Advanced Womens Health Center
8501 Brimhall Road #300
Bakersfield CA, 93312
Suites C and D (West side)
8501 Brimhall Road #300
Bakersfield CA, 93312
Suites C and D (West side)
Whether you are a first-time mother, or onto your second or third child, pregnancy
can come with complications. While there are certain risk factors associated with age
and previous medical history, the truth is that anyone can have a pregnancy with a
chromosomal abnormality. Chromosomal abnormalities affect the health and vitality of
the baby, and sometimes even the health of the mother. It may seem like the worst thing
imaginable is unpredictable, but with lab tests like the Maternit21+, there is
something you can do about it.
The Maternit21+ test analyzes the amount of chromosome 21 in fetal DNA picked up
from the maternal blood sample. It can detect an increased amount of chromosome 21
material which is associated with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and other chromosomal
abnormalities. It is completely non-invasive as it only involves a blood sample from the
mother after 10 weeks gestation.
At your initial OB visit, your provider may offer you the option for a state screening test,
or the Prenatal State Screening test. This test is covered by your insurance but is only
a screening test. This means that instead of having a positive or negative result like the
Maternit21+, a screening assessment test that will tell you if you have a 1 in 100, 1 in 1,000, or 1
in 10,000 chance of chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 21, (Down
syndrome), Trisomy 18, (Edwards syndrome), or Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). If you
have a positive screening assessment, it is recommended you do further testing such
as the Maternit21+.
While everyone has the option to be tested, certain risk factors can increase your
chance of having a pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality such as:
1. Advanced maternal age (35 or older)
2. Fetal ultrasound abnormality suggestive of chromosomal abnormality
3. Positive 1st or 2nd-trimester screening test
4. Personal or family history of Down syndrome.
Your provider will recommend the next step, which usually involves more invasive
testing such as amniocentesis.
Ask your provider for more information, or you can also go online to determine your out
of pocket cost. If you have an increased risk, your price can be greatly reduced. Visit
https://www.sequenom.com/billing-and-insurance#cost-estimate to get a price estimate
today.
If you’re pregnant and are interested in having a Maternity21+ test please contact our office at 661.410.2942
