Prenatal Screening Tests in Pregnancy
Pregnancy screening tests answer specific questions at specific gestations — and understanding what each does (and doesn’t) is part of informed care. Combined first-trimester screening, NIPT, anomaly scan, gestational diabetes OGTT, group B streptococcus screening, preeclampsia screening — these are the major elements. Each has indications, timing, and interpretation rules. The screening menu is offered, the patient decides, and our care plan reflects the patient’s choices.
Our approach to prenatal screening
Every patient is offered the full screening menu with clear explanation of what each test does, what its limitations are, and what the result will inform. Screening is a choice — we respect the decision either way. Positive screens trigger our structured follow-up pathway with counselling, additional testing options, and unhurried decision-making.
Genetic screening
NT scan + combined first-trimester screening is the conventional option. NIPT (cell-free fetal DNA) offers higher sensitivity for the common trisomies and is increasingly chosen. Detailed genetic counselling is available for family-history indications.
Anomaly screening
The second-trimester anomaly scan (18–22 weeks) is the primary structural screen. ISUOG protocols define what should be examined. We discuss findings — including soft markers — in context, not as isolated alarms.
Metabolic + infection screening
Gestational diabetes (OGTT at 24–28 weeks, earlier where indicated). Group B streptococcus (vaginal swab around 35–37 weeks). Standard antenatal infection screening at booking. Each has clear management implications when positive.
Screening topics
Guidelines we follow
- ISUOG screening guidelines
- NICE NG201 screening recommendations
- WHO antenatal care recommendations
- RCOG screening green-tops
Dr Patel leads obstetric and high-risk pregnancy care at Balaji Horizon, combining advanced fetal-medicine imaging with evidence-based antenatal management — calm, vigilant care focused on the safest outcome for mother and baby.
Advanced fetal imaging and evidence-based antenatal care — calm, vigilant, and focused on the safest outcome for you and your baby.
Pregnancy screening tests
| Test | When | Checks for |
|---|---|---|
| NT scan | 11–14 weeks | Chromosomal risk |
| NIPT | From 10 weeks | Common trisomies (cell-free DNA) |
| Anomaly scan | 18–22 weeks | Structure |
| Glucose tolerance test | 24–28 weeks | Gestational diabetes |
Where this fits
Screening intersects with fetal medicine screening and informs high-risk pathway decisions.
For specialist antenatal care, contact Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital.
WhatsApp the hospital · +91 97234 31544 · Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Your screening timeline at a glance
| When | What is offered |
|---|---|
| ~11–13 weeks | NT scan with first-trimester markers, or NIPT — see fetal-medicine screening. |
| ~18–22 weeks | The detailed anomaly (TIFFA) scan. |
| ~24–28 weeks | Glucose test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes. |
| Throughout | Blood pressure, urine and haemoglobin checks at each visit. |
Screening estimates risk; confirmatory diagnostic tests are provided by our fetal-medicine team when indicated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?
Is NIPT better than traditional first-trimester screening?
Is the anomaly (TIFFA) scan compulsory?
What happens if a screening result comes back high-risk?
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
“Screening tests do not diagnose — they tell us who needs a closer look, which is exactly what makes them powerful when done on time.”Dr. Priyadatt Patel, MBBS, MS (OBGYN)
