This resource has been produced for women and their partners to find out more about screening for Down's syndrome and fetal anomalies during pregnancy.
The NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (NHS FASP) in England offers all women screening tests for Down's syndrome and fetal anomalies during pregnancy. These tests are offered to you to check the development of your baby, and are offered during certain weeks of your pregnancy to make sure that they are as effective as possible in detecting Down's syndrome and the fetal anomalies they look for. This resource has been designed to support and enhance the relationship you have with your health professional, not to replace it. If you have questions about anything that is discussed in this resource we recommend you speak to your midwife and/or doctor. The information covered in this resource is also available in other languages, braille and in easy-read format. Please visit the NHS FASP website www.fetalanomaly.screening.nhs.uk to download or order this information.
In the UK around 750,000 women become pregnant every year and every one of these will be offered some form of screening test, such as an ultrasound scan and/or a serum test (blood test). Most women will be reassured by these tests and scans, but around 3% will be told there may be a problem, although not all problems can be diagnosed.
NHS FASP aims to set standards and oversee the implementation of a good quality screening programme for all women in England. These standards and policies are based on research evidence. |
