How Do First Trimester Screenings Work?
When you arrive for your FTS appointment, we’ll begin with a quick blood sample drawn by one of our experienced phlebotomists. Next, a certified sonographer will perform the nuchal translucency ultrasound, carefully measuring the fluid collection behind your baby’s neck. Both tests take just minutes, and you can typically return to your normal routine immediately afterward. Our specialists then combine your blood markers, ultrasound findings, and your personal medical information—such as age and health history—to calculate a comprehensive risk score. Most results are available within one week, and our team will review them with you in detail to ensure you fully understand your options.
Benefits of Early Screening
Opting for FTS offers valuable peace of mind by identifying pregnancies with an elevated chance of chromosomal abnormalities at a time when follow-up diagnostics are still minimally invasive. Early detection gives you and your care team the greatest flexibility: if further testing like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis is recommended, it can be scheduled sooner, when risks and recovery times are lower. Knowing early also allows you to access specialized counseling and support services tailored to your results. Even if your screening indicates a low risk, you’ll gain reassurance and can proceed with confidence through your pregnancy. At Lancaster MFM, we believe that informed parents make empowered decisions, and FTS is a cornerstone of that process.
Is First Trimester Screening Right for You?
FTS is available to all pregnant individuals who want early insight into their baby’s chromosomal health, regardless of age or risk factors. It is especially recommended if you have a personal or family history of genetic conditions, or if you prefer to gather as much information as possible during the first trimester. Because this screening is non-diagnostic and poses no risk to your developing baby, many parents choose it simply for the reassurance it provides. If your results indicate an elevated risk, our maternal–fetal medicine specialists will walk you through the next steps—whether that means advanced diagnostic testing or referrals to genetic counseling. You remain in control every step of the way.
