Birth Defects Testing

Why Would I Not Be Tested?

You may decide not to have birth defects tests because:

• You would continue the pregnancy no matter what the tests show.
• The screening test may be positive even though your baby does not have a problem. You would be worried while you wait for the test results.
• These tests cannot find all possible problems.
• CVS and amniocentesis carry a small chance of miscarriage. In one study of highly trained providers, the risk from amniocentesis and from CVS was about 1 in 400.⁴ Other studies have shown higher risks, between 2 and 4 in 400.⁵ This greater risk may be more likely in centres with less experienced providers, especially for CVS.
• Tests can be expensive. You may not have insurance, or your insurance may not pay for the tests.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: October 12, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics Renee H. Martin, PhD - Medical Genetics
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