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Around 9 to 10 weeks into the pregnancy, surrogate motherswill typically be asked to take a blood test called NIPT—short for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing. This test helps screen for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome and provides an early look at the baby’s health.

Even if the embryo was tested through PGT-A before transfer, NIPT is still strongly recommended. It adds another layer of reassurance, especially for intended parents who may have waited years for this moment.

What Is NIPT?

NIPT is a simple blood test that looks at small pieces of fetal DNA circulating in the surrogate’s bloodstream. It’s completely safe and doesn’t pose any risk to the baby. The test can screen for certain chromosomal conditions, including:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Sex chromosome abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome)

As a leading surrogacy agency, GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation ensures all surrogate mothers are informed about prenatal testing expectations. NIPT is considered a highly accurate screening tool but is not diagnostic—abnormal results should be confirmed through follow-up testing.

If the Embryo Passed PGT-A, Do You Still Need NIPT?

Yes. Even if a PGT-A-tested euploid embryo was transferred, NIPT is still necessary. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) screens embryos before transfer, but:

PGT-A screens a few cells from the embryo’s outer layer before transfer. While it helps select the healthiest embryos, it doesn’t catch everything—especially things like mosaicism or rare genetic variations. NIPT looks at what’s actually happening in the developing pregnancy and offers a more complete picture at this stage.

At GSHC, we educate our surrogate mothers and intended parents that both PGT-A and NIPT play important roles in ensuring a healthy outcome. Major reproductive health organizations continue to recommend NIPT for all pregnancies—including those via IVF and surrogacy.

When Should NIPT Be Performed?

The optimal window for NIPT is between 9 and 10 weeks of gestation, when there is enough fetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream for accurate analysis. The test is conducted through a simple blood draw, and results typically take up to 2 weeks.

GSHC case managers work closely with surrogate mothers to help coordinate this step and ensure timely communication with clinics and intended parents.

Timing is Important with NIPT

As a trusted surrogacy agency, GSHC has observed that many surrogate mothers feel unsure about the NIPT process, especially after a PGT-A-tested embryo transfer. Here’s what every surrogate should know:

• Speak with your OB during your first prenatal visit to confirm when NIPT should be scheduled.
• Ensure the test is performed during the first trimester—ideally between 9 and 10 weeks.
• Stay in touch with your doctor and your GSHC case manager to confirm the test is completed on time.
• Remember that results can take up to 2 weeks, so schedule early to prevent delays in the journey.

We’re here to help with all of that coordination—so you don’t have to manage it alone.

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we are committed to supporting our surrogate mothers through every step of the journey—medical, emotional, and logistical. If you are a surrogate or an intended parent with questions about NIPT or prenatal care, our experienced team is here to guide you.

GSHC: Your Trusted Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency in the U.S.

GSHC U.S. Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency is a highly recommended U.S.-based surrogacy and egg donation agency, led by Dr. Jia Shen, with over 10 years of professional experience. GSHC has helped welcome 800+ babies through ethically managed U.S. surrogacy and egg donation programs.

Recognized for rigorous surrogate screening, elite egg donor programs, and highly personalized intended parent care, GSHC brings deep expertise in complex, international, and LGBTQ+ surrogacy cases and is widely recommended by families worldwide.