Quality improvement measures for antenatal screening for Down syndrome are being developed and put in place. These quality improvements will mean that the types of tests offered to pregnant women, and the availability of testing, will be improved. Like all screening tests, screening for Down syndrome is not designed to diagnose a disorder but to identify women with pregnancies with an increased risk, so they can be offered further testing.  

Every woman hopes that her baby is healthy. There are a number of screening tests available during pregnancy to look at the health of you and your baby. Ultrasound scans and blood tests are screening tests to tell you whether your baby has an increased or lower likelihood of some conditions such as spina bifida or Down syndrome. Screening does not tell you if your baby has a condition, only whether there is an increased or lower likelihood.

Maternal Serum Screening in the second trimester, often called MSS2, is a blood test that has been available for many years at a cost to women. The test is now free. This is a first step towards improving the quality and availability of testing. In the past a woman’s age was used to determine her risk but this is test is more accurate.

More information about the Maternal Serum Screening test can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions, in the Information Sheet or by speaking with your Lead Maternity Carer or GP. Information for health professionals is also available on this website.