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Prenatal Screening in South Delhi

Fetal Medicine Specialist | Dr. Chintan Chaudhary | Saket, South Delhi
Prenatal screening includes a set of tests offered during pregnancy to assess the likelihood of certain fetal conditions and help guide whether further diagnostic testing may be useful. Dr. Chintan Chaudhary offers structured prenatal screening in Saket, South Delhi, with clear counselling at every step.

Prenatal screening refers to non-invasive tests carried out during pregnancy — typically a combination of ultrasound and maternal blood tests — that assess the likelihood of certain chromosomal or structural conditions in the baby.

Understanding Prenatal Screening

These tests are designated as "screening" because they estimate probability and risk; they do not provide a definitive diagnosis on their own. They help prospective parents and clinicians gain valuable insights into the baby's health and development early in pregnancy.

Screening helps identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional monitoring, specialized scanning, or further diagnostic procedures, ensuring safe, proactive, and individualized care throughout gestation.

Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing

Understanding the fundamental distinction between screening and diagnostic evaluations is essential for making informed decisions:

Screening Tests

Tests such as the combined first-trimester test, anomaly scan, or NIPT assess the statistical likelihood of a condition. They are non-invasive and safe for both mother and fetus, but they do not confirm or rule out conditions with 100% certainty.

Diagnostic Tests

Procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) analyze fetal genetic material directly to provide a definitive diagnosis. Because they are invasive, they carry specific procedural considerations and are typically advised following high-risk screening.

Screening Milestones

When Is Prenatal Screening Done?

Prenatal screening is offered at dedicated intervals throughout pregnancy, aligning with key fetal developmental stages.

First-Trimester Screening (11–13+6 Weeks)

Combines an ultrasound to measure nuchal translucency (NT) with maternal biochemical blood markers. It evaluates common chromosomal conditions (like Down syndrome) and performs an early anatomical review.

Second-Trimester Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)

A comprehensive, high-resolution ultrasound evaluation examining fetal anatomical development, organ formation, placental positioning, amniotic fluid volume, and overall physical growth.

NIPT / Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

An advanced maternal blood test available from 10 weeks onward that evaluates cell-free fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood, delivering superior sensitivity for major chromosomal variations.

Personalized Screening Schedules

Every pregnancy is unique. Your fetal medicine specialist will evaluate your medical background, prior pregnancies, and early clinical findings to advise the most appropriate combination of tests for your individual timeline.

Navigating Abnormal Screening Results

Receiving a higher-risk or atypical screening result can feel overwhelming, but an unexpected result is an indication for further clinical evaluation, not a definitive diagnosis.

What Happens Next?

Higher-Risk Does Not Mean Certainty

A higher-risk screening result does not mean your baby definitely has a condition. It indicates an elevated probability that warrants closer evaluation and transparent, informed discussion.

Dedicated Genetic Counselling

Dr. Chintan Chaudhary provides specialized genetic counselling alongside screening tests, helping parents clearly comprehend risk estimates, biological implications, and testing options.

Diagnostic Confirmation Options

If clarification is needed, confirmatory diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are discussed, outlining their benefits and precise clinical indications.

Informed and Unhurried Decision-Making

Clinical discussions are paced to ensure parents have sufficient time, empathetic support, and unbiased medical clarity to decide what step aligns best with their values and family goals.

Empathetic, Expert Guidance

Facing uncertainty during pregnancy requires balanced clinical expertise and reassuring communication. Through comprehensive ultrasound evaluations and detailed genetic consultations, every test result is methodically contextualized so you always know where you stand and what choices are available.

Indications & Eligibility

Who Should Consider Prenatal Screening?

Prenatal screening is routinely offered to all expectant mothers as an integral part of modern antenatal care, with specific protocols recommended for higher-risk scenarios.

01

All Routine Pregnancies

Offered as a standard part of antenatal healthcare to track fetal wellbeing and establish early baseline health markers.

02

Family Genetic History

Strongly recommended where there is a documented family history of inherited chromosomal or single-gene conditions.

03

Prior Affected Pregnancy

Recommended for parents who have had a previous pregnancy affected by structural variations or chromosomal conditions.

04

Advanced Maternal Age

Maternal age of 35 or above is associated with higher probabilities of chromosomal variations like trisomy 21.

05

Multiple Pregnancies

Expectant mothers carrying twins or higher-order multiples require specialized risk calculations and screening protocols.

06

Prior Scan Anomalies

Essential whenever an atypical finding, structural soft marker, or unexpected metric appears on an earlier ultrasound.

Specialized Care

Related Services & Clinical Consultations

Comprehensive maternal-fetal medicine tailored to support your health and your baby's development at every phase.

NIPT Screening

A deeper, highly sensitive evaluation through non-invasive prenatal cell-free DNA testing, offering accurate risk assessments early from 10 weeks.

Genetic Counselling

One-on-one expert consultations to break down test results, review family health histories, and clarify potential genetic trajectories with compassion.

High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Specialized clinical monitoring, advanced fetal surveillance, and proactive care strategies for pregnancies requiring heightened attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about prenatal screening milestones, diagnostic tests, risk estimations, and what your results mean.

Prenatal screening is a set of tests offered during pregnancy — usually combining ultrasound and maternal blood tests — that assess the likelihood of certain fetal chromosomal or structural conditions.

No. Screening estimates likelihood or statistical risk; only a definitive diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can confirm a diagnosis.

Commonly in the first trimester (around 11–13+6 weeks) and again in the second trimester (around 18–22 weeks for the anomaly scan). Additionally, NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) can be performed from around 10 weeks onward.

An abnormal or higher-risk result does not confirm a condition on its own. It typically leads to a discussion of next steps, which may include genetic counselling and confirmatory diagnostic testing to clarify the findings.

Screening is offered as a routine part of antenatal care for most pregnancies, regardless of baseline risk category. Your specialist will guide you on the most suitable screening pathway for your pregnancy.