Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
At Premier Care for Women, we offer Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) as part of our comprehensive approach to prenatal care. This simple blood test provides valuable information about your baby’s genetic health—early in pregnancy and with no risk to you or your baby.
What Is NIPS?
NIPS, also known as cell-free DNA screening, is a blood test that analyzes small fragments of your baby’s DNA that are circulating in your bloodstream during pregnancy. It screens for certain chromosomal conditions and can also identify your baby’s sex, if desired.
What Does NIPS Screen For?
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Sex chromosome abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome
- Optional fetal sex determination
It’s important to understand that NIPS is a screening test—not a diagnostic test. This means it can estimate the risk of certain conditions, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. If a result is abnormal, further testing (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) may be offered.
Who Is NIPS Recommended For?
- Women aged 35 or older
- Those with a personal or family history of chromosomal conditions
- Pregnancies achieved through IVF or egg donation
- Anyone who desires early, low-risk screening for common genetic conditions
How Are the Results Delivered?
How Are the Results Delivered?
- Timing: Results typically return within 7–10 days.
- Communication: We will contact you to discuss your results and what they mean.
- Follow-Up: If your results show a higher risk for a genetic condition, we will review your options and next steps, including referral to a genetic counselor or further testing if desired.
Benefits of NIPS
- Non-invasive: Just a blood draw—no risk to your pregnancy
- Early results: Available as early as 10 weeks
- High accuracy: Especially for Down syndrome and other common conditions
- Optional gender reveal: If you’d like to know your baby’s sex, it can be included in your results
Carrier Screening
What Is Carrier Screening?
Carrier screening is a blood or saliva test that checks if you carry certain inherited genetic conditions—even if you don’t have any symptoms yourself. Most people are “carriers” of at least one genetic condition, but being a carrier doesn’t usually affect your own health.
If both biological parents are carriers of the same condition, there is a chance that the baby could inherit that condition.
What Conditions Does It Screen For?
Carrier screening tests for a wide range of recessive and X-linked genetic conditions, including but not limited to:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Fragile X syndrome
- Sickle cell disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Thalassemias
Who Should Consider Carrier Screening?
- You have a family history of a genetic condition
- You are part of an ethnic group with a higher risk of certain conditions (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish, African, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian)
- You’re pursuing pregnancy through donor sperm or egg
- You simply want to better understand your risk for passing on a genetic condition
When Is Carrier Screening Done?
- Before pregnancy (preconception): Ideal for giving couples time to consider their options
- During early pregnancy: Typically offered in the first trimester, but can be done later as well
How Are the Results Delivered?
- Timing: Results are usually available in 1–2 weeks
- Discussion: We will review your results with you and explain what they mean
- Next steps: If both parents are found to be carriers for the same condition, we will discuss additional testing options (such as diagnostic testing or referral to a genetic counselor)
Why Consider Carrier Screening?
- Peace of mind: Knowing your carrier status helps you prepare and plan
- Informed choices: If there is an increased risk, you’ll have time to consider options for additional testing or interventions
- Simple and safe: Only requires a blood draw or saliva sample—no risk to your pregnancy
Personalized, Compassionate Care. Supporting You Through Every Step.
Our team at Premier Care for Women is here to guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions. We’ll ensure you understand the benefits and limitations of NIPS and support you with clear, compassionate care—no matter what the results show. And whether you’re thinking about starting a family or are already pregnant, carrier screening is one more way we help ensure a healthy start for your baby.