Pregnancy - Scans and tests during pregnancy

There are a number of tests, such as scans and blood tests, available for all pregnant women. Some tests can check the development of the baby’s heart, head and spine as well as look for abnormalities of the baby’s face, such as a cleft lip (when the top of the baby’s mouth does not develop properly). Other tests can only tell you if your baby has a high or low risk of having a birth defect such as spina bifida (when the baby’s spine does not develop properly). These tests can be particularly helpful if your baby has a higher risk of having a birth defect due to your epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs.

Some women choose not to have any tests to check the development of their baby. Some women have some tests but not others. It is up to you to decide. Parents who find out that their baby has a birth defect before they are born, and choose to continue with the pregnancy, may be better prepared to look after the baby after the birth. Parents who are not expecting a baby with a birth defect may find it more difficult to come to terms with.

If you would like to find out more about scans and tests that can be done while you are pregnant, speak to your midwife or obstetrician.

November 2008

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