Most babies are born healthy, but about 3–5% will have a birth defect or disability, such as spina bifida, autism, or intellectual disabilities. The chance of having a baby with a congenital condition like Down syndrome increases with maternal age.

Some diagnostic tests can provide important information about your baby’s health, but because they’re invasive, they may carry a small risk of complications like bleeding, infection, or miscarriage. Thankfully, these risks are usually low.

Every pregnancy is unique, and so are your options. We encourage you to talk with your pregnancy care provider to explore which testing choices feel right for you and your family.