Prenatal Screening
Prenatal care is essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy and monitoring your baby’s development. Regular visits help identify potential issues early, and prenatal screening can provide additional insight beyond routine examinations.
The Center for Fetal Medicine and Women’s Ultrasound is one of California’s leading centers for comprehensive prenatal and maternal-fetal medicine services. Our team includes board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists, perinatal sonographers, genetic counselors, and a certified diabetes educator and nutritionist. Working closely with your primary obstetric provider, we deliver advanced diagnostic technology, specialized care, and compassionate support throughout your pregnancy.
Understanding the difference between genetic screening and diagnostic testing is an important part of prenatal decision-making. Our genetic counselors are available to guide you through these options and help you make informed choices.
First and second trimester screening
The California Prenatal Screening Program provides expectant parents with information about the potential risk of certain conditions, including chromosome abnormalities, genetic disorders, and birth defects. Screening may take place during the first and/or second trimester and can include blood testing, ultrasound, or a combination of both. If a result indicates an increased risk or if you would like help understanding your options, genetic counselors are available at our center to provide guidance and support.
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health website (www.cdph.ca.gov) or learn more at mytestingoptions.com.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Cell-free DNA testing, also known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a highly advanced screening method used to assess the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosome conditions—without any risk of miscarriage. This test analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. A simple blood draw can be performed any time after 10 weeks of pregnancy, and results are typically available within 10 days. NIPT offers a higher detection rate for Down syndrome compared to routine prenatal screening programs. However, while very accurate, it remains a screening test and is not as definitive or comprehensive as diagnostic procedures such as CVS or amniocentesis.
