Is An NIPT Right For You?
NIPT is considered a more accurate test than the first pregnancy screening test. It is used to detect disorders of the baby’s neurological system in women who have previously undergone screening tests as a way of ruling out the possibility of having Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, or Patau’s syndrome.
Here at Ultrasound Plus, our team can provide you with a NIPT test, taking all the necessary precautions to keep you and your baby safe. To book an appointment either get in touch with one of our team members today or use our simple and easy online booking service.
What is a NIPT?
A NIPT test, or Non-Invasive Prenatal Test, is a new type of prenatal test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. It’s more sensitive than traditional screening tests but also less invasive. This means few risks are associated with getting the test done, making it the best possible option for pregnant mothers looking to understand their pregnancy better!
Why would you need to get it done?
If you’re pregnant, a NIPT is an excellent option to consider to get a more accurate picture of your baby’s health. It can detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome, which are all severe disorders that can cause developmental delays or disabilities. So if you’re concerned about the possibility of your child having one of these conditions, getting a NIPT is the best way to find out for sure!
When is it done?
A Non-Invasive Prenatal Test can be completed anytime during pregnancy, but most women get one between 10 weeks to 13 weeks of gestation. However, suppose you opt for an invasive prenatal test (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling). In that case, the procedure is done between 15 and 19 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the reason for having the test, what trimester you’re in, and your doctor’s preference.
How is the test done?
It’s a simple blood test that can take less than an hour. Blood contains both the mother’s cells and the baby’s cells, and a NIPT looks for fragments of those cells. If there are more baby cells than maternal ones, it could mean that the baby has an extra chromosome, which happens in chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome.
What other tests should you get done?
It should be noted that if your first NIPT comes back showing an elevated chance of chromosomal abnormalities, you should get a diagnostic test called amniocentesis to confirm the findings.
What is an amniocentesis test?
An amniocentesis test is a diagnostic procedure used to determine whether or not a baby has Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, or Patau’s syndrome. It’s a more accurate way to screen for these conditions than the traditional non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT), but it’s also more invasive and carries a small chance of miscarriage. In addition, a doctor will need to collect amniotic fluid from the womb to get this test done.
While NIPT is an effective way of screening for chromosomal abnormalities early on in your pregnancy, getting an amniocentesis could help give you more accurate results if it shows that you’re at a high chance of having a child with one of these conditions.
Amniocentesis can be done anytime during pregnancy, but it’s usually only done when the NIPT results show a heightened chance of chromosomal abnormalities. Talk to your doctor about when would be the best time for you!
If you would like any more information or have any questions please get in touch with a member of staff here at Ultrasound Plus.
