If antenatal screening tests find something - Your pregnancy and baby guide

Most antenatal screening tests will not find anything, but there's a chance you'll be told your baby could be born with a condition.

If this happens to you, there's always support available.

Get as much information as you can

It can help to find out as much as you can about the condition your baby may have.

A specialist doctor (obstetrician) or midwife will explain what the screening results mean and talk to you about your options.

Your appointments should take place in a private and quiet space. But this can sometimes be difficult in a busy hospital.

You can bring your partner, a family member or friend with you.

It might help to write down any questions you have before you go. Ask the doctor or midwife to explain anything again if you need them to.

You could ask things like:

Read more about conditions screened for in pregnancy

You may be offered further tests (sometimes called diagnostic tests).

These tests check if your baby definitely has the condition screening tests have said they might have.

The tests you may be offered are:

You may also have further scans.

It's up to you to decide if you want to do any further tests. You can discuss this with a doctor or midwife.

In most cases, you'll find out if your baby has the condition they were tested for. But in some cases this may not be possible.

This can be a very difficult decision. You may find you feel differently from one day to the next.

You do not have to make this decision on your own. Speak to your doctor, midwife, family and friends about your options.

You have time to think about your decision – whatever you decide, you'll have support.

It can help to speak to:

your partner, family or friends
a midwife or specialist doctor
a local support group
charities that support families with your baby's condition
a counsellor – you do not need a referral from your GP (find out more about how to see a counsellor)

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) – a charity who can support you in your decision
Down's Syndrome Association
Sickle Cell Society
SOFT – for families affected by Patau's and Edwards' syndromes
UK Thalassaemia Society

Some people find it helps to hear from people who have been in the same position.

Healthtalk.org has videos of people talking about:

Page last reviewed: 3 April 2019
Next review due: 3 April 2022