Prenatal Testing in Snellville, GA

At Gwinnett OB/GYN, we understand the critical role prenatal testing plays in a mother's and growing baby's health. We offer comprehensive prenatal tests that help monitor your and your baby's health to ensure a safe and comfortable pregnancy journey.

Focusing on precision and safety, our team of experienced healthcare professionals uses the latest medical technology to deliver a wide range of prenatal tests. These tests monitor fetal development, identify potential health issues, and provide peace of mind through detailed insights into the baby's health and growth.

Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates is committed to empowering expecting mothers with knowledge and care, ensuring that you are supported throughout your pregnancy.

Prenatal Testing Overview

Prenatal testing is a critical component of obstetric care, as it provides essential insights into the mother and baby's health throughout pregnancy. Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates offers a comprehensive suite of prenatal testing options to monitor your baby's health and development accurately. These enable early detection of potential health issues and subsequent intervention, if necessary.

First Trimester Testing

• Nuchal translucency: It is a scan done between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and a blood test. This test assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and more. It provides a 90-95% detection rate with a false positive rate of 2-5%.
• Cell-free DNA (in natal): This test is a noninvasive prenatal test starting at ten weeks of pregnancy. It is done to analyze fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream to detect conditions like Down syndrome and is especially suitable for singleton pregnancies.

Second Trimester Testing

• Quad screen (AFP tetra): Conducted between 15 to 22 weeks, this blood test evaluates four hormones to estimate the risk of Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects, with significant detection rates for each condition.
• Anatomy ultrasound: Performed between 18 to 22 weeks, this ultrasound provides a complete survey of the baby's anatomy, potentially indicating chromosomal problems, though many babies with chromosomal abnormalities may appear normal anatomically.

Diagnostic Tests

• Chorionic villi sampling (CVS): This test involves taking a small placental sample either through the cervix or the abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance, offering near-100% accuracy but with a small risk of miscarriage. It is typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
• Amniocentesis: Conducted after 14 weeks, this test involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid through a needle inserted into the abdomen to check for genetic and chromosomal conditions, also providing close to 100% accuracy but with a miscarriage risk.

Maternal Carrier Testing

At any time before or during pregnancy, expectant mothers can opt for maternal carrier testing to assess if they carry genes for conditions like Fragile X syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. If positive, further genetic counseling and partner testing may be recommended.

At Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates, we aim to provide you with all the necessary information and support to navigate the prenatal testing landscape. 

Our extensive range of testing options, from noninvasive and invasive prenatal testing procedures, ensures that every expectant mother can make informed decisions aligned with her personal healthcare needs and ethical considerations.

Invasive Prenatal Testing vs. Our Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

We understand that choosing the proper prenatal testing method is crucial for expectant mothers. We offer both invasive and noninvasive prenatal testing options that cater to our patients' diverse needs and preferences.

Invasive Prenatal Testing

Invasive prenatal testing methods, like Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis, involve collecting samples from the placenta or amniotic fluid. These highly accurate tests provide nearly 100% accuracy in detecting chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.

Despite their precision, however, these tests carry a slight risk of miscarriage (about 1 in 100 for CVS and 1 in 200 for amniocentesis). They are generally recommended for mothers with high-risk pregnancies, those with abnormal results from screening tests, or those who need answers to specific genetic questions.

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Noninvasive prenatal testing, such as the Cell-free DNA (Innatal) test and the Panorama prenatal testing, involves analyzing fetal DNA present in the mother's blood. This type of testing is safer for the mother and the baby as it eliminates the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests.

NIPT is particularly effective for screening common chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), with a detection rate of 99%. It is safe and painless and can be done as early as ten weeks into the pregnancy.

Commitment to Safe Testing

Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates is committed to providing the safest and most comfortable testing options. We prioritize noninvasive prenatal testing because it significantly reduces health risks and discomfort for expectant mothers. We aim to ensure that each patient is fully informed about the cost of noninvasive prenatal testing and understands their testing options, helping them make the best decision for their and their baby's health.

Understanding Panorama Prenatal Testing

We offer Panorama prenatal testing, a leading noninvasive testing that provides expecting mothers with crucial information about their baby's health early in pregnancy. This test is a popular choice due to its safety, efficacy, and the comprehensive scope of genetic screening it provides.

 What Panorama Prenatal Testing Screens For:

Panorama tests for various chromosomal conditions that could affect a baby's health. Specifically, it screens for:

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), which affects one in every 700 babies born in the United States.
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) are associated with significant developmental and medical challenges.
• Monosomy X (Turner Syndrome) and other sex chromosome abnormalities.
• Microdeletions are tiny deletions in a chromosome that may lead to health and developmental issues.

Panorama uses a simple blood draw from the mother, which can be done as early as the ninth week of pregnancy. This test analyzes the baby's DNA present in the mother's bloodstream. By examining this DNA, Panorama can detect the conditions mentioned with a high degree of accuracy. It is particularly favored for several reasons:

• Safety: Being a noninvasive prenatal testing method, Panorama carries no risk of miscarriage, unlike invasive tests such as amniocentesis or CVS.
• Early detection: It can be performed early in the pregnancy, giving expectant parents ample time to make informed decisions and prepare for the future.
• High accuracy: It offers high detection rates for the conditions it screens, particularly for Down syndrome, with fewer false positives than other screening tests.
• Convenience: The test requires only a blood draw, making it a simple and non-disruptive procedure.

We recommend Panorama prenatal testing as part of our commitment to providing advanced and compassionate prenatal care. This testing option aligns with our goal to minimize risks to the mother and the developing baby while delivering accurate and actionable health information. 

Cost of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Explained

Understanding the cost of noninvasive prenatal testing is essential for those considering this vital service so you can plan effectively for your prenatal care.

Insurance Coverage

Coverage for noninvasive prenatal testing varies by insurance provider and plan. Many insurance companies recognize the value of these tests, particularly for pregnancies considered at higher risk for genetic or chromosomal conditions. 

We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm if tests like Panorama prenatal testing and other noninvasive prenatal testing options are covered under your plan. In cases where coverage is provided, the insurance may cover a substantial part of the testing cost, leaving a minimal co-pay or deductible.

Out-of-pocket costs

For those without insurance coverage or with plans that do not fully cover these tests, Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates offers competitive pricing to make prenatal testing accessible.

The cost of noninvasive prenatal testing can vary, but investing in these tests can be crucial for early diagnosis and management of potential issues, which can significantly affect the course of the pregnancy and the health of both mother and child.

Book Your Prenatal Testing Schedule with Gwinnett Ob/GYN Associates

Don't wait to ensure the best care for you and your baby. Schedule your prenatal tests with Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates today and experience the confidence of having trusted professionals by your side. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you with setting up an appointment and answering any questions you may have about our services or your pregnancy journey.

Call us or visit our website now to book your appointment and take the first step towards a healthy pregnancy. At Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates, your health and peace of mind are our top priorities.