Prenatal Diagnosis

Prenatal testing screens for problems with either a pregnancy or baby. Screening helps us make any necessary diagnoses so we can start treatment as soon as possible, increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

You may receive prenatal screening for a routine or high‑risk pregnancy. Your personal and family health history can help you decide whether screening is right for you.

We recommend more in‑depth prenatal testing if you:

• Are expecting more than one baby
• Have a family history of genetic disorders or birth defects, such as Down syndrome or spina bifida
• Have experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, including two or more miscarriages
• Will be older than 35 on your due date, which increases your risk of pregnancy and delivery complications or of having a baby with health issues

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your choices. Prenatal testing options include:

Pregnancy ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to get a picture of your baby. It’s a routine prenatal test that serves multiple purposes, including confirming pregnancy and checking your baby’s growth and development. We offer multiple types of pregnancy ultrasound, including:

• Nuchal translucency test (first trimester ultrasound)
• Fetal anatomy survey
• Growth ultrasound
• Doppler assessment

Noninvasive prenatal screening

You get a blood test to evaluate your risk for birth defects. This test can show your risk but doesn’t diagnose birth defects. If your results show your baby could have a genetic condition, you may need additional testing.

Serum integrated screening

We draw your blood to look for birth defects such as Down syndrome and spina bifida in your baby. You get two different blood tests between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and between 15 and 20 weeks.

AFP genetic testing

We measure your blood levels of alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP). High levels could point to a problem. Cedars-Sinai is a state-approved AFP prenatal diagnosis center.

Chorionic villus sampling

We remove a small amount of tissue from your placenta, called chorionic villi. We can test this tissue for genetic diseases.

Amniocentesis

Your provider removes a small amount of amniotic fluid using ultrasound guidance. They analyze the amniotic fluid for chromosomal abnormalities.

Fetal echocardiography

A fetal echocardiogram uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of your baby’s heart. You usually only need this test if there’s a chance your baby has a problem with their heart.

Antenatal testing

These tests use ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring to monitor your baby’s wellbeing. You may need antenatal testing if you have pregnancy risks or complications such as:

• Advanced maternal age
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Poor fetal growth
• Too much or too little amniotic fluid

Genetic counseling may be your first step before you even have prenatal testing. A genetic counselor helps you understand the risks of passing down genetic conditions or birth defects to your child. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make the best choices for your family.

Our genetic counselors work together with our maternal‑fetal medicine specialists to get you the best care. We help you understand your family history, test results and possible treatment options.