The two investigations which we most commonly offer are an amniocentesis or a chorionic villus sample (CVS). Both tests involving having a needle passed into the pregnancy under direct ultrasound control.
There are a number of other investigations that are carried out less frequently, for example fetal blood transfusion. If you need one of these, the consultant will explain why you are being offered this procedure and explain how it is carried out.
It is quite common for us to ask other specialists to look at your baby, for example, we might ask the paediatric cardiologist to examine the baby’s heart, or a radiologist to carry out an MRI scan to look at the baby’s brain. These tests will be explained to you if they are necessary.
Blood tests are commonly offered and the exact type that you need will be discussed with you.