non-invasive prenatal testing

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test that screens pregnant individuals for certain genetic conditions in the developing baby. It works by analyzing small fragments of fetal DNA that are present in the mother's bloodstream. This test can identify potential issues like Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities with high accuracy, usually early in pregnancy. Because it only requires a blood sample from the mother, it is safer than invasive tests such as amniocentesis. NIPT provides valuable information for expectant parents and healthcare providers to help plan and make informed decisions about the pregnancy.