What is Prenatal Testing?
May 27, 2017
What is prenatal testing and what are all the tests for?
Your doctor may have mentioned some prenatal testing to you. Maybe you’re confused about whether you need all the tests. Or maybe you’re wondering what all the tests are even looking for.
We know pregnancy can be completely overwhelming – especially if this is your first baby and all of this is brand-new. It’s normal to worry or be nervous about your baby’s health. And it’s normal to feel overcome by all the decisions you have to make. We want to help give you the information you need so you can make decisions knowing the risks and benefits.
So let’s break this down and talk about what prenatal testing is, what tests are involved, what information they give and what the risks may be.
Prenatal tests are medical tests you have during your pregnancy. These tests can give your doctor some clues about your baby’s health.
- Ultrasound – This is a noninvasive test that can show your baby’s development. The ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer screen to show pictures of your baby in your womb. An early ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and help determine how many weeks pregnant you are. In later ultrasounds, the sonographer or physician will check to make sure your baby is developing normally through various measurements and organ evaluation, as well as evaluation of your uterus and placenta location.
- Cell–free DNA testing – This is also a noninvasive test and done through a simple blood draw. This test screens your baby’s DNA to check for markers for any genetic conditions. Usually, your doctor won’t order this screening unless another test suggests your baby could have a genetic abnormality.
- Chorionic villus sampling – (also called CVS) This is a diagnostic test that checks tissue from the placenta to see if your baby has a genetic condition. This test is usually done at 10 – 12 weeks of pregnancy and only if your doctor has a reason to believe your baby has a chromosomal abnormality. Because a needle is introduced into the uterus, there’s a chance of miscarriage with this test. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that 1 in every 100 women who has this test will have a miscarriage.
- Quad screening – This is a blood test that measures four substances in your blood (alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), estriol, human chorionic gonadostropin (hCG) and inhibin A). This test is done sometime between weeks 15 and 22. Your doctor uses these results to predict whether your baby is more or less at risk for some birth defects.
- Amniocentesis – (also called amnio) In this test, your doctor removes amniotic fluid and tests it to see if your baby has a genetic condition (like Down Syndrome). It’s usually done at 15 – 20 weeks of pregnancy. Like CVS, the amniocentesis is an invasive test and comes with risk of miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the risk of miscarriage with an amniocentesis ranges from 1 in 200 to 1 in 400, depending on the timing and how often the facility performs amniocenteses.
Now you might be wondering, since you have to make a decision about all these tests, should you just say yes to everything? Here are some things to consider:
What will you do with the results?
If the results are normal, that might put your mind at ease. But if the results of a screening indicate your baby might have a birth defect, you could be faced with some hard decisions. Do you want to have a more invasive diagnostic test that could put you at risk for a miscarriage? Your doctor may offer the option of an abortion, so you may be faced with that difficult decision.
Of course, knowing your baby could be at risk for some medical problems can also help you prepare in advance for your baby’s care. Some prenatal tests can detect problems that can be treated during pregnancy. Others can let you know of care or treatment your baby will need immediately after birth.
How accurate are the results?
The rate of false-positives or false-negatives varies from test to test. Before you make a decision, ask your doctor how accurate the results are.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the prenatal testing decisions you have to make, we’d encourage you to visit with your doctor and express your concerns. We know that it can be uncomfortable at times asking a lot of questions, but you deserve to get the information you need in order to make an informed decision. If need be, bring your husband, your partner, a good friend or family member with you to your appointment to help you process. Having someone with you may lighten your load and help you to not feel so overwhelmed. And remember, you don’t have to make the decision that day. You have time to determine what’s right for you.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy brings up a lot of questions, and it makes complete sense that you want to understand every option before deciding anything. If you're considering the abortion pill, knowing what it actually involves, including its side effects, is an important part of making a decision based on the facts. You don't have to sort through this alone. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered. How the Abortion Pill Works The abortion pill uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth and development of the pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining. The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Heavy bleeding and cramping will be part of this process, and some women have described the pain as more severe than they anticipated. Side Effects to Know Beyond bleeding and cramping, the abortion pill can also cause these side effects : Upset stomach Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Fever Chills These side effects vary from woman to woman, which is one reason having a healthcare provider involved matters. Without medical oversight, it can be difficult to know what's within the range of normal and what requires immediate attention. Your personal health history also plays a role in how your body responds. Speaking with a medical professional before proceeding is an important step in protecting your well-being. Why an Ultrasound Matters First Before considering any pregnancy option, an ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing, rule out an ectopic pregnancy , and tell you how far along you are. The FDA approves the abortion pill only through 10 weeks gestation, making that last detail a critical piece of information for your safety. We're Here for You Whatever you're feeling right now, there’s no pressure here. At Collage, we genuinely care about you and want to make sure you have everything you need to make a sound decision. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and our team is ready to talk through all your options, parenting, adoption, and abortion, in a warm, supportive environment. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We're so glad you reached out. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
An unexpected pregnancy can already feel like a lot to carry. However, when your partner is strongly pushing you toward abortion, and you’re not sure what you want, it can feel even heavier. You may feel torn between your own emotions and his expectations, trying to keep the peace while feeling anxious or confused. If you’re in this situation, take a deep breath. At Collage, we understand how emotionally complicated this can be. You deserve a safe place to talk through what you’re feeling and be treated with respect. You don’t have to rush into a decision. Schedule a free appointment to learn how we can help you navigate this situation. It’s Your Decision Sometimes a partner’s reaction is rooted in panic. He may be thinking about finances, school, your relationship, or how unprepared he feels. In his mind, abortion may seem like the fastest solution. When someone repeatedly insists on one outcome, refuses to listen, or makes you feel guilty for even considering other options, it can start to feel like your voice doesn’t matter. And in a moment this vulnerable, your voice matters more than ever. Giving Yourself Space If conversations feel tense or emotionally draining, it’s okay to take a step back. You have the right to say something like, “I need time to think. I’m not ready to decide right now.” Creating a little space can help you reconnect with your own thoughts instead of constantly reacting to his. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause, breathe, and remind yourself that you don’t have to figure everything out in one day. You Deserve Respect It’s also important to pay attention to warning signs. If your partner threatens to leave, withdraw support, manipulate you emotionally, or isolate you from others unless you choose abortion, that is not love. That is control. You deserve a relationship where your safety and well-being are protected, not threatened. If you ever feel unsafe, reach out for immediate support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) offers 24/7 confidential resources to help you get the assistance you need. You Deserve a Safe Place to Talk It Through At Collage, we’re here to support you. You don’t have to walk into our center with a decision already made. You can come in simply because you need someone to listen, help you process, and remind you that you are not alone. This is your pregnancy and future. If your partner is pressuring you and you’re feeling unsure, please know that help is available. We offer a calm, caring environment where you can talk openly, ask questions, and explore your options without feeling judged or persuaded to make a specific decision. You are not alone in this. Schedule an appointment with Collage today. We’re here to walk with you, one step at a time. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .
