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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffFirst trimester screening is done to evaluate your risk of carrying a baby who has Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. The test may help detect certain heart defects or skeletal problems as well. First trimester screening doesn't evaluate the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Because first trimester screening can be done earlier than most other prenatal screening tests, you'll have the results early in your pregnancy. This will give you more time to make decisions about further diagnostic tests, medical treatment and the course of the pregnancy. If your baby is diagnosed with a genetic condition, you'll also have more time to prepare for the possibility of caring for a child who has special needs.
Other screening tests can be done later in pregnancy. An example is the quad screen, a blood test that's typically done between weeks 15 and 20. The quad screen can evaluate your risk of carrying a baby who has Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome, as well as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Some health care providers choose to combine the results of first trimester screening with the quad screen, although the final test results may not be available until both tests are completed.
Remember, first trimester screening is optional — and test results only indicate whether you have an increased risk of carrying a baby who has Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome, not whether your baby actually has one of these conditions. Before the screening, think about what the results mean to you. Consider whether the screening will be worth any anxiety it may cause, or whether you'll handle your pregnancy differently depending on the results. If cost is a concern, ask your insurance provider for coverage details.
