{"id":159535,"date":"2026-01-28T07:19:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T13:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?page_id=159535"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:26:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:26:20","slug":"prenatal-tests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/prenatal-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"Prenatal Tests"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"159535\" class=\"elementor elementor-159535\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2e357d6 hub-bottom-description elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2e357d6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ca00f34\" data-id=\"ca00f34\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ed34df hub-text-link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ed34df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1><b>Prenatal Tests <\/b>Screening and Diagnostic Options During Pregnancy<\/h1><p>Prenatal tests are designed to monitor your baby&#8217;s growth, assess development, and identify potential health concerns early. These tests are a routine part of prenatal care and provide important information throughout pregnancy.<\/p><p>Some tests are offered to all pregnant individuals, while others may be recommended based on age, medical history, or specific risk factors.<\/p><p>If you would like to return to the Pregnancy guide, <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/\">visit the Pregnancy hub<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8774df7 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8774df7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pregnancy Topics<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee45d0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"ee45d0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"159027\" class=\"elementor elementor-159027\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7b1b1c6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7b1b1c6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5020d18\" data-id=\"5020d18\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b01e8a2 home-post-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-jet-posts\" data-id=\"b01e8a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;slides_to_scroll&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"jet-posts.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-jet-posts jet-elements\"><div class=\"jet-posts col-row  jet-equal-cols\"><div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/triple-screen-test\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/bacterial_vaginosis_diagram-1.jpg\" alt=\"Triple Screen Test\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1180\" height=\"500\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/triple-screen-test\/\" target=\"\">Triple Screen Test<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Also Known as Triple Test, Multiple Marker Screening and AFP Plus\u00a0The triple screen test is a maternal blood screening test&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/biophysical-profile\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/shutterstock_4355392.jpg\" alt=\"Perfil Biof\u00edsico (PBF)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/biophysical-profile\/\" target=\"\">Perfil Biof\u00edsico (PBF)<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">El Perfil Biof\u00edsico combina una evaluaci\u00f3n de ultrasonido con una prueba no estresante (PNE) y est\u00e1 dise\u00f1ado para determinar la&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/amniocentesis\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enamniocentesisesla-amniocentesis.jpg\" alt=\"Amniocentesis\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/amniocentesis\/\" target=\"\">Amniocentesis<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that may be recommended by your\u00a0health care provider following an abnormal triple test result. Inherited\u00a0or&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/urine-test-urinalysis\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/urine-test.jpg\" alt=\"Getting a Pregnancy Urinalysis: About Prenatal Urine Tests\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/urine-test-urinalysis\/\" target=\"\">Getting a Pregnancy Urinalysis: About Prenatal Urine Tests<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">A urine test is a routine test used by your healthcare provider as part of your prenatal care to measure&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/ultrasound-exam\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enultrasound-sonogramesultrasonido-sonograma-o-ecograf\u00eda.jpg\" alt=\"Ultrasound: Sonogram\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/ultrasound-exam\/\" target=\"\">Ultrasound: Sonogram<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">What is an Ultrasound Exam? This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a woman&#8217;s abdomen and pelvic cavity, creating&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/chorionic-villus-sampling\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enchorionic-villus-sampling-cvsesmuestra-de-vellosidad-cori\u00f3nica-mvc.jpg\" alt=\"Chorionic Villus Sampling: CVS\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/chorionic-villus-sampling\/\" target=\"\">Chorionic Villus Sampling: CVS<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Chorionic villus sampling often referred to as CVS, is a diagnostic test for identifying chromosome abnormalities and other inherited disorders.&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/alpha-fetoprotein-test\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enmaternal-serum-alpha-fetoprotein-screening-msafpesprueba-de-alfa-fetoprote\u00edna-del-suero-materno-afpsm.jpg\" alt=\"Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/alpha-fetoprotein-test\/\" target=\"\">Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFP)<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">The Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFT) test is a screening test that examines the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother&#8217;s blood during&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/quad-screen\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enquad-screen-testesprueba-de-detecci\u00f3n-cu\u00e1druple.jpg\" alt=\"Quad Screen Test\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/quad-screen\/\" target=\"\">Quad Screen Test<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">The quad screen test is a maternal blood screening test that looks for four specific substances: AFP, hCG, Estriol, and&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/cordocentesis\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/cordocentesis-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cordocentesis : Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/cordocentesis\/\" target=\"\">Cordocentesis : Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Cordocentesis, also sometimes called Percutaneous Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling (PUBS), is a diagnostic test which examines blood from the fetus&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/first-trimester-screening\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/enfirst-trimester-screenesprueba-del-primer-trimestre.jpg\" alt=\"First-Trimester Screening\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/first-trimester-screening\/\" target=\"\">First-Trimester Screening<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">The First-Trimester Screening is an early optional non-invasive evaluation that combines a maternal blood screening test with an ultrasound evaluation&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/integrated-screening-test\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pregnant-woman-with-doctor-2.jpg\" alt=\"Integrated Screening Test\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"601\" height=\"489\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/integrated-screening-test\/\" target=\"\">Integrated Screening Test<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">The Integrated Screening Test is a way to estimate the chance that a baby will be born with Down syndrome,&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/gender-prediction-tests\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/peekaboo-booties-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Gender Prediction Tests: The Latest Science\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"5298\" height=\"3532\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/gender-prediction-tests\/\" target=\"\">Gender Prediction Tests: The Latest Science<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Are gender prediction tests accurate? One of the most widely-searched subjects on the internet for expectant parents is when they&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/pros-and-cons-of-gender-tests\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Peekaboo-pacifiers-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Knowing Baby\u2019s Sex Before Birth: Some Pros and Cons of Gender Reveal\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"8660\" height=\"5773\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/pros-and-cons-of-gender-tests\/\" target=\"\">Knowing Baby\u2019s Sex Before Birth: Some Pros and Cons of Gender Reveal<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Finding out your baby&#8217;s sex can be one of the most magical events during pregnancy, and with today\u2019s science it\u2019s&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jet-posts__item\">\n\t<div class=\"jet-posts__inner-box\"><div class=\"post-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/routine-prenatal-tests\/\" class=\"post-thumbnail__link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-thumbnail__img wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/doctor-showing-ultrasound-scan-pregnant-woman.jpg\" alt=\"Routine Prenatal Tests\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"626\" height=\"417\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/category\/pregnancy\/\" class=\"jet-posts__terms-link\">Pregnancy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"jet-posts__inner-content\"><p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/routine-prenatal-tests\/\" target=\"\">Routine Prenatal Tests<\/a><\/p><div class=\"entry-excerpt\">Prenatal tests are important because they give your doctor a good idea of how healthy you are and what type&hellip;<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d38162 hub-text-link elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d38162\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Why Prenatal Testing Is Important<\/h2><p>Prenatal testing helps confirm healthy development, identify potential genetic conditions, monitor maternal health, guide medical decision-making, and provide reassurance. Most pregnancies progress normally, and many prenatal tests simply confirm healthy growth.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/prenatal-care\/\">Learn what to expect at prenatal visits and how care is structured throughout pregnancy<\/a><\/p><h2>Types of Prenatal Tests<\/h2><p>Prenatal tests generally fall into two categories: screening tests and diagnostic tests. Understanding the difference can help you feel informed when discussing options with your provider.<\/p><h2>Screening Tests<\/h2><p>Screening tests estimate the likelihood of certain conditions but do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Screening tests identify whether further diagnostic testing may be appropriate.<\/p><p>Common screening tests include:<\/p><ul><li>First trimester screening<\/li><li>Quad screen<\/li><li>Triple screen<\/li><li>Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test<\/li><li>Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)<\/li><li>Ultrasound evaluations<\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/first-trimester-screening\/\">Learn what first trimester screening involves and what it can detect<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/quad-screen\/\">Find out what the quad screen tests for and when it is performed<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/triple-screen-test\/\">Understand the triple screen test and what your results may mean<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/alpha-fetoprotein-test\/\">Learn about the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test and why it is offered<\/a><\/p><h2>Diagnostic Tests<\/h2><p>Diagnostic tests provide more definitive answers but may carry additional risks. Diagnostic testing is typically recommended when screening results indicate increased risk.<\/p><p>Common diagnostic tests include:<\/p><ul><li>Amniocentesis<\/li><li>Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)<\/li><li>Cordocentesis<\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/amniocentesis\/\">Learn what amniocentesis involves and when it may be recommended<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/chorionic-villus-sampling\/\">Find out how chorionic villus sampling (CVS) works and what it can detect<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/cordocentesis\/\">Understand cordocentesis and when this diagnostic test is used<\/a><\/p><h2>Ultrasound Examinations<\/h2><p>Ultrasound is one of the most common prenatal tests. It does not use radiation and is generally considered safe when medically indicated.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p><p>It is used to confirm due date, assess fetal growth, evaluate anatomy, monitor amniotic fluid, and determine fetal position.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/ultrasound-exam\/\">Get a full overview of prenatal ultrasound \u2014 what it involves and what it shows<\/a><\/p><h2>Glucose Screening and Gestational Diabetes Testing<\/h2><p>Between 24 and 28 weeks, many providers perform a glucose screening test to assess risk for gestational diabetes. Early detection allows for management strategies that support both parent and baby.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/glucose-tolerence-test\/\">Learn how the glucose tolerance test works and what to expect<\/a><\/p><h2>Urine and Blood Testing<\/h2><p>Routine prenatal care also includes blood typing and Rh factor testing, anemia screening, infection screening, and urinalysis. Blood tests help monitor maternal health and detect treatable conditions.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/getting-pregnant\/urine-test-urinalysis\/\">Find out what urine testing during pregnancy checks for<\/a><\/p><h2>Biophysical Profile and Non-Stress Test<\/h2><p>In later pregnancy, additional monitoring may be recommended to evaluate fetal well-being and movement patterns.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/biophysical-profile\/\">Learn what a biophysical profile involves and when it is ordered<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/non-stress-test\/\">Find out how a non-stress test works and what the results mean<\/a><\/p><h2>Genetic Counseling<\/h2><p>If screening suggests increased risk for a genetic condition, genetic counseling may be recommended. Counselors help explain results, risks, and options in clear terms.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/genetic-counseling\/\">Find out what genetic counseling involves and how it can support your decisions<\/a><\/p><h2>Are Prenatal Tests Required?<\/h2><p>Most prenatal tests are optional. Your provider will explain the purpose of each test, its benefits, potential risks, and alternatives. You have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions.<\/p><h2>Routine Prenatal Testing Timeline<\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/routine-prenatal-tests\/\">See a trimester-by-trimester overview of when common prenatal tests are typically performed<\/a><\/p><h2>Moving Forward With Confidence<\/h2><p>Prenatal testing is designed to support informed care, not create fear. Most results confirm healthy development. When concerns arise, early information allows for planning and support.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/pregnancy\/fetal-development\/\">Explore fetal growth milestones and what to expect at each stage of development<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prenatal Tests Screening and Diagnostic Options During Pregnancy Prenatal tests are designed to monitor your baby&#8217;s growth, assess development, and identify potential health concerns early. These tests are a routine part of prenatal care and provide important information throughout pregnancy. Some tests are offered to all pregnant individuals, while others may be recommended based on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3026,"featured_media":0,"parent":28593,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"faq-categories":[],"page-type":[7615],"class_list":["post-159535","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","page-type-pregnancy"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prenatal Tests: Screening, Diagnostics &amp; Accuracy Facts<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand your prenatal testing options. 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