Prenatal Tests

Learn about the four common prenatal tests for pregnant women.

Ultrasound
Many doctors do an ultrasound (which produces a picture called a sonogram, so the terms are
interchangeable) to verify the age of the fetus, see if you're carrying more than one baby, and check
for birth defects.

Maternal Blood Test
Maternal blood tests show whether the baby is at higher-than-average risk for certain birth
defects of the brain and spine (called neural tube defects) and Down syndrome (a chromosomal birth defect).

Amniocentesis
If your blood test was abnormal and the ultrasound didn't uncover the cause, your doctor may
recommend an amniocentesis to test for birth defects.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS tests for the same birth defects as amniocentesis, with the exception of neural tube defects.

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