In the Netherlands, every pregnant woman is offered screening for chromosomal and physical anomalies. At Femme, we calmly walk you through what each test means — you decide what fits.
Prenatal screening (PNS) is a national programme by RIVM that lets you check during pregnancy whether your baby is likely to have certain conditions. The screenings are voluntary: you decide whether to participate, and which screenings.
Before you decide, you have a free counselling session with one of our midwives. We explain what each screening involves, the reliability of results, and what the next steps would be.
The NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) is a blood test performed on you. It screens for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome.
NIPT is offered to all pregnant women in the Netherlands. The test costs €175 (subsidised by the government). It is not covered by basic insurance.
More information: pns.nl/nipt
This early screening scan looks for physical anomalies. It’s part of a national research study (IMITAS study).
The 13-week ultrasound is fully covered by Dutch basic insurance, with no excess.
More information: pns.nl/13-wekenecho
A detailed scan of your baby’s anatomy. The best-known and most performed screening ultrasound.
The 20-week ultrasound is fully covered by Dutch basic insurance, with no excess.
More information: pns.nl/20-wekenecho