Prenatal Screening
While you are pregnant, you can check the health and development of the baby that you are carrying. These health checks are the NIPT, the 13-week scan and the 20-week scan. This is called prenatal screening. Information about the different screeningtests is available in multiple languages.
The prenatal screening focuses on chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome) and structural anomalies (such as spina bifida, heart abnormality and cleft lip/palate). Following some more information about the different types of prenatal screening.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) - from 10 weeks
NIPT is a blood test to check for chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn baby. You can have your blood tested starting from 10 weeks into your pregnancy.
13-week scan
You can have your baby screened for severe physical abnormalities. These may not always be very visible, as the baby is still small. Based on the results of the screening, further investigation may be necessary.
20-week scan
This ultrasound screens for serious structural and developmental abnormalities in the body. The various organ systems are assessed to detect any serious birth defects. While many birth defects can be detected, not all of them can be excluded. This scan is focused on physical defects such as spina bifida, heart abnormality or cleft palate. Based on the results of the screening, further investigation may be necessary.
More information about NIPT, 13-week scan & 20-week scan (English)