# Prenatal genetic and carrier screening

**Should we have prenatal genetic and carrier screening?**

Prenatal screening uses blood tests and ultrasound to estimate the chance of conditions such as Down syndrome; carrier screening checks whether you carry genes for inherited conditions; diagnostic tests (CVS and amniocentesis) take a sample for a definite answer. The decision is how much of this you want to know.

In short: Parents choose between 5 main approaches: None; Standard screening for common trisomies; Plus expanded carrier panels; Diagnostic testing (CVS, amniocentesis); Maximal information. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: during pregnancy.

- Area: Pregnancy, birth and arrival
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: During pregnancy
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--prenatal-genetic-and-carrier-screening

## Prenatal genetic and carrier screening: what are the options?

1. **None**: You decline genetic testing during pregnancy.
2. **Standard screening for common trisomies**: You have the routine blood test and ultrasound that estimate the chance of conditions such as Down syndrome.
3. **Plus expanded carrier panels**: You also have blood tests that check whether you each carry genes for a wider range of inherited conditions.
4. **Diagnostic testing (CVS, amniocentesis)**: You have a procedure that takes a small sample from the placenta (CVS) or the fluid around the baby (amniocentesis) to give a definite answer.
5. **Maximal information**: You choose every test on offer, to learn as much as possible before birth.

## Prenatal genetic and carrier screening: what does the evidence say?

**Your call.** No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

ACOG: discuss and offer screening and diagnostic testing to every patient regardless of age; every patient may decline

Sources:

- [ACOG](https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/non-invasive-prenatal-testing)

## What else is worth knowing?

Screening tests give a likelihood, not a diagnosis, and a result outside the usual range leads to the offer of a diagnostic test. Diagnostic procedures give a clear answer and carry a small risk of their own. Before choosing, it helps to ask what you would do with each possible result.

## Questions to ask each other

- How much do we each want to know before the birth, and why?
- What would we do with the results, and would any result change our plans?
- Would we rather decide together after talking to a genetic counselor?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival&topic=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--prenatal-genetic-and-carrier-screening