Screening Tests

Why pregnancy screening tests are done

Pregnancy screening tests (also called antenatal screening tests) are used to check:

• your health
• your baby's development
• signs of specific conditions in your baby

Screening tests can help find certain conditions early. This gives you the chance to discuss further tests and choices with your doctor or midwife, and any treatment or care for you and your baby.

Who pregnancy screening tests are for

Screening tests are offered to everyone in pregnancy as part of NHS pregnancy (antenatal) care.

How to get screening tests in pregnancy

Screening tests may happen as part of your midwife or doctor appointments, or you may be given separate appointments. They'll discuss with you how and when screening tests happen.

It's your choice if you want to have screening tests during your pregnancy. All screening tests offered by the NHS are free.

You can choose to have all the screening tests, just have some of them or have none at all.

Your midwife or doctor will discuss with you which tests are offered and why, to help you make your decision.

If you choose not to have screening tests, you can change your mind and have them later, although some tests must be done at certain times during pregnancy.

What screening tests are offered and when they happen

There are several different types of pregnancy screening tests.

Some tests can only be done at certain stages of pregnancy, for example there are some that should happen before 10 weeks.

If you have a health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, or have had previous complications during pregnancy, you may be offered additional tests or monitoring.

You will also be offered newborn screening tests for your baby after they're born.

Find out more

• GOV.UK: screening tests for you and your baby

What happens during pregnancy screening tests

How screening tests are done depends on the test. They include ultrasound scans and blood tests.

You'll usually also be asked some questions about your medical history, family history and lifestyle.

Blood tests are usually offered as part of your midwife or doctor appointments. You may have separate appointments for ultrasound scans at hospital.

You'll also be offered regular checks and tests as part of your NHS pregnancy (antenatal) care.

Getting the results of your screening tests

You'll be told before the pregnancy screening tests when you'll get the results.

Ultrasound scan results are usually given on the day of the screening test. Blood test results may take longer, you'll usually be told when to expect them.

Screening tests can tell you if your baby has a lower or higher chance of having a health condition, but they cannot tell you for certain.

If your baby has a higher chance of a condition, you'll be offered more information and further tests.

Find out more about what happens if antenatal screening tests find something and about having a baby that might be born with a condition.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men