Screening Tests

If you are pregnant, you will be offered a number of different screening tests. You can choose whether or not to have these tests and the information in this web site will help you choose. You can also talk about the tests with your midwife and doctor.

click the links on the left for more information

What are screening tests?

Screening tests can detect some of the conditions that may affect either you or your baby. They do not show for certain whether you or your baby are affected. They show what chance there is that you are affected.

If the result of a screening test shows you have a higher chance of a certain problem, you will be offered a diagnostic test.

Diagnostic tests give more certain results, but with some there is a risk of miscarriage. For this reason, they are only offered to women with a higher chance of having a problem.

As with all medical tests, the results of screening tests are not 100% accurate.

Before 14 weeks

An ultrasound scan to see:

• how many weeks pregnant you are
• if the baby's heart is beating
• if there is more than one baby

At 15 to 18 weeks

Testing for Down's syndrome

You can have a blood test to find out your chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome. The test can be done from 15 weeks of pregnancy.

At 18 to 20 weeks

You can have an ultrasound scan to see if there are any problems with the way your baby is developing.

You can change your mind about your choices.