Tests: do I need them?

You thought you'd never have to take another exam once you left school ... Then you got pregnant. Pregnancy, like school, can often seem like one endless round of tests and examinations with one vital difference - it's not geography or maths that's the subject but YOU and your baby.

There are a number of tests available during pregnancy. Some are routine, others are recommended only in special circumstances. If you don't understand why you are being advised to take a test, ask your doctor or midwife for details, including possible risks to you or your baby.

New tests are being developed all the time to diagnose specific problems and conditions in the foetus. They are not yet widely available, but if your obstetrician feels you are an appropriate candidate you may be able to have them done.

Do I have to have the tests?

Many women worry about subjecting their unborn babies to vigorous testing and you may have to weigh the risk factors against the need for the test. For example, in the case of chromosomal tests like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, if you have already decided to keep the baby whether or not any abnormality shows up, you may decide not to run the increased risk of miscarriage by proceeding with the test. Also, if you have already had several miscarriages, you must decide whether to risk another or simply go ahead with the pregnancy.

Helpful numbers

For more advice or information contact:

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC). They run a helpline (020 7631 0285) for parents anxious about tests. You can choose to have tests done privately. Call the Fetal Medicine Centre (020 7486 0476) or the Harris Birthright Centre (020 7924 0714).