Prenatal Tests & Screenings

Why prenatal testing matters

Prenatal testing helps you stay informed about your health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy. Some tests are routine for all parentstobe, while others may be recommended based on your age, family history, or specific symptoms. Your care team will walk you through each step so you can feel confident in your decisions. 

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Prenatal test reference table

Test	When	Purpose	Risk
First trimester screen	11-13 weeks	Down syndrome, trisomy 13/18	None
AFP / Quad Screen	15–20 weeks	Spina bifida, chromosomal conditions	None
Ultrasound	18–20 weeks	Growth, anatomy, birth defects	None
Amniocentesis	After 15 weeks	Chromosomal disorders, spina bifida	Small
CVS	11–14 weeks	Chromosomal disorders	Small
Gestational Diabetes	24–28 weeks	Blood sugar control	None
Group B Strep	36–37 weeks	Prevent newborn infection	None

Routine blood & urine tests

These standard tests help your provider monitor your health and watch for early signs of complications:

• Blood type & Rh factor: Determines whether you are Rh positive or negative. If you’re Rh-negative, your provider may recommend Rh immunoglobulin to protect future pregnancies.
• Complete blood count: Screens for anemia and checks overall blood health.
• Infection screening: Includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Urine tests: Detect infections and monitor protein and sugar levels that may indicate pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Screening tests (no miscarriage risk)

These noninvasive tests provide early information about possible genetic conditions or structural concerns: 

• First trimester screen (11–13 weeks): Assesses risk for Down syndrome and Trisomy 13/18. 
• Alphafetoprotein (AFP) & quad screen (15–20 weeks): Screens for open spina bifida and certain chromosomal conditions. 
• Ultrasound (18–20 weeks): Evaluates growth, anatomy, and many types of birth defects. 

Diagnostic tests (small miscarriage risk) 

These tests give more definitive answers when screening results or risk factors suggest concerns: 

• Amniocentesis (after 15 weeks): Detects chromosomal disorders and spina bifida. 
• Chorionic villus sampling (11–14 weeks): Identifies chromosomal disorders earlier in pregnancy. 

Your provider will talk with you about benefits, risks, and whether these tests are recommended for your situation.

Other key tests 

Additional testing throughout pregnancy helps protect your health and your baby’s well-being: 

• Gestational diabetes screening (24–28 weeks): Monitors blood sugar levels to prevent pregnancy complications. 
• Group B strep test (36–37 weeks): Identifies bacteria that can be passed to newborns; treated with antibiotics during labor. 
• Carrier screening: Looks for inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and TaySachs disease. 
• Genetic counseling: Recommended if you have a family history of genetic conditions or birth defects. 
• Pre-eclampsia monitoring: Blood pressure and urine checks performed at every prenatal visit. 
• STD testing: Includes screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. 
• Vaginal infection checks: Performed when needed to evaluate symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. 

When it comes to Medicare benefits, it’s important to remember when to apply. Enrollment is limited to certain times of year and conditions, including your age.