Private Genetic Testing for Pregnancy in London
Starting or growing your family can raise important questions about inherited conditions and fetal health.
At Central Health London, our consultant-led team guides you through every step of the process, from preconception carrier screening to advanced prenatal diagnostics. We ensure every test is personally overseen by a senior consultant obstetrician to provide you with rapid, clear results and the compassionate guidance needed to make informed decisions for your family.
World-class care from leading private obstetricians in London
Our Private Obstetric Consultants.
Dr Sara Hillman
MBBS BSc, MRCOG, PhD
Professor of Genomic Medicine and Obstetrics
- High-risk and complex pregnancy
- Fetal medicine and prenatal testing and genetic diagnosis
- Detailed fetal ultrasound and anomaly scanning
- Fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia
- Multiple pregnancy
Dr Panicos Shangaris
LRCP&SI, MBBCh, BAO (NUI), MSc, AFHEA, MRCOG, PhD
Consultant in Obstetrics, Maternal, and Fetal Medicine
- High-risk and complex pregnancy
- Preterm birth prevention, including cervical cerclage and progesterone therapy
- Fetal medicine, diagnostics and prenatal testing, including NIPT
- Early pregnancy and detailed fetal scanning
Dr Kenga Sivarajah
MBBS BSc (Hons), MRCOG, MRCP (UK), PGCert (MedEd)
Consultant in Obstetrics and Maternal Medicine
- High-risk and complex pregnancy
- Maternal medical conditions in pregnancy, including cardiac, respiratory and liver disease
- Perinatal mental health
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Pregnancy after previous trauma or late miscarriage
Why Choose Private Genetic Testing at Central Health London?
Genetic testing is most valuable when it comes with expert interpretation, not just a lab report.
At Central Health, every test is led by a senior consultant obstetrician, ensuring:
01.
A personalised testing plan based on your history, ancestry and pregnancy stage
02.
Pre-test counselling so you understand what each test can and cannot tell you
03.
Fast access to consultant advice when decisions are time-sensitive
04.
Clear, unhurried explanation of your results and any recommended next steps
05.
Samples processed by accredited, specialist laboratories
Genetic Testing Before Pregnancy.
Carrier Screening
Carrier screening looks for genetic variants associated with inherited conditions that could be passed on to a child. Carriers of many autosomal recessive conditions are healthy and may have no family history of the condition. Screening can therefore identify reproductive risks that would otherwise be unknown.
Our expanded carrier screening can assess hundreds of genes, including conditions such as:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Fragile X syndrome
- Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
- Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy
For most autosomal recessive conditions, if both partners carry a clinically significant variant in the same gene, each pregnancy has a 1 in 4 chance of being affected. Other conditions, including X-linked disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, follow different inheritance patterns, which your clinician will explain
Carrier screening may be right for you if you are:
- Planning a pregnancy or considering IVF
- Pregnant and have not previously been screened
- Using donor eggs or sperm
- Aware of an inherited condition in your family
- Related to your partner by blood
Advanced Genetic Testing During Pregnancy.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a simple maternal blood test available from around 10 weeks of pregnancy. It analyses cell-free DNA in the maternal bloodstream, most of which originates from the placenta. NIPT is a highly accurate screening test, particularly for Down’s syndrome, and also screens for Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes. Its performance varies between conditions and laboratories. It does not provide a definitive diagnosis, and a higher-chance result should usually be confirmed with CVS or amniocentesis. NIPT carries no miscarriage risk.
Diagnostic Testing: CVS and Amniocentesis
When a definitive answer is needed, our consultants can arrange:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): placental tissue sampling, usually performed after 11 weeks
- Amniocentesis: testing of amniotic fluid cells, usually available from 15 weeks
Both are invasive procedures. When performed by an appropriately trained operator, the additional risk of miscarriage is likely to be below 0.5%, although the individual risk will be discussed during consultation.
| Test | When It’s Used | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier screening | Before pregnancy, before IVF, or in early pregnancy | Whether you or your partner carry inherited gene changes |
| NIPT | From around 10 weeks | Chance of common chromosome conditions (screening) |
| CVS / Amniocentesis | After counselling, when a diagnostic answer is needed | A definitive result for the conditions tested |
Understanding Your Results.
A genetic result is never just a number on a page. Your consultant will explain what it means for your pregnancy, whether partner testing is recommended, and whether any further testing should be considered.
A negative result is reassuring but does not remove all risk, as no test screens for every condition. Being identified as a carrier does not usually affect your own health. It simply means your partner may need testing, and the implications for your pregnancy can be discussed and planned for.
Consultant-Led Genetic Expertise.
Every patient at Central Health London is cared for by a consultant-led team, supported by accredited laboratories using modern genetic technologies. Where appropriate, we coordinate dedicated genetic counselling to give you time to ask questions and make decisions that are right for your family.
Our clinic operates under a strict framework of clinical excellence, transparency, and patient safety.
Verified Standards
All doctors providing care are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Where applicable, consultant and provider information is submitted and published in accordance with Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) requirements.
Laboratory Precision
All maternal blood samples, tissue biopsies, and screening panels collected at our Marylebone clinic are processed exclusively in fully accredited, state-of-the-art laboratories.
Begin Your Pregnancy Journey With Support.
Choosing an obstetrician who understands your unique needs can make a meaningful difference to your pregnancy journey. Whether you are seeking advanced screening, navigating a high-risk pregnancy, or are preparing for your upcoming birth, our close-knit clinical team is here to support you at every milestone.
Personalised appointments at our Marylebone clinic offer rapid diagnostic answers, true continuity of care, and flexible scheduling.
Explore our comprehensive private obstetrics care packages or book your consultation today to receive expert, consultant-led maternity care from the very beginning.
Our Patient Experiences.
Private Genetic Testing FAQs.
What is private genetic testing for pregnancy?
Private genetic testing for pregnancy includes tests that assess inherited genetic risk before conception, and screening or diagnostic tests for chromosome or genetic conditions during pregnancy. Your consultant will recommend the right option for your situation.
Is genetic testing before pregnancy available in the UK?
Yes. Preconception carrier screening is available privately in the UK for individuals and couples who want to understand their genetic risk before trying to conceive.
How accurate is private prenatal genetic testing?
NIPT is a highly accurate screening test, particularly for Down’s syndrome, and also screens for Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes. Its performance varies between conditions and laboratories. It does not provide a definitive diagnosis, and a higher-chance result should usually be confirmed with CVS or amniocentesis.
At what stage of pregnancy can I have genetic testing?
Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy. NIPT is usually available from around 10 weeks, CVS from 11 weeks, and amniocentesis from 15 weeks.
Do I need to see a doctor to discuss my genetic test results?
Yes. At Central Health London, every test includes consultant-led support before and after your results, so you fully understand what they mean for you and your family.