During the consultation we not only evaluate markers for chromosomal abnormalities, but screen for major structural abnormalities as well.

courtesy of Renato Ximenes

“This method of screening reduces the number of women requiring an invasive test from about 20 % to less than 3 %. At the same time increasing the detection rate of Down’s syndrome and other major chromosomal abnormalities from less than 50 % to more than 95 %.” Nicolaides, FMF London

The initial appointment is to screen for patients at risk for chromosomal abnormalities. In the case where a patient screens high risk they will be offered further testing in the form of non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and invasive testing (CVS/amniocentesis). Non-invasive prenatal screening involves a blood draw and invasive testing involves placing a needle into the womb drawing of the placental DNA early in pregnancy or amniotic fluid after 16 weeks. Once the patient decides and consents to further testing another appointment will be scheduled for the procedure to take place.

Please bring along your referral letter, co-payment (if applicable) and first-trimester report if done by another health care professional (sonographer, sonologist, gynaecologist or fetal medicine specialist).

During embryology spontaneous faults can arise in the development of your baby. The purpose of the examination is to evaluate the fetus for structural abnormalities so that if need be one can be prepared for once the baby is born or opt for further testing a) if one would consider termination or b) for peace of mind.

The truth is that every woman, regardless of age, has a small risk of having a child with physical or mental disability and therefore it is important to undergo specialised ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. 

There are multiple prenatal tests available during pregnancy. Some are optional and may depend on whether one can afford it or not. Below you will find a summary made available courtesy of the SASOG in Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa.