Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
Insightful Genetic Testing for a Reassured Pregnancy
Genetic testing during pregnancy provides expectant parents with valuable insights into the health of their baby, enabling early detection of certain genetic and chromosomal conditions. This testing can offer important information that allows you and your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and the care needed moving forward. Our clinic offers several genetic testing options during pregnancy to help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child.
Who Is Genetic Testing During Pregnancy Suitable For?
These tests can be particularly helpful for various groups of expectant parents, including:
- Women who are 35 years or older, as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with maternal age.
- Couples with a family history of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Those who have had a previous pregnancy or child affected by a genetic condition.
- Parents who want additional reassurance about the health of their baby.
How NIPT Works and Its Benefits
- High Accuracy: NIPT offers a high level of accuracy in detecting chromosomal abnormalities, significantly reducing the number of false-positive results compared to traditional screening methods.
- Early Detection: Since NIPT can be done early in pregnancy, it provides crucial information at a stage when more options are available for managing the pregnancy.
- Peace of Mind: For many parents, NIPT offers peace of mind by reducing the uncertainty of having a child with a chromosomal disorder.
- No Risk to Baby: Unlike other diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis, which carry a small risk of miscarriage, NIPT is completely non-invasive and poses no risk to the foetus.
Who is NIPT Suitable For?
While NIPT is available to all pregnant women, it is particularly recommended for those at higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including:
- Women aged 35 or older.
- Couples with a family history of chromosomal conditions.
- Those who have had abnormal results from other prenatal screenings.
- Pregnancies conceived through Assisted Reproduction technology, where maternal age might be a concern.
Costs of Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
The cost of genetic testing during pregnancy is an important consideration for many expectant parents. The price can vary depending on the type of test chosen, such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), and the specific conditions that are
being screened. For detailed pricing information, please refer to our price list.
Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
FAQs
What conditions can genetic testing detect?
Depending on the specific test used, genetic testing can detect conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). Some tests can also identify sex chromosome abnormalities and certain microdeletions.
Who should consider genetic testing during pregnancy?
Genetic testing is available to all pregnant women, but it is especially recommended for those over 35, those with a family history of genetic disorders, couples who have had a previous child with a genetic condition, or those who want additional reassurance about their baby's health.
When is genetic testing typically performed?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) can usually be performed as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. This allows for early detection and provides important information about the baby's health in the early stages of pregnancy.
Is genetic testing during pregnancy safe?
Yes, tests like NIPT are non-invasive and safe for both the mother and baby. They involve taking a blood sample from the mother and pose no risk to the foetus.
What do the results of genetic testing mean?
If the test results show a low risk, it means that the chance of the baby having certain chromosomal abnormalities is low. If the test indicates a higher risk, further diagnostic testing may be recommended to confirm the results.
What are the next steps if a genetic test indicates a potential issue?
If a genetic test suggests a higher risk of a chromosomal abnormality or genetic condition, your doctor will discuss the results with you in detail. Further diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), may be recommended to confirm the findings.
Can genetic testing determine the sex of the baby?
Some genetic tests, including certain NIPT options, can determine the baby's sex by analysing the foetal DNA in the mother's blood. This can often be determined as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.
How accurate are genetic tests like NIPT?
Genetic tests like NIPT are highly accurate for detecting specific chromosomal conditions, with high sensitivity and a low rate of false positives. However, they are screening tests, not diagnostic tests, meaning further testing may be needed to confirm their results.