What is Non-invasive Prenatal Testing?
The main form of screening in Australia combines ultrasound features of the baby at 11-14 weeks (nuchal translucency measurement of a small pocket of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck] and assessment of the fetal nasal bone) with measurement of chemicals that come from the placenta into your bloodstream (free beta hCG and PAPP-A) to create an individual risk for trisomies 21, 18 and 13. It is unable to provide risk assessment for the sex chromosome abnormalities.
This test can detect a small amount of baby’s DNA in the mother’s bloodstream. Testing of this DNA can identify the vast majority of babies with trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and the major sex chromosome abnormalities.
Your First Antenatal Appointment at Sydney Mother and Baby
Congratulations on your pregnancy and we look forward to meeting you at your first appointment. This can be both an exciting and possibly nervous moment!
This post helps explain what will happen during your first visit to Sydney Mother & Baby.
Blood Testing in Pregnancy
Routine antenatal screening blood tests are performed early in pregnancy to determine if there are any underlying health concerns that may affect you or your baby during pregnancy.