Antenatal Screening

Antenatal screening is a valuable tool during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of your unborn baby.

As part of your antenatal care, your community midwife will provide you with information on Antenatal Screening Wales. The choice to undergo antenatal screening is entirely up to you. It is important you understand the tests being offered and the potential impact they may have on your pregnancy if an unusual or positive result is detected.

Antenatal screening include blood tests and ultrasound scans. Relevant and up to date information about antenatal screening options can be found on the Antenatal Screening - Public Health Wales Website. 

Your community midwife will also guide you through the available screening options. If you consent to the antenatal screening tests, your community midwife will discuss the results with you as part of your routine antenatal care. If you require additional information or support, your local hospital has a specialised screening team. Speak to your community midwife who can provide you with the contact details for the specialised screening team.

Further information and resources

For further information on the specific screening tests offered in pregnancy: 

• Antenatal Screening Wales | Public Health Wales (nhs.wales) - Those who are pregnant will be offered antenatal screening tests during their pregnancy to check their health and the health of their baby.
• Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) - Information and support before, during and after antenatal screening.
• About Down's Syndrome - Downs Syndrome Association - Information and advice on Down's Syndrome. 
• Home: DSUK - Down Syndrome UK - Information and advice on Down's Syndrome. 
• SOFT UK - Edward’s and Patau’s Syndrome support. 
• Sickle Cell Society - Supporting People Affected by Sickle Cell Disorder.
• UKTS - UKTS - Thalassaemia Society
• Blood groups | NHS 111 Wales - Information about blood groups. 
• HIV Information - Information and useful links on HIV.  
• Hepatitis B | British Liver Trust - Information and support on Hepatitis B. 
• Syphilis | NHS 111 Wales - Information about syphilis symptoms and health advice.