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.
Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try: Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .
Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.
Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity. Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.
