Prenatal genetic screening can tell you your chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect.  It is offered free of charge as a choice to all pregnant women with MSP coverage in BC.*

If you are thinking of having a baby, or if you are pregnant, this website can answer many of your questions about prenatal genetic screening. It can also prepare you for an informed discussion with your partner and your health care provider.

Keep in mind:

• It is your choice whether or not to have prenatal genetic screening.
• The earlier in your pregnancy you see your health care provider, the more options you will have.

Choose from the topics below to learn more about prenatal genetic screening.

• What is prenatal genetic screening?
• What are Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and open neural tube defects?
• How, when and where is prenatal screening done?
• When should I have my blood drawn?
• Is prenatal screening the right choice for me?
• What are the different prenatal screens?
• What do the screen results mean?
• My result is screen positive.  Now what?
• What is diagnostic testing?
• What is ultrasound?
• What are genetic counsellors and maternal fetal medicine doctors?

Watch our video to learn about prenatal screening in BC, or you can download pamphlets to your computer.

* If you do not have MSP coverage, prenatal genetic screening is available for a fee. 
  BC Children's Hospital finance department will send you an invoice for $125.00.
  You may also be charged for blood collection by the facility who draws your blood.