As a parent you want the best for your child. Like a Boy Scout, you also want to “be prepared”. This is why moms often get the reputation of having Mary Poppins bags full of anything you might need, ever. From gum to sunscreen to spare socks, we’ve got it all. However, this desire to be able to handle everything with ease comes long before the baby is born. Prenatal screening is an important step in being prepared and today I want to share with you about this subject. This post is sponsored by Equitable Care for California Mothers. This organization a coalition to support expecting mothers regardless of their circumstances. All opinions are my own.

what is prenatal screening?

There are two types of prenatal testing–screening tests and diagnostic tests:

Prenatal screening tests can determine the likelihood that your baby will have certain birth defects or genetic disorders. It’s important to remember that it is not 100% accurate and won’t give you a definitive yes or no. However, some parents still find this beneficial. If your results do indicate that you’re at a higher risk you can talk to your doctor early to help prepare. On the other hand, it may cause unnecessary anxiety for some parents who receive results that they find out later weren’t accurate.

Diagnostic tests occur once a screening test indicates there may be something of concern. Unlike a screening test which usually involve blood tests or ultrasound, diagnostic tests are more invasive. Some may even slightly increase your risk of miscarriage. A diagnostic test is the only way to confirm the results of a prenatal screening test.

Along with your healthcare provider you need to determine which tests you feel are needed. Some problems that are detected in early prenatal screenings can be treated during pregnancy. Or, you might become aware of an issue that needs to be handled immediately after birth.

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the problem in California

Currently, the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Prenatal Screening Program (PNS) is about to go through a major change. There is a push to provide all expectant mothers with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing. However, the proposal from PNS will actually limit what tests physicians can order for their patients. Under the proposed new guidelines, physicians will only be able to order screenings for trisomies 21 (Down Syndrome), 18 (Edwards syndrome), and 13 (Patau syndrome). Meanwhile, screenings for other genetic abnormalities that many healthcare providers are currently ordering for their pregnant patients will be neglected. Worst of all, this change will disproportionately affect certain demographics.

…the new PNS changes will increase long-standing health access and outcome disparities for pregnant women in California. BIPOC populations — many of whom already lack adequate access to the best maternal and prenatal care options — will once again be disproportionately impacted by PNS’ proposed changes. Many will be relegated to the limited and basic screening offered by CDPH while only those who can afford the critical, expanded testing options will receive the optimal care they deserve.

www.equitablecareforcamothers.com

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what you can do

Let policymakers know this matters to you! The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is putting new policies into place that could be detrimental to expecting mothers in the Golden State. Click on the link below to fill out an online form regarding prenatal screenings and make your voice heard! After all, we all want what’s best for our babies.

my experience

My husband and I discussed getting prenatal screenings when we were pregnant with our first after our miscarriage. We weren’t in a high-risk group to be predisposed, but after losing a baby I wanted some reassurance. At the very least I wanted to be prepared. However, we were poor college students at the time and couldn’t afford the testing. I don’t want other mothers to go through that worry and anxiety–especially when expecting!

Have you ever had a prenatal screening when pregnant?

Find out more about Equitable Care for California Mothers and their mission here.