14-21 Weeks' Pregnant

Your options at this stage will depend on whether or not you have already had prenatal genetic screening in this pregnancy.

I Have NOT Had Prenatal Genetic Screening in this Pregnancy

If you are between 14 weeks and 20 weeks 6 days gestation, you may have the choice between Maternal Serum Screening (MSS) and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).

Option 1: Maternal Serum Screening (MSS)

Involves a blood test, and can only be done for individuals that are expecting one baby.
You can choose to have MSS if you missed the window for an earlier test, called enhanced First Trimester Screening (eFTS).

Option 2: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Involves a blood test, and is the most accurate of the available screening tests.
OHIP-funded in certain circumstances (e.g. when there is an increased chance for the baby to have trisomy 21 or trisomy 18). You can choose to pay for NIPT if the test is not OHIP-funded in your situation.

I Had a Prenatal Genetic Screening Test (eFTS or MSS)

If you had another screening test (usually enhanced First Trimester Screening or Maternal Serum Screening), you received either a "screen positive" or "screen negative" result.
Many individuals will not follow up with another prenatal genetic screening test in their pregnancy. However, some will consider having Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). NIPT is a highly effective screen, consisting of a blood test. NIPT is OHIP-funded in certain situations. For example, a screen positive result from another screening test, or concerns on an ultrasound will mean you can have OHIP-funded NIPT, among other tests.

Regardless of your prenatal genetic screening decisions, you would be offered a detailed anatomy ultrasound. The ultrasound is ideally done between 18 and 22 weeks gestation and is focused on the growth and structural development of the baby (e.g. checking the structure of the baby's heart).