Maternal Serum Screening in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Maternal serum screening (MSS) is a blood test offered to pregnant women in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. It helps estimate the chance that a developing baby has:

  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Edward syndrome (trisomy 18)
  • A neural tube defect (such as spina bifida or anencephaly)

In West Michigan, maternal serum screening is commonly offered through major health systems such as Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as many OB/GYN and midwifery practices.

Because Michigan experiences long, cold winters and seasonal illness, many Grand Rapids providers coordinate maternal serum screening with other prenatal care visits to limit extra trips in bad weather and ensure consistent care.

Types of Maternal Serum Screening in Grand Rapids

There are two main types of MSS used in Grand Rapids:

Combined First Trimester Screening

This screening is done in early pregnancy and combines:

  • A blood test between 9 and 13 weeks of pregnancy
  • An ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy

This is often called the combined first trimester screening test and is available through most Grand Rapids OB/GYN clinics and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

The blood test measures levels of specific proteins that naturally occur in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. The ultrasound measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.

Nuchal Translucency Measurement

During the ultrasound, the sonographer measures the nuchal translucency (NT) – the amount of fluid under the skin at the back of the baby’s neck.

  • All babies have some fluid in this area at this stage.
  • Babies with Down syndrome or Edward syndrome often have more fluid than usual.

The ultrasound specialist may also check for the presence or absence of the nasal bone. An absent nasal bone can be associated with an increased chance of Down syndrome.

The combined first trimester screening can estimate the chance of:

  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Edward syndrome (trisomy 18)

It does not screen for neural tube defects. Those are screened later in pregnancy or via ultrasound.

Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening

The second trimester maternal serum screening test is usually done between:

  • 14 weeks and 20 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy
  • Best timing: between 15 and 17 weeks

This blood test measures the levels of four different proteins in the mother’s blood. These results are combined with factors such as the mother’s age to estimate the chance of:

  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Edward syndrome (trisomy 18)
  • Neural tube defects, including:
    • Anencephaly – where the brain does not develop properly and the baby cannot survive
    • Spina bifida – an opening in the bones of the spine that can cause:
      • Weakness or paralysis of the legs
      • Problems with bladder and bowel control

In Grand Rapids, this test may be offered through:

  • OB/GYN practices affiliated with Spectrum Health/Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Community clinics and family medicine practices that provide prenatal care

Neural tube defects can also be detected by routine prenatal ultrasound, which many Grand Rapids patients have around 18–22 weeks.

What These Conditions Mean

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

  • Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21
  • Can lead to intellectual disability of varying degrees
  • May cause heart defects, vision or hearing problems, and other medical issues

Edward Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

  • Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18
  • Often leads to:
    • Severe growth problems
    • Heart defects
    • Digestive system defects
    • Significant intellectual disability
  • Babies with Edward syndrome often have a poor prognosis, and many do not live beyond the first weeks or months of life

Neural Tube Defects

  • Affect the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord
  • Anencephaly: brain and skull do not form properly; this condition is not compatible with life
  • Spina bifida: opening in the spine that can damage nerves and lead to:
    • Leg weakness or paralysis
    • Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel

Neural tube defects are screened for in the second trimester MSS test and can be further evaluated by ultrasound.

Understanding Maternal Serum Screening Results

Maternal serum screening is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It estimates chance (risk); it does not give a yes-or-no answer.

Results are usually reported as:

  • Low-chance result
  • Increased-chance result

Low-Chance Result

A low-chance result means that the chance of your baby having Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, or a neural tube defect is lower than a certain cut-off level.

  • It does not guarantee that your baby has no genetic or structural conditions.
  • It simply means the chance is considered low based on the test and your age.

Increased-Chance Result

An increased-chance result means your baby has a higher chance than usual of having one of the conditions screened for.

  • It does not mean your baby definitely has the condition.
  • Most women with an increased-chance result do not have a baby with Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, or a neural tube defect.

If you receive an increased-chance result in Grand Rapids, your provider will usually:

  • Discuss the result in detail
  • Offer diagnostic testing, such as:
    • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – usually done in the first trimester
    • Amniocentesis – usually done in the second trimester

These diagnostic tests can more accurately detect chromosome conditions but carry a small risk of miscarriage, so the decision is personal.

Your Choice About Screening in Grand Rapids

Professional guidelines recommend that all pregnant women be offered screening for Down syndrome and other chromosome conditions. However:

  • The decision to have maternal serum screening is your choice.
  • All women, regardless of age, have some chance of having a baby with a chromosome condition.
  • The chance increases with maternal age, but even younger women can have an affected pregnancy.

In Grand Rapids, your family doctor (GP), midwife, or obstetrician can:

  • Explain the benefits and limitations of MSS
  • Help you decide whether first trimester, second trimester, or both types of screening are right for you
  • Coordinate testing with your prenatal visits, especially during winter months when travel can be more difficult in West Michigan

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in Grand Rapids

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is an alternative screening option available in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.

  • It is a blood test from the mother that looks at the baby’s DNA fragments circulating in her bloodstream.
  • Can be done from 10 weeks of pregnancy onward.
  • Screens for:
    • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
    • Edward syndrome (trisomy 18)
    • Other chromosome conditions, depending on the panel used

How NIPT Compares to MSS

  • More accurate than combined first trimester screening or second trimester MSS
  • Still a screening test, not a diagnostic test
  • More costly than MSS and may not be fully covered by insurance

Many OB/GYN practices in Grand Rapids, including those affiliated with Spectrum Health/Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, can order NIPT and explain coverage options based on your insurance.

Genetic Counseling and Support in Grand Rapids

If your maternal serum screening or NIPT result shows an increased chance of a genetic condition, you may be referred to a genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors are health professionals trained in both genetics and counseling. They can:

  • Explain what the test results mean for your baby’s health and development
  • Discuss how conditions like Down syndrome or Edward syndrome occur
  • Review inheritance patterns and chances in future pregnancies
  • Provide emotional support and help you explore your options in a way that respects your family values, culture, and beliefs

In Grand Rapids, genetic counseling is typically available through:

  • Maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) clinics at Spectrum Health/Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Regional genetic services and telehealth options
  • Referrals from your OB/GYN, midwife, or family doctor

Michigan families can also connect with the Genetic Support Network of Michigan (GSNM) and national organizations for condition-specific support. These groups can link you with other families who have children with similar genetic conditions.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are pregnant in Grand Rapids and considering maternal serum screening, you can seek help from:

  • Your GP or family doctor – often your first contact for pregnancy care
  • Your obstetrician or midwife – to order MSS, NIPT, and ultrasounds
  • Spectrum Health/Corewell Health OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Women’s Health services
  • Metro Health and Mercy Health OB/GYN practices
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – for information on prenatal care programs, WIC, and community resources

Your care team can help you:

  • Understand your screening options
  • Arrange blood tests and ultrasounds at convenient locations across the Grand Rapids metro area
  • Access genetic counseling and diagnostic testing if needed

If you have questions about maternal serum screening, NIPT, or other prenatal tests, talk with your local Grand Rapids healthcare provider. They can guide you through each step and help you make informed decisions for you and your baby.