RCOG World Congress 2025

Understanding women’s experiences of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down’s syndrome

Elinor Sebire1,Oluwaseun Loto1, Saoirse Pagel1, Andrea Woolner2, Amudha Poobalan1, Rute Vieira1

1.Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland

2.Aberdeen Centre for Women’s Health Research (ACWHR), Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, the University of Aberdeen.

Introduction

Down’s syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed during pregnancy, and screening is offered routinely through the National Health Service (NHS).1

There have been many changes to the screening pathway for DS, most recently with the introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a secondary screening test to Wales (2018), Scotland (2020) and England (2021).

NIPT is offered to pregnant women who are identified by initial screening as having a higher chance of having a baby with DS, Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome.

The roll-out of NIPT in Scotland is under ongoing quantitative evaluation.2

There is a paucity of qualitative research to understand the experiences of those being offered NIPT, and the potential impact it may have on their wellbeing and decision making during their pregnancy.

Methods

A qualitative thematic analysis of online discussion threads (2020-2024) held within the site Mumsnet (mumsnet.com). A content analysis of key phrases was also conducted.

Inclusion criteria: UK-based user and offered NIPT through the NHS after a higher-chance combined screening result for DS.

Exclusion criteria: NIPT used for sex determination or other non-trisomy conditions, or NIPT was accessed privately.

RCOG World Congress 2025

Understanding women’s experiences of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down’s syndrome.

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