Antenatal screening and testing

You will be offered various antenatal screening and diagnostic tests during pregnancy. Find out what they can reveal about your health and the health of your baby here.
Antenatal tests are optional, and it is up to you to decide which pregnancy testing and screening is right for you. This article looks at what to take into account when deciding.
Foetal screening and diagnostic tests can detect pregnancy complications and foetal abnormalities. Find out which conditions you and your baby may be tested for.
Finding out your baby may have a disability can be a shock. Learn more about sources of information and support for parents expecting babies with disabilities.
You will be offered screening tests for maternal infections and pregnancy complications during pregnancy. Find out more about maternal testing in this article.
You may be told you have ‘rhesus negative’ blood during routine pregnancy screening. Find out more about what this means for you and your baby.
Testing for Down's syndrome in pregnancy may include screening, such as the nuchal translucency scan, or diagnostic tests, such as CVS and amniocentesis
Exposure to ionising radiation during pregnancy is usually avoidable. Find out more about the risks, and the difference between ionising radiation and ultrasound/MRI.
Itching is common in pregnancy, but severe itching can be a sign of obstetric cholestasis, a potentially more serious condition.