During your pregnancy you can use prenatal screening: the NIPT, the 13-week ultrasound and the 20-week ultrasound. We explain calmly what it means, you decide whether you want it. We always refer official information to PNS and RIVM.
Prenatal screening is an examination during pregnancy to determine whether there are indications that your child has a congenital disorder. It is not a mandatory study, you choose whether you participate. In the Netherlands it is organized by the government (PNS, Prenatal Screening Infectious Diseases and Child Care Program) and carried out by midwifes, gynecologists and certified ultrasound centers.
At Femme we guide you in this process: we explain, answer your questions and refer you to reliable sources. We perform the 13- and 20-week ultrasound ourselves in our own practice.
Not every ultrasound is the same. At Femme we distinguish three types:
The NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) is a blood test that can be done early in pregnancy, from about 11 weeks. This test checks whether there are indications of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome. Since 2023, NIPT has been fully reimbursed in the Netherlands.
You will receive a prior counseling session in which we will explain what the test entails, what it can and cannot find, and what the results can mean for you. Only then do you decide whether you want the test.
More information: official PNS page about the NIPT.
The 13-week ultrasound has been part of the standard prenatal screening in the Netherlands since 2021. Between 12+3 and 14+3 weeks, we will examine whether there are any indications of physical abnormalities in your child. It is an early screening, not a complete diagnosis.
At Femme we perform the 13-week ultrasound ourselves by our certified sonographers. We take our time, explain what we see, and discuss any findings immediately.
More information: official PNS page about the 13-week ultrasound.
The 20-week ultrasound, also called SEO (Structural Ultrasound Examination), is the most extensive screening ultrasound. Between 18 and 21 weeks, the development of your child, all organs, the amount of amniotic fluid and the placenta will be examined in detail. The ultrasound takes 30 to 45 minutes.
We also perform the 20-week ultrasound ourselves. Many women find this a special moment. Your partner or a loved one can be there. You can often see on this ultrasound (if you want) whether it will be a boy or a girl.
More information: official PNS page about the 20-week ultrasound.
In the Netherlands, prenatal screening is part of a national population survey, organized by PNS (Prenatal Screening Program). There are strict guidelines for who can perform the ultrasound scans, how parents should be informed and what quality requirements apply to equipment and training. Femme complies with these guidelines through affiliation with the professional association BEN.
Whether you participate in prenatal screening is a personal choice. Good information in advance is essential. At Femme:
For the most current and comprehensive information, we always refer to the official channels:
Femme has no influence on the content of external websites. We refer you to where the official, up-to-date information can be found. Do you have questions about your situation? Call us or schedule an appointment.
We take the time to explain everything. Register and discuss it during your first appointment.
