Health Information
Birth Defects Testing
Types of Tests
You and your doctor can choose from several tests. What you choose depends on your wishes, where you are in your pregnancy, your family health history, and what tests are available in your area. You may have no tests, one test, or several tests.
Screening tests show the chance that a baby has a certain birth defect. Diagnostic tests show if a baby has a certain birth defect.
| Screening tests | When they are usually done |
|---|---|
|
Reference First-trimester screening (first part of Reference integrated screening Opens New Window) |
10 to 13 weeks |
|
Reference Nuchal translucency (usually done as part of the first trimester screening) | 11 to 14 weeks |
|
Reference Triple or quad screening (second part of integrated screening) |
15 to 20 weeks |
|
Reference Ultrasound (pictures of baby's body) | 18 to 20 weeks |
| Diagnostic tests | When they are usually done |
|---|---|
| 10 to 12 weeks | |
| 15 to 20 weeks |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
|
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