While the pregnancy news brings hope and excitement, the multiple tests performed from the beginning till your delivery can seem pretty overwhelming. Among these tests, you may hear about NIPT (Non-invasive Prenatal Testing). The test checks the chromosomal makeup, i.e., whether the baby has extra or missing chromosomes.
In every maternity hospital in Airoli, the test is recommended as part of routine prenatal tests. If you are wondering how it’s done and what it helps detect, this post covers everything you should know about NIPT and when it’s needed.
NIPT: What is it?
NIPT is a screening test that takes a small sample of the mother’s blood, which also contains the baby’s DNA. This gives your gynecologist in Airoli a glimpse of the baby’s genetic material. Based on this, the baby’s likelihood of developing a chromosomal defect is assessed. NIPT can be conducted after 10 weeks of gestation.
The fragments of the fetus’s DNA are passed into the mother’s bloodstream through the placenta. The DNA contains information about the baby’s genes. The test is mainly done to determine your baby’s risk of having Down Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome.
How Accurate is NIPT?
NIPT is a highly accurate test for detecting Down Syndrome, with a success rate of up to 99%, although the numbers are slightly lower for detecting Trisomy 18, 13, and other defects. That said, the test is known for giving accurate results in most cases, with fewer false alarms.
What makes it a highly preferred choice is its non-invasive nature. As the name suggests, non-invasive prenatal screening doesn’t pose harm to your baby’s health. It doesn’t increase the risk of miscarriage either. Since the test is non-invasive and only requires a blood sample, it’s the safest option for assessing your baby’s risk of certain chromosomal defects.
Note that NIPT is a screening test, which means it doesn’t diagnose a condition. It only shows the risk levels. Further testing may be needed if the results seem unusual.
Who Needs to Take NIPT?
Anyone, in fact, every pregnant woman should take NIPT as early in their pregnancy as possible just for the peace of mind. However, the test is optional. It’s mainly recommended for women who:
- Are above 35 years old (the risk of pregnancy complications and chromosomal issues in the fetus increases with age)
- Had abnormal ultrasound test results
- Have a family history of genetic defects
Pros and Cons of NIPT
While NIPT helps detect chromosomal defects early, it has its own drawbacks. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of NIPT in pregnancy.
Pros
- The safest, non-invasive test for the mother and the baby
- Highly accurate for certain chromosomal conditions
- Can be taken in early pregnancy
Cons
- Expensive
- It might miss out on certain genetic defects
Conclusion
A non-invasive prenatal test is an optional screening procedure for pregnant women who want the reassurance that their growing fetus does not have a chromosomal defect.
Early detection often helps make informed decisions regarding further tests. Although it’s not necessary for all, NIPT is highly recommended, especially in women with advanced maternal age or a family history of genetic diseases.