What is the purpose of prenatal screening?

The purpose of prenatal screening is to identify potential health issues in the fetus early on. This early detection is crucial because it allows healthcare providers to monitor and manage any identified risks throughout the pregnancy. By identifying congenital disorders, genetic conditions, or developmental abnormalities early, interventions can be planned, and parents can be educated about potential outcomes and options. This proactive approach ultimately aims to improve maternal and fetal health, ensuring that any necessary care or treatment is initiated as soon as possible.

While determining the gender of the fetus, assessing the mother's nutrition, and predicting labor duration are aspects of prenatal care, they do not represent the primary goal of prenatal screening. The emphasis of prenatal screening is on early identification of health concerns to promote the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the child.