During pregnancy, doctors offer various diagnostic teststo check your... Show more
Other295 views·Updated May 27, 2026·2 pagesChild Development GCSE: Specialized Diagnostic Tests
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1
of 2
Early Pregnancy Screening Tests
Your ultrasound scan between weeks 18-21 is like getting your baby's first proper health check-up whilst they're still in the womb. This scan examines all the major body parts - from bones and heart to brain and kidneys - looking for any physical problems that might need attention after birth.
The scan specifically checks for 11 serious conditions including spina bifida, cleft lip, heart problems, and genetic syndromes like Edward's and Patau's. Don't worry though - most babies get the all-clear from these scans.
The nuchal fold translucency test measures fluid at the back of your baby's neck between weeks 11-13. Babies with Down's syndrome often have more of this fluid, but remember - this test only estimates risk, it can't give you a definite answer.
Quick Tip: The alpha fetoprotein test checks mum's blood for traces of baby's liver proteins, which can indicate conditions like spina bifida.
2
of 2
Advanced Diagnostic Procedures
When screening tests suggest a problem, doctors might offer more detailed tests. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) happens between weeks 11-14 and involves taking tiny cells from the placenta using either a needle through mum's tummy or a tube through the cervix.
Amniocentesis works similarly but takes a sample of the fluid around your baby between weeks 15-18. Both tests can accurately diagnose genetic disorders, but they do carry a small risk of miscarriage - CVS slightly more than amniocentesis.
The newest option is non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyses baby's DNA from mum's blood from week 10 onwards. It's more accurate and much safer than other tests, but most parents have to pay privately as the NHS doesn't usually offer it.
Remember: These tests are only offered when there's already a higher risk - maybe from family history or previous screening results showing concern.
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Other295 views·Updated May 27, 2026·2 pagesChild Development GCSE: Specialized Diagnostic Tests
Tati@tatisotheraccount_
During pregnancy, doctors offer various diagnostic tests to check your baby's health and development. These tests can detect genetic conditions and physical abnormalities, helping parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy.
1
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Early Pregnancy Screening Tests
Your ultrasound scan between weeks 18-21 is like getting your baby's first proper health check-up whilst they're still in the womb. This scan examines all the major body parts - from bones and heart to brain and kidneys - looking for any physical problems that might need attention after birth.
The scan specifically checks for 11 serious conditions including spina bifida, cleft lip, heart problems, and genetic syndromes like Edward's and Patau's. Don't worry though - most babies get the all-clear from these scans.
The nuchal fold translucency test measures fluid at the back of your baby's neck between weeks 11-13. Babies with Down's syndrome often have more of this fluid, but remember - this test only estimates risk, it can't give you a definite answer.
Quick Tip: The alpha fetoprotein test checks mum's blood for traces of baby's liver proteins, which can indicate conditions like spina bifida.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
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Advanced Diagnostic Procedures
When screening tests suggest a problem, doctors might offer more detailed tests. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) happens between weeks 11-14 and involves taking tiny cells from the placenta using either a needle through mum's tummy or a tube through the cervix.
Amniocentesis works similarly but takes a sample of the fluid around your baby between weeks 15-18. Both tests can accurately diagnose genetic disorders, but they do carry a small risk of miscarriage - CVS slightly more than amniocentesis.
The newest option is non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyses baby's DNA from mum's blood from week 10 onwards. It's more accurate and much safer than other tests, but most parents have to pay privately as the NHS doesn't usually offer it.
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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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