Prenatal screening
Prenatal screening refers to tests done during pregnancy to estimate the probability that your baby has certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), or structural problems. These tests do not give a yes or no answer; instead they assign a risk level, such as 1 in 500 or 1 in 50. Common screens include the first-trimester combined test (blood test plus nuchal translucency ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks), the second-trimester quadruple blood test, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyses fetal DNA from a maternal blood sample. A high-risk result means further diagnostic testing is recommended, not that your baby definitely has the condition.
What This Means for You
Understanding Prenatal screening is an important part of your first/second trimester journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
NIPT is available at KKH, NUH, and most private hospitals in Singapore and offers higher detection rates than conventional blood screening, though it is not government-subsidised and costs several hundred dollars out of pocket.
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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