Screening Tests
During your pregnancy you'll be offered a range of screening tests as part of the NHS England national screening programmes.
These tests are designed to:
- Help ensure you stay well in pregnancy
- Assess the development and wellbeing of you and your baby
- Check if you or your baby might have certain conditions.
NHS Choices has made a short video about screening tests for you and your baby (below).
The video shows which tests are available during pregnancy and after your baby has been born. Alternatively, you can visit http://www.nhs.uk/pregnancyscreening or read the leaflet: NHS Screening Tests for You and Your Baby.
It is important to understand the purpose of each test so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to have them. You can discuss the tests with your midwife and ask questions about them at any time. If you choose to have them, tests are carried out as part of your appointment schedule.
More information is available using the links below for each of the screening programmes:
Screening tests during your pregnancy
Screening tests for your baby after birth
- Newborn bloodspot screening and screening for SCID
- Newborn infant physical examination
- Hearing screening
You can also visit the NHS Choices website for further information about antenatal checks and tests. If you need this information in other languages, please let your midwife know.
Contact
Antenatal and Newborn Screening Team
Tel: 0207 288 3842
Tel: 0207 288 3842
Last updated27 Mar 2025