Prenatal Screening Tests: What Every Parent Should Know

“Do I really need all these tests during pregnancy?” If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many expecting parents aren’t fully aware of how important prenatal screening tests are. These tests help track your baby’s development and detect potential problems early. However, if these screenings are missed or delayed, it could increase the risk of undetected complications that may affect both the mother and the baby later on.

To help you stay prepared, here’s a clear guide to the prenatal screening tests done during pregnancy.

What Are Prenatal Screening Tests?

Prenatal screening tests are simple, non-invasive checks done during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the baby.^{1, 2} These tests do not give a definite diagnosis but help determine if more detailed testing is needed. Basic prenatal tests for genetic conditions include:3

Screening tests: These show the chances of developing a medical condition. 
Diagnostic tests: They confirm whether a genetic problem actually exists.

Most prenatal screening tests are done in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.³

Importance of Prenatal Screening Tests

Prenatal screening tests play a crucial role in providing early insights into your baby’s health. Here’s how:

1. Detects Risks Early

One of the biggest advantages of prenatal screening tests is that they help identify genetic conditions in the unborn baby early. These tests can detect Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).⁴

2. Helps You Stay Informed

Prenatal screening tests give you a clearer picture of your baby’s development. They help you understand if more detailed testing is needed, without leaving you second-guessing or stressing over potential issues.⁵

3. Safe For You & Your Growing Baby

Most prenatal tests include simple blood draws or ultrasound scans, which are completely non-invasive. This means they pose no risk or discomfort to the mother during pregnancy.⁶

Essential Prenatal Screening Tests To Know

Now that you understand the importance of prenatal screening tests, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones.

1. NT Scan 

NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency) is the ultrasound done between 11 and 13 weeks to measure the fluid at the back of your baby’s neck. It helps determine the baby’s risk of developing certain genetic conditions when combined with other blood tests like double marker tests.⁷

2. Double Marker Test

This is a simple blood test done in the first trimester of the pregnancy. It measures the levels of two important pregnancy-related substances in the mother’s blood: ⁸

• free beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) 
• PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A). 

When these tests are combined with the NT scan, they help assess the baby’s risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome more accurately.

3.  Triple Marker & Quad Marker Tests

These blood tests are typically done during the second trimester. The Triple or Quad Marker Test measures the following substances in the mother’s blood: ^{9, 10}

• AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)
• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
• Estriol
• Inhibin A (in the Quad Marker Test)

These markers help evaluate the baby’s risk for certain conditions like Down syndrome and neural tube defects. 

4. Cell-Free DNA Testing

This is an advanced version of the NIPT test, as it detects tiny fragments of the baby’s DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. This test also helps detect sex chromosome abnormalities and microdeletions (small missing parts of DNA).¹¹

So if you’re pregnant, this test can be done as early as in the 10th week of pregnancy or after.12 It’s completely safe for you and the baby, and offers early, reliable results to help you stay informed.

5. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Doctors often recommend NIPT as one of the best ways to check for chromosomal conditions early in pregnancy. Just like Cell-Free DNA testing, this simple blood test detects tiny parts of the baby’s DNA that circulate in your bloodstream. It screens for conditions like Trisomy 13, 18, and most accurately Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), with 99% accuracy.¹³

At LifeCell Diagnostics, we provide the NIPT All Chromosomes test, a comprehensive prenatal screening. These tests help doctors detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities early and accurately after the 10th week of pregnancy.

Your Prenatal Screening Timeline

Now that you know which prenatal screening tests are important during pregnancy, it’s also crucial to understand when to take them. Your doctor will, of course, guide you through the process, but as an expecting parent, staying informed is your responsibility. And not just that, knowing the ideal timeline helps you feel more prepared and confident at every stage of your pregnancy.

Here’s a general timeline of when these tests are usually done:

First Trimester (weeks 10–13):

• NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency ultrasound)
• Double Marker Test (blood test)
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Second Trimester (weeks 15–20):

• Triple Marker Test
• Quad Marker Test

Conclusion

Every decision you make when you are pregnant can shape your baby's life, and being well-informed is where it all starts. Prenatal screening tests give you and your doctor important information ahead of time, helping you to make better decisions together.

Also, while your doctor guides you on what tests to undertake, it is wise to have an open conversation and seek credible services to ensure you get the best results. To give your baby a healthy start at life, partner with LifeCell Diagnostics for all your prenatal screening tests. Because, your baby deserves nothing but the best!

FAQs

Why Are Prenatal Screening Tests Important?

Prenatal screening helps identify any risk of genetic or chromosomal conditions in the baby early. This allows doctors and expectant parents to plan timely care and make informed decisions.

What Is The Best Prenatal Screening Test?

The optimal prenatal screening test depends on the pregnancy stage and risk factors. Cell-Free DNA and NIPT tests are two very accurate tests that offer early diagnosis of most chromosomal disorders.

Do Prenatal Screening Tests Diagnose Medical Conditions?

Prenatal screening tests are used to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions, but they do not provide a definitive diagnosis. If a screening test shows a higher risk, doctors may recommend diagnostic tests for confirmation.