, you might face difficult choices, such as whether to continue the pregnancy or terminate it.