First Trimester Screening

First Trimester Screening is a prenatal test to determine the likelihood that a fetus (unborn baby) is affected with chromosome abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or trisomy 18. It is performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. A blood sample (you will receive the laboratory slip from your prenatal care provider) is collected and a special fetal ultrasound exam is performed at our office to measure the nuchal translucency (amount of fluid in the back of the fetal neck). If you have your blood drawn for first trimester screening at least 7 business days before your appointment ay our office, then you will most likely be given your screening results after your ultrasound exam. Otherwise, your prenatal care provider will notify you of the test results.

The physicians in the Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine office are certified to provide first trimester screening.

If you are at increased risk of having a fetus (unborn baby) with a chromosome abnormality (i.e. over 35 years of age) you will be scheduled for genetic counseling and an ultrasound exam. The genetic counselor will review your medical, family and pregnancy histories and discuss appropriate screening and diagnostic testing options available to you. Typically, counseling appointments are 45 minutes. An ultrasound exam will measure the nuchal translucency. You should plan to be at our office for approximately 2 hours.

Women who are not scheduled for genetic counseling should plan on being at our office for approximately 45 minutes.

Your healthcare provider receives a letter summarizing the details of this appointment and the First Trimester Screening test results.

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