Prenatal screening: discover your options and choices

What exactly is prenatal screening?

During your pregnancy you will be given the option of prenatal screening. Prenatal screening is a series of tests that you can take during your pregnancy to see if your child has an increased risk of certain abnormalities or disorders. These include chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome. Prenatal screening provides you with extra information and can contribute to peace of mind and certainty during your pregnancy, but it can also raise questions and uncertainties. That is why it is important to be well informed about your options and choices.

The combination test explained

One of the most well-known forms of prenatal screening is the combination test. This test consists of a blood test and an ultrasound to measure the nuchal fold of your baby. The combination test is usually performed between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy. This test looks at the chance of your child having a chromosomal disorder, such as Down's syndrome. The result does not provide absolute certainty, but only an estimate of the risk. If the chance appears to be increased, you can then choose to have further tests, such as an NIPT or amniocentesis.

NIPT: what does this test involve?

In addition to the combined test, you can also choose the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test). The NIPT is a blood test in which your child's DNA is examined for abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome. The NIPT is very reliable and can be performed from the 11th week of your pregnancy. Because this is a non-invasive test, there is no risk to you or your child. The disadvantage of the NIPT is that this test does not offer absolute certainty, although its reliability is very high. Abnormal results usually require additional testing.

What happens if the results are abnormal?

If the combined test or NIPT shows that there is an increased risk of a disorder in your child, you will always receive careful guidance and an explanation of any follow-up steps. In most cases, you can then opt for follow-up testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. These are invasive tests in which cells are taken from the placenta or amniotic fluid and examined. These tests do provide complete certainty, but they do involve a small risk of miscarriage. You always decide for yourself, together with your partner and with advice from your midwife or doctor, whether you want to have this follow-up test done.

Choosing for or against prenatal screening

Whether or not to have prenatal screening is always a personal choice. Some parents choose to have it because they want to be sure, while other parents deliberately choose not to have screening because they do not want to experience uncertainty or because they do not consider the result important for the course of their pregnancy. It is important that you are well informed, for example through discussions with your midwife or doctor. Take the time to think about what feels best for you and your partner, and know that every decision you make is the right one.

How do you prepare for prenatal screening?

Good preparation helps you make informed choices. Read reliable information in advance, talk to other parents about their experiences and discuss your feelings and doubts with your midwife or family doctor. Take your time to think about how you and your partner will deal with any results. It can also help to consider in advance what follow-up steps you would like to take if the screening reveals anything. This will help you avoid unexpectedly facing difficult decisions.

Emotions and support during prenatal screening

Prenatal screening can be emotionally stressful, especially if you feel uncertain about what the results may mean. It is very normal to experience mixed feelings when thinking about these tests. That is why it is even more important that you communicate openly with your partner, family or friends and seek support from your midwife. They can reassure you, answer questions and guide you through the entire process, regardless of the choice you make.

Prenatal screening offers valuable information during your pregnancy. By being well informed about your options and listening to your own feelings, you can make the choice that suits you, your partner and your child best.