Antenatal/Newborn screening

The NHS offers free screening tests during pregnancy to detect potential health conditions that may affect you or your baby. These tests provide vital information to help you make informed decisions about further tests, care, or treatment.

Who is eligible?
All pregnant individuals in England are eligible for screening tests. Some tests, such as those for inherited conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, may be recommended based on ethnic background or family history.

How to access
Screening tests are typically offered during routine antenatal appointments. Your midwife or doctor will discuss available tests, and you can choose whether to have them. Key screening periods include:

  • Before 10 weeks: Blood tests for sickle cell and thalassaemia
  • Early pregnancy: Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis
  • 11-14 weeks: Screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome
  • 18-21 weeks: 20-week scan for physical conditions

Further information

Are screening tests mandatory?

No, all screening tests are optional. Your midwife or doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.

Will screening tests give a definite diagnosis?

Some tests, such as those for infectious diseases, provide definite results. Others, like screening for Down’s syndrome, indicate the likelihood of a condition and may require follow-up diagnostic tests.

Are there risks involved?

Screening tests themselves do not harm you or your baby. However, follow-up diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis, carry a small risk of miscarriage.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all screening records are confidential and only shared with necessary healthcare staff.

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