Ask questions about any prenatal testing. Some tests are non-invasive like the urine tests you do at your prenatal appointments. If your doctor or midwife suggests more invasive testing, ask why they are concerned before you automatically say yes. Just because a test is available doesn’t mean you should necessarily get it. Chorionic villi sampling and amniocentesis, for example, have a 1 – 2% risk of miscarriage associated with them. You should weigh benefits you get with the risks you take and see what that the risks are worth taking. If they are, go for the test. If they’re not, turn it down. The AFP, or triple screen test is a blood test to check for alphafetoprotein. This is used to check for neural tube defects and other birth defects, among other problems. This test is somewhat controversial because there are a high percentage of false positives associated with this test. Up to 80% of positive results (says there is a defect or problem with the baby) are false and the baby is actually perfectly healthy. This can cause a lot of stress and worry for parents-to-be as they undergo more invasive testing to either confirm or deny the findings. Ultrasounds are also routinely done, even though there are some questions about its long term effects due to the strength of the sound waves used and the heating of the tissues that occurs.

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