What are pregnancy screenings and prenatal tests?
Pregnancy screenings and prenatal tests give your provider the information needed to check the health of you and your baby. Some health conditions can be treated before birth.
What kinds of tests are needed during pregnancy?
Your doctor may recommend:
- First trimester screening tests for birth defects with an ultrasound of the fetus and maternal blood screening test. It is typically done between the 11th week and 13th week of pregnancy.
- Second trimester screening, also called the quad screen, is a blood test that checks for spina bifida, Down syndrome and trisomy 18.
- Genetic testing checks for certain genetic conditions such as Down syndrome.
- Pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to take a picture of your baby in the womb. Pregnancy ultrasounds check how your baby is developing in the womb.
- Amniocentesis is done in the second trimester and tests for genetic conditions
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is done in early pregnancy. A tiny tissue sample is taken from the placenta to check for genetic conditions.
- Cystic fibrosis testing checks to see if your baby has the gene for cystic fibrosis, a condition that clogs the lungs and digestive tract with mucus.
Complete OB/GYN care
MaineHealth provides expert obstetrics and gynecology services at doctor’s offices, specialty clinics and community hospitals close to home.
