Screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome

All pregnant women in Wales are offered a screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is to assess your chances of having a baby with one of these conditions.

Down's syndrome is also called trisomy 21 or T21. Edwards' syndrome is also called trisomy 18 or T18, and Patau's syndrome is also called trisomy 13 or T13.

If a screening test shows that you have a higher chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome, you'll be offered another, more accurate, screening test called non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), or a diagnostic test to find out for certain if your baby has the condition.

You are advised to watch a film clip before you see your midwife for the first time. The film clip, which gives you more information about screening for these conditions, is available here

Further information

You can find out more information about screening for these conditions from:

Antenatal Screening Wales/ Sgrinio Cyn Geni Cymru | Antenatal Screening Tests

Last Updated: 01/02/2023 10:46:28
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS website nhs.uk