There are two options for genetic screening for chromosome abnormalities: First Trimester Screening: This screen provides information about the chance that your pregnancy has one of three chromosome abnormalities: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. The first trimester screen determines the risk to your pregnancy for these three birth defects by using information from a blood test and an ultrasound performed at 12-13 weeks of pregnancy along with your age at the time the baby is due. This screen is considered “standard of care” for women who will be under 35 years of age at the time their baby is due. Cell-free DNA Screening (CfDNA): Often referred to as Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) this screen provides information about the chance that your pregnancy has one of multiple chromosome abnormalities, including Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, trisomy 13, sex chromosome abnormalities and a few other rare chromosome abnormalities. CfDNA screening determines the risk to your pregnancy for these birth defects using a blood sample from you drawn after 10 weeks of pregnancy. This screen is considered standard of care” for women who will be 35 or older at the time their baby is due, but is available to all pregnant women.