It’s natural to be worried about whether your baby is ok, but there are some tests which may help to put your mind at rest.

Scans and blood tests are the most common tests in pregnancy, and are usually done after 12 weeks, although there are some which can be carried out before this, including the nuchal scan and CVS.

If you want one of these tests, you may have to go to a specialist unit or pay to have them done. Your midwife or doctor will tell you more.

There are two types of test:

• A screening test tells you whether there might be a problem.
• A diagnostic test tells you for definite if there is a problem.

You don’t have to have any test if you don’t want to, but some women welcome them as reassurance. You may consider taking an early test if:

• You’re over 35 (as the chance of abnormalities in the baby increases as you get older).
• You have a family history of genetic problems.

We explain what tests are available, why they matter and when to expect them.

CVS (Chorionic villus sampling)

A test for Down’s syndrome which involves taking a sample of the placenta to check the chromosomes of the baby. Find out more about CVS here.

Nuchal scan

A specialised ultrasound scan that screens for Down’s syndrome. Find out more here.

AFP (alfa-feto protein) test

A blood test that screens for spina bifida.

Double/Triple/Triple Plus

Blood tests that screen for Down’s syndrome. Read more about screening blood tests here.

Amniocentesis

A test for Down’s syndrome and other conditions. It involves taking a sample of the ‘waters’ (amniotic fluid) that surround the baby. Read more about amniocentesis here.