Title: Prenatal Tests: FAQs (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth
Headings: Prenatal Tests: FAQs
Prenatal Tests: FAQs
What Are Prenatal Tests?
Why Are Prenatal Tests Done?
Who Should Have Prenatal Tests?
What Else Should I Know?

Content: identify treatable health problems that can affect the baby
show characteristics of the baby, including size, sex, age, and position in the  uterus
help determine whether a baby might have a birth  defect, genetic problem, or other condition
Some prenatal tests are screening tests that can only reveal the  possibility of a problem. Other prenatal tests are diagnostic tests that  can accurately find whether a fetus has a specific problem. A screening test sometimes  is followed by a diagnostic test. Although your health care provider (who may be your OB-GYN, family doctor, or a  certified nurse-midwife) may recommend these tests, it's up to you to decide whether  to have them. Who Should Have Prenatal Tests? Some prenatal tests are considered routine — that is, almost all pregnant  women receiving prenatal care get them. They include things like checking urine (pee) levels for protein, sugar,  or signs of infection. Other non-routine tests are recommended only for some women, especially those with high-risk pregnancies. These may include  women who: are age 35 or older
are teens
have had a premature baby
have had a baby with a birth defect (especially heart or genetic problems)
are carrying more than one baby
have high blood pressure, diabetes , lupus, heart disease, kidney problems, cancer ,  an STD, asthma, or a seizure disorder
have an ethnic background in which genetic disorders are common (or a partner  who does)
What Else Should I Know?