Prenatal Test

Table of contents

Prenatal Test - what is it and how the test is done

Giving birth to a healthy and well-developed baby is every mother's topmost priority. For this purpose, a new mother is kept under strict observation after the confirmation of her pregnancy by her doctor. 

Every expecting mother must visit her doctor on the specified dates and undergo all the required tests and examinations to ensure that the health of both the baby and the mother are in perfect condition. 

These tests are called 'prenatal tests' as they are done before the baby's birth. These tests include: 

  • Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels 
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling 
  • Amniocentesis 

These prenatal screening tests need to take place as, most of the time, they can help diagnose any abnormality the baby might face beforehand. However, if the baby is healthy, there is almost no need to worry about anything! These tests help with counselling the mother on the next steps to follow.

Common conditions covered by a Prenatal Test

Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Birth defects Genetic disorders Down syndrome Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) Patau syndrome (trisomy 13) Neural tube defects Spina bifida

Where to get a Prenatal Test in Italy

Prenatal Test at-Home and Self Tests

Prenatal Test FAQs

Prenatal testing includes screening and diagnostic tests which provide valuable information about your baby's health. It involves blood tests or ultrasounds to assess the baby's health.

These tests test alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels, chorionic villus sampling, and Amniocentesis. In the first trimester, a blood test and ultrasound are done to measure the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of a baby's neck. During your second trimester, another blood test is called the quad screen. This test measures levels of four substances in your blood. Prenatal cell-free DNA screening provides information about a baby's sex and rhesus (Rh) blood type. These tests detect chromosomal aberrations and down syndrome identification.

The accuracy varies from test-test, and false positive or falsely negative results are possible.

Prenatal results provide information on whether the baby has a genetic defect. These can ease your anxiety during pregnancy about the baby's health.

Blood tests and ultrasounds pose limited risks for you and your baby. Invasive tests such as chorionic villus sampling or Amniocentesis carry a slight chance of pregnancy loss.

A Prenatal Test in Italy costs on average 400 Euros. (information based on our data as of September 2022)