Why screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is done

Screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is offered to find out how likely it is that your baby has any of these 3 conditions:

It's the best way to find any of these conditions, but having screening is your choice.

Some people want to find out if their baby has one of the conditions and some do not. It may lead to very personal decisions about your pregnancy.

You can discuss the test with health professionals and decide, based on your own circumstances, if you want to have it.

Who screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is for

Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome screening is offered if you're pregnant.

It's usually done when you're between 10 and 14 weeks pregnant.

How screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is done

The first screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome is called the combined test.

There are 2 parts to the combined test:

a blood test when you're between 10 and 14 weeks pregnant, with blood taken from your arm
an ultrasound to measure the fluid at the back of your baby's neck during your 12-week scan (dating scan), when you're between 11 and 14 weeks pregnant

If you choose to have the combined test, the 2 parts are usually done at the same time, although they may be done separately.

The quadruple test

If you're more than 14 weeks pregnant, you'll be offered the quadruple (quad) test instead.

This is a blood test done when you're between 14 and 20 weeks pregnant. The quad test checks for Down's syndrome but is not as accurate as the combined test.

Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome will also be checked for during your 20-week screening scan, if you choose to have it.

There are no known risks to you or your baby from the blood tests or scans for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome.

Find out about the 12-week scan (dating scan) and 20-week screening scan, including why they're done and how to prepare for them.

How to get screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

You'll usually be given information about screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome at your first midwife appointment (sometimes called your booking appointment).

You can choose to check for:

all 3 conditions
Down's syndrome only
Edwards' and Patau's syndromes only – these are always done as a joint test
none of the conditions

Your midwife or doctor may book the appointments for you or tell you how to book the appointments yourself.

The screening is offered to everyone who's pregnant, but it's your choice if you want to have it.

It's the best way to see if there's a higher chance your baby has any of the conditions, but not everyone wants this information.

If you decide not to have the screening but change your mind later, speak to your midwife or GP. They can tell you if you're still able to have it.

If you're between 10 and 14 weeks pregnant and have not been offered screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome, tell your midwife or GP.

Getting the results of screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

You should get the results of Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome screening within 2 weeks of having the tests.

You may get them by letter, or someone may contact you by phone or in person, depending on what the result is.

The possible results are:

lower chance of the condition – most people will get this result
higher chance of the condition

You'll get a single result for Down's syndrome, and a joint result for Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome. You'll only get the results you asked for when you decided to have the test.

If you've not had your baby's results within 2 weeks of having the screening tests, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

What the results mean

Lower chance of the condition

If your baby has a lower chance of having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, you'll get a letter within 2 weeks of having the screening.

The letter will say what the chance of your baby being born with the condition is – for example, 1 chance in 300.

This means your baby is unlikely to have the condition, and you will not be offered any further tests.

Most people will get this result.

Higher chance of the condition

You'll be contacted by phone or in person within 1 week of having the screening if the test shows your baby has a higher chance of having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.

Getting this result does not mean your baby definitely has the condition. Most people with higher-chance results will have a baby without any of the conditions.

You'll be offered an appointment with a health professional to discuss:

the results and what they mean
the condition your baby may have
more about your choices

They will be able to answer any questions you have.

What happens after getting a higher-chance result

If you get a higher-chance result, you can choose to have:

a more accurate screening blood test, called the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)
a test that can tell you if your baby definitely has the condition – either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis
no further tests

Your maternity team will support you with whatever decision you make.

Find out more

Support and more information about screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) offers support and information about screening tests and how you might feel if you're told your baby has or might have a condition.

ARC: Screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome
Helpline: call 020 7713 7486, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm
Text: 07908 683004
Email: info@arc-uk.org

Screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome