If you’ve been offered a NIPT test in Sydney, it’s completely normal to pause, take a breath and have a few questions, especially when it comes to the safety of you and your baby.
The short answer is yes! For most pregnancies, the NIPT test is a safe screening option for both mum and baby. Below, we’ll share a little more about what the test involves, so you can feel informed, reassured and supported in making the choice that feels right for you.
What is the NIPT test?
The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is a simple screening test that can be done during pregnancy from around 10 weeks. It involves a simple blood test from mum’s arm and looks at the chance of certain chromosomal conditions in your baby, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome.
As an added bonus, NIPT can also tell you your baby’s gender as early as 10 weeks, if you’d like to know. Because this test only uses a blood sample from mum, it doesn’t come into contact with your baby or your womb, making it a sound option during early pregnancy.
How safe is NIPT for the mother?
The NIPT test is considered very safe for mothers from a physical perspective. It’s very similar to a standard blood test, which many women have had before.
Possible minor side effects may include:
- Mild discomfort at the needle site
- Occasional bruising
- Lightheadedness (rare)
According to Healthdirect Australia, routine blood tests are safe and form a regular part of antenatal care. There a no known long-term risks specifically associated with NIPT.
How safe is NIPT for the baby?
Because NIPT doesn’t involve entering the womb, there is no physical risk to your baby. The test is done using a simple blood sample from mum, so your little one isn’t touched at all.
This is an important difference compared to diagnostic procedures. For context, more invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis can carry a small risk of miscarriage, often quoted at around 0.1 to 0.3%.
NIPT is not known to carry this risk, which is why it’s commonly used as a first-line screening option for parents who want screening information in a safe and gentle way.
Enquire about non-invasive prenatal tests the Centre for Women’s Ultrasound
The Centre for Women’s Ultrasound offers a complimentary dating scan (bulk billed) with every NIPT appointment, giving you reassurance about your pregnancy at the same time as your NIPT blood test.
We know early pregnancy can come with lots of questions and emotions, so our team takes the time to make you feel comfortable, supported and well informed throughout the process.
Our NIPT at CWFU is priced at $450, and this includes a comprehensive package of important extras at no additional cost. This covers screening for microdeletion 22q11.2, your baby’s blood group (RHD positive or negative) and, of course, your baby’s gender if you choose to find out. These inclusions are all part of our standard price, whereas many other providers charge extra for each of these add-ons.
Knowing your baby’s blood group can be especially important if the mother has a RHD negative blood type. If the baby is RHD positive, anti-D injections are usually recommended during pregnancy to help protect the pregnancy. However, if the baby is also RHD negative, these injections aren’t needed, which can mean fewer interventions and added peace of mind.
For more information about bookings, pricing of our prenatal genetic testing services or the safety of NIPT, please give us a call. We’re always happy to chat, answer your questions and support you on your pregnancy journey.
For more pregnancy and testing information, visit our blog.