Screening Tests In Pregnancy
We offer a number of tests during pregnancy. Your midwife will advise you which tests are offered and why.
All tests are optional: remember it is always your choice whether to have a test or not. However, the information these tests can provide may help your midwife to provide the best care possible during your pregnancy and the birth. The test results may also help you to make choices about your pregnancy.
Here are some questions you might like to ask before deciding whether to have a test:
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What is the test for?
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What does the test involve?
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Are there any risks?
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What will the results show?
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How and when will i get the results?
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Who do i contact if I don't get the results?
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What happens if the test shows that there might be a problem?
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What happens if I choose not to have the test?
Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme – Screening for chromosomal and structural abnormality in pregnancy
We offer a number of tests in pregnancy to check the development of your baby. Remember that most babies develop normally and are healthy at birth. Your midwife or doctor will give you more information about these tests and discuss what the results may mean for you. As always - it is your choice whether to have a test or not.
Ultrasound scans
Most women are offered 2 scans during pregnancy:
DATING SCAN
Usually offered at around 10 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days, this is a quick scan taking only about 10 minutes. The purpose of this scan is measure the size of your baby to accurately confirm the due date. It can also detect twins or more! Unfortunately we sometimes detect a miscarriage, even though there may have been no signs beforehand. We may also detect major abnormalities at this scan. If we do detect a problem we will refer you to a specialist midwife or doctor.
Many women choose to have a screening test for chromosomal abnormality such as Down’s syndrome - The dating scan is an essential part of such tests.
ANOMALY SCAN
We offer an anomaly [abnormality] scan, in your 20th week of pregnancy. This will provide a detailed examination to check the baby is developing normally. However it is important to remember that not all abnormalities will be detected on ultrasound scan.
This scan also checks your baby’s growth, the position of the placenta and the amount of fluid around the baby.
If the scan shows a possible problem, you will be referred to a specialist to discuss the options available to you. For further information see the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme website.
Tests for Down’s syndrome and some other chromosome abnormalities
We offer all women screening tests AND diagnostic tests for Down’s syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities. Your midwife or doctor will tell you more about Down’s syndrome and the tests you are being offered. They will also discuss what the results may mean for you and the decisions that you may need to think about.
Further information about Down’s Syndrome is available from the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA).
SCREENING TESTS
These tests only tell you the likelihood or risk that your baby will have Down’s syndrome. Once you know what your risk is, you can then decide whether you want to know for sure by having a diagnostic test. The screening test that you are offered will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. You midwife or doctor will advise what tests are available to you.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS (also known as ‘Invasive Tests’)
These tests give definite information about your baby’s chromosomes and so confirm whether or not your baby has Down’s syndrome. They may detect some other chromosome abnormalities too. However 1 in a hundred [1%] of women who has a diagnostic test will miscarry. Therefore you should think carefully about why you would want to know whether your baby has Down’s syndrome and consider the risk of miscarriage before deciding whether to have the test.
There are 2 different diagnostic tests: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis. To find out more information about these tests please speak with your midwife or doctor.
We also produce a detailed leaflet explaining in more detail about theses tests and the results: ‘CVS and amniocentesis’.
You may also wish to speak to one of our specialist screening midwives, if so contact Karen Creed Tel: 07876357423
What happens if a problem is diagnosed?
Most babies, even those with an increased chance result after a screening test, will have normal chromosomes. Unfortunately though, in a few cases we will detect a problem. In these cases we will tell you what the problem is and how this could affect your baby. We will arrange specialist follow up at the hospital and discuss the options available to you. The specialist midwives for antenatal screening are available for further information and support at this time.
Further information about screening tests:
Your doctor or midwife should be able to answer most of your questions about screening. However if you want more specialist advice the following may be of help:
BSUH STAFF:
Antenatal Screening Co-ordinator
A specialist midwife for antenatal screening who works with 2 screening support midwives. If you want further information you can speak with one of our specialist midwives. You can discuss any questions you may have over the phone or arrange an appointment at the hospital. Tel: 07876357423
Women’s Health Advisor: specialist advice around HIV and Hep B
We have a specialist health advisor for women who have concerns about HIV and Hepatitis B. You can contact Trisha Keith (Women’s Health Advisor) Tel: 07919627603
"Screening tests for you and your baby"
This leaflet, produced by the National Screening Committee, gives more details about the screening tests offered to you in pregnancy and to your baby after birth. You should receive a copy in early pregnancy from your midwife or doctor. You can also read a copy online by clicking here (This will take you to the site where you can download the booklet and request it in other languages).
National charities, support groups and further information:
Antenatal Results and Choices
National organisation providing support and information about
screening and diagnosis of fetal abnormality.
Helpline 0207 631 02820
Health Talk Online: a directory of personal experiences
Deciding which screening tests to have in pregnancy can be confusing
and can cause anxiety. Sometimes it can help to hear of other peoples
experiences. DIPEX is a National website where women and their
partners are interviewed and talk about their experiences of antenatal screening and the issues that affected them, including getting results and having further tests.
Down’s Syndrome Association
Provides information and support for people with Down’s syndrome,
their families and carers. Helpline 0845 230 0372
NHS DIRECT
Click on the link to take you to the NHS direct website that offers
further information about pregnancy and other health issues.
Sickle Cell Society
Information, Counselling and caring for those with Sickle Cell Disorders and their families.
Thalassaemia Society
Information and support for people living with thalassaemia.
