We are working to improve the quality and safety of screening for Down syndrome and other conditions in New Zealand.

Whether or not to participate in screening is your choice.  Screening can provide some information about the chance of your baby having Down syndrome or another condition.  The new screening options available improve the quality and safety of screening services for pregnant women who choose to have screening. 

Screening options available

There are two screening options available:

• First Trimester Combined Screening

This new option combines the results from a blood test taken in the first three months of pregnancy and a nuchal translucency (NT) scan with other information, such as your age and weight, to give a risk result.

• Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening

This improved option combines the results from a blood test taken in the second three months of pregnancy, with other information, such as your age and weight, to give a risk result.  This screen is more accurate than the older MSS2 test as it measures four chemicals in the blood instead of three.