Genetic Screening Genetic screening is available during your pregnancy. Many women want to be screened for peace of mind or in order to be prepared for a baby with a genetic or birth defect. At our office, routine blood tests are done between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy to screen for possible problems with your unborn baby. The test screen for genetic conditions (such as Down Syndrome) or birth defects (like spina bifida, heart problems and many others). Also an ultrasound will be performed to look at the development of your baby around 18 weeks of pregnancy. As another option, newer blood tests are available to screen for possible birth defects or genetic conditions that can be done earlier in your pregnancy (first trimester of pregnancy). The tests are performed between 11-14 weeks to detect possible birth defects or genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome and trisomy 18. These tests involve blood work and an ultrasound. If you are interested in this earlier type of testing, the nearest testing site is in Savannah, Georgia at Savannah Perinatology Associates of Memorial Health. Our office will be glad to make a referral to Savannah Perinatology for this first trimester testing if you are interested in this option. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that all women who are pregnant should be offered genetic screening. In addition to the blood tests and ultrasounds mentioned above, an amniocentesis (needle inserted into fluid around the baby) or chronic villus sampling (removal of a piece of placental tissue through the vagina) can be performed. If you are interested in either of these procedures, please let us know. These tests are performed by Savannah Perinatology Associates of Memorial Health, in Savannah, Georgia. Please remember it is your responsibility to check with your insurance company regarding coverage of any or all of these tests, should you choose to have them. You may choose any of the following options for prenatal screening:
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