What it is
NIPT, the nuchal, the anatomy scan or 20 week scan, the glucose test: these are the names mothers search after each appointment. Prenatal testing comes in two kinds. Screening tests give a chance, not an answer. Diagnostic tests, like CVS and amniocentesis, give an answer and carry a small risk. All of them are optional.
What's typical
Weeks 8 to 10: blood type, Rh, iron, infections, and a dating ultrasound. From week 10: NIPT, a blood test that screens for common chromosome differences. Weeks 11 to 14: the nuchal scan. Weeks 18 to 22: the anatomy scan, a long look at every organ and the placenta. Weeks 24 to 28: the glucose test and an iron check. Weeks 36 to 37: the GBS swab.
What's known
ACOG recommends that every mother be offered screening and diagnostic options regardless of age. NIPT is very good at picking up Down syndrome and less reliable for rarer conditions; a positive needs a diagnostic test to confirm. ACOG advises against keepsake ultrasounds.
What helps
- Before each test, ask three things: what does it look for, how sure is it, and what would I do with the result.
- Bring someone to the anatomy scan. It is long, and it is the one where news can land.
- If a screen comes back positive, ask for a genetic counselor before you search anything.
When to call someone
- Nowbleeding or severe cramping after an amniocentesis or CVS.
- Todaya result you were told was abnormal and no one has explained.
- At your next visitquestions about what is optional, what insurance covers, and whether to see a genetic counselor.
Who helps
Tools: Due Date Calculator
Related
- Gestational diabetesPregnancy: Your Body
- Group B strepPregnancy: Your Body
- Rh factor and RhoGAMPregnancy: Your Body
- Low iron and anemiaPregnancy: Your Body
- Pregnancy at 35 and olderPregnancy: Your Body
- Termination for medical reasonsLoss and Complications
What mothers here say
No one has posted under this topic yet. The first experience here will help the next mother who searches for it at 2 a.m.
Experiences and questions are their authors' own, not reviewed advice. The topic's steward lists the ones that help most in a credited digest once there is one. Unusual experiences stay, with a note.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on prenatal genetic screening tests
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on routine tests during pregnancy
- National Society of Genetic Counselors — Prenatal testing patient resources
Sources are named, not yet linked. The steward verifies each one and adds the link.
Steward this topic
Birthworkers listed in our directory can claim a topic, verify its sources, and curate what mothers share here. Your name and credential go at the top of the page. Takes about an hour the first time.
Find your directory page