Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is an important part of prenatal care, offering early insight into your baby’s health and the risk of inherited or chromosomal conditions. At The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas, we provide non-invasive testing options and expert guidance to help you make informed decisions during pregnancy.
What Is Genetic Screening?
Genetic screening includes tests that look for inherited or spontaneous changes in genes or chromosomes. These screenings fall into two main categories:
1. Carrier Screening
Carrier screening checks whether you or your partner carry genes for inherited conditions that could be passed on to your baby. Many people are carriers without showing symptoms, so this test can provide important insight even if there’s no known family history.
Common conditions screened for include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Fragile X syndrome
Expanded carrier panels can also include dozens or hundreds of additional conditions, depending on your background and medical history.
2. Chromosomal Screening
Chromosomal screening evaluates whether your baby has an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, or trisomy 13. Common options include:
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Screens fetal DNA in your blood for chromosomal conditions and sex chromosome differences as early as 10 weeks.
- First-Trimester Screening: Combines bloodwork and an ultrasound (nuchal translucency scan) performed between 11–14 weeks.
- Second-Trimester Quad Screen: A blood test between 15–20 weeks that assesses risk for Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other concerns.
These screenings are optional and designed to give you information about your pregnancy, not a diagnosis.
Who Should Consider Genetic Screening?
Genetic screening is available to all pregnant patients, but it may be especially recommended if you:
- Have a family history of genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Are age 35 or older at delivery
- Are part of an ethnic group with a higher carrier risk for specific conditions
- Had an abnormal result in a prior pregnancy
- Want more information to support prenatal planning
- Are adopted (or your partner is) and have limited family health history
Your OB/GYN will discuss your medical history, review available options, and recommend the most appropriate tests based on your goals and risk factors.
What If My Results Are Abnormal?
An abnormal result doesn’t confirm a diagnosis—it simply means more evaluation is needed. If results show an increased risk, your next steps may include:
- Diagnostic testing such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis
- Genetic counseling to understand your results and discuss options
- Referrals for high-risk pregnancy care or pediatric planning
Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you have the support and information you need to make confident decisions.
Supporting Informed Decisions
Genetic screening provides peace of mind and helps you prepare for your pregnancy journey. Whether your results offer reassurance or indicate the need for further testing, our team at The Ob-Gyn Center is here with personalized care and compassionate support.
Schedule your prenatal visit at The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas today.
Call 702-978-8900 or book online to learn more about genetic screening and how it fits into your prenatal care plan.