Prenatal Genetic Testing: Understanding Your Options
- Posted on: Apr 25 2025
At Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology in Fort Worth and Granbury, TX, we understand that pregnancy is a time filled with joy—and also many important decisions. One of those decisions may include whether to pursue prenatal genetic testing. Our team is here to help guide you through your choices and explain what these tests can—and can’t—tell you about your baby’s health.
Prenatal genetic testing includes a variety of screenings and diagnostic procedures that help assess the likelihood of certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby. These tests are not required, but they can provide valuable insight and peace of mind for many families.
Some tests are performed in the first trimester, typically between weeks 10 and 13. These may include noninvasive blood tests like cell-free DNA screening, which analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood to assess for conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. This test is highly accurate and carries no risk to the pregnancy.
Other options include combined first-trimester screening, which uses both a blood test and an ultrasound measurement of the baby’s neck (nuchal translucency) to help estimate risk for certain conditions. While not diagnostic, these screenings can help identify whether further testing might be beneficial.
During the second trimester, additional screenings such as the quad screen may be offered. This blood test looks for four specific substances in the mother’s blood to help identify the risk of neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities. An anatomy ultrasound around 18–20 weeks also provides important information about the baby’s development.
For families who want a more definitive diagnosis, diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis may be considered. These tests examine the baby’s chromosomes directly, but they do come with a small risk of miscarriage, so they are typically reserved for cases where the benefits outweigh the risks.
Genetic testing is a personal choice. Some patients choose testing to prepare for a child with special needs, while others prefer not to know unless absolutely necessary. Whatever your reasons, the team at Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology is here to support you. We’ll walk you through your options, discuss your medical and family history, and ensure that any decisions are informed by both compassion and science.
If you have questions about prenatal genetic testing or would like to schedule a visit, we’re here to help. You can reach us at either our Fort Worth or Granbury office to begin planning for a healthy, supported pregnancy.
Contact us today: https://www.graceobgyntx.com/contact/
Further Reading
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/prenatal-genetic-screening-tests
Posted in: Babies, Obstetrics, Women's Health