Antenatal Testing - Birth Defects Screening

In accordance with American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommendations, you have the option of a prenatal screening test to determine if your pregnancy is high risk for certain chromosomal disorders/birth defects (example Down Syndrome). This testing is arranged between 15 and 21 weeks. If you desire this test and it has not already been arranged, please notify the office. The planned test is a serum (blood test) Quad Marker screening test and will detect 80% of fetuses with Down Syndrome. If the test is abnormal this does not mean that your baby is affected, but you will be offered additional testing.\nPlease understand that the testing is optional. It can be the source of anxiety for many patients, and as a Catholic ProLife practice we view all life as sacred and do not encourage you to have the test.\n\n[AMA VERSION]\nIn accordance with American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommendations, you have the option of a prenatal screening for certain chromosomal disorders/birth defects (example Down Syndrome). Because of your age you are at increased risk (age 35 DS risk is 1:265 pregnancies). If you desire additional testing your options include:\n1. Referral for Genetic Counseling, possible amniocentesis or other options\n2. Non-invasive prenatal testing with fetal free cell DNA. This testing is very accurate and detects 98% of affected fetuses with a 2-4% "uninformative" result. Some insurance companies may not pay for the testing.\nPlease understand that the testing is optional. It can be the source of anxiety for many patients, and as a Catholic ProLife practice we view all life as sacred and do not encourage you to have the test.