What tests are recommended for an advanced maternal age pregnancy?

What tests are recommended for an advanced maternal age pregnancy?

Genetic screening tests are recommended for all pregnancies but are particularly important for people of advanced maternal age. These noninvasive screenings are optional and can detect if your baby is at high risk for certain congenital conditions. Most testing uses blood tests or ultrasound. These tests are screenings, meaning they detect the possibility of a genetic condition.

If a problem is detected in a screening test, invasive genetic testing can be done. These include chronic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. CVS uses cells from the placenta to diagnose a genetic condition. Amniocentesis involves placing a needle through your abdomen to extract amniotic fluid from inside the womb. This fluid can help diagnose certain genetic conditions.