Chromosomal Health and Pregnancy: What Testing Reveals

Testing That Raises More Than Medical Questions

Chromosomal testing in pregnancy (see our antenatal care guide) — including first trimester combined screening, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and diagnostic amniocentesis — provides information about foetal chromosomal conditions. In Nigeria, where these tests are increasingly available but rarely explained well, families often undergo testing without fully understanding what results would mean or what choices they would face.

What Chromosomal Conditions Testing Looks For

FXMed tip: If any of this sounds familiar, our Hormone Balance Programme may be exactly what you need. Book a free assessment to find out where your health stands today.

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) — the most common chromosomal condition; associated with intellectual disability and health complications including heart defects
• Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13) — more severe conditions with very limited survival
• Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome — sex chromosome variations with variable impact on health and fertility

Types of Testing Available

• First trimester combined screening (nuchal translucency scan + blood test (see our guide to understanding your blood tests)): Provides a risk estimate, not a diagnosis
• NIPT (cell-free DNA testing): High sensitivity and specificity from maternal blood; available in Lagos; provides probability, not certainty
• Amniocentesis or CVS: Diagnostic — provides definitive chromosomal result; small procedural risk

FXMed's Role in Supporting Your Decision

We believe every couple has the right to accurate information and genuine support without pressure or judgment. FXMed provides pre-test counselling to help you decide whether testing aligns with your values and what you would do with results; post-result counselling when findings are unexpected; and coordination of specialist referral for diagnosis or management. Book a maternal wellness consultation today.