Prenatal screening tests and procedures are different than prenatal diagnostic tests and procedures. A screening test or procedure helps to determine whether or not a fetus is at higher risk for a birth defect. If the results of a screening test or procedure indicate that a fetus is at a higher risk, genetic counseling and prenatal testing should be considered. A diagnostic test can determine if the fetus has a specific birth defect such a chromosome abnormality or a genetic disease. Our department offers three types of screens during pregnancy to help refine a woman’s risk for her fetus to have a birth defect: ultrasound, and first- and second-trimester screenings.