Noninvasive prenatal testing, often called NIPT, is a simple blood test offered during pregnancy. It examines tiny pieces of DNA from the placenta in your bloodstream. From a small sample drawn from your arm, the test screens for certain genetic conditions early in pregnancy. It can also tell whether you are carrying a boy or a girl. NIPT has become a common part of routine prenatal care, and this is what it checks for, when it is recommended, and how it fits into your visits.
What can NIPT detect?
The main job of NIPT is to estimate the chance that a baby has certain chromosomal conditions. Chromosomes carry our genes, and sometimes a baby has an extra or missing copy. The test most often checks for three things:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
It can also look at the sex chromosomes, which is how you can find out whether your baby is likely a boy or a girl.
It helps to know that NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A screening test tells you whether your chance is higher or lower than average. It cannot give a yes-or-no answer on its own. That difference is important to know when you read your results.
When NIPT is recommended
For years, this test was mainly offered to people considered higher risk, such as those over age 35. That has changed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends that prenatal screening, including NIPT, be offered to all pregnant patients no matter their age or risk level.
The test can usually be done starting around 10 weeks of pregnancy. That is because it takes time for enough placental DNA to build up in your blood for an accurate reading. Because it only requires drawing blood from you, there is no risk to your baby. That is one reason so many parents feel comfortable choosing it as part of routine prenatal care.
How NIPT fits into your prenatal care
NIPT is one piece of a bigger picture. It does not replace your ultrasounds or your regular checkups. Instead, it adds helpful information early in pregnancy. A first-trimester or second-trimester ultrasound is still recommended to check your baby’s growth and development.
At Dr. Nader & Associates, genetic testing is offered through our healthcare partner BillionToOne. Your provider can walk you through whether the test makes sense for you, what it can and cannot tell you, and how it fits with the rest of your prenatal visits.
What your results mean
Most people who take NIPT receive a low-risk, or negative, result. This is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out every condition. A low-risk result means the chance of a condition is small, not zero.
A high-risk, or positive, result also does not mean your baby definitely has a condition. NIPT can produce false positives, where the test flags a possible problem that doesn’t exist. This is why a high-risk result should always be confirmed with a diagnostic test before any decisions are made.
It is also worth knowing the test has limits. NIPT is very good at screening for the common chromosomal conditions, but it is less reliable for rarer issues like small missing pieces of a chromosome. Your provider can explain which results are dependable and which need a closer look.
Next steps after testing
If your result comes back low-risk, you will simply continue with your normal prenatal schedule. If your result comes back high-risk, the next step is usually a conversation about diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. These tests can give a clear answer. Genetic counseling may also be offered so you fully understand your options and what each result could mean for your pregnancy.
The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to figure any of this out alone. Your care team is there to explain each step to you in plain language and support whatever choices are right for you and your family. If you are still planning ahead, preconception counseling can help you understand your options before pregnancy begins.
Talk with a provider about your testing options
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and want to understand your prenatal testing choices, the team at Dr. Nader & Associates in Las Vegas is here to help. Schedule an appointment online through Healow or call us at (702) 818-1919 to talk with a provider about whether NIPT is right for you.
