2026.06.01
Conclusion: What is the psychological burden of NIPT?
The psychological burden of NIPT clearly varies depending on the test result and how well the person has prepared beforehand.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a screening test that draws maternal blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. While the physical risk is extremely low, the psychological impact depends on the result. To minimize the psychological burden, prior genetic counseling and gaining accurate knowledge are essential.
Differences in psychological burden by NIPT result (data comparison)
The content of the result directly affects the psychological burden felt by the person being tested. A low-risk result brings relief, while a high-risk result can trigger unexpected shock. The table below shows the psychological impact by result, based on data from multiple studies.
| Test result | Psychological impact trend | Specific data / evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Reduced anxiety | Anxiety decreases compared to before the test, and regret about undergoing testing also decreases (overseas research data) |
| High risk | Significant increase in anxiety | 85% of women who received the notification said they were "very worried," and 92% said they were "unexpectedly shocked" (large-scale study in the Netherlands) |
After being notified of a high-risk result, 15.5% of people continue to experience anxiety, and 7.5% experience distress severe enough to interfere with daily life. Therefore, an appropriate support system tailored to the result is essential.
Three reasons NIPT increases psychological burden
The waiting period for results and a lack of prior information amplify the psychological burden on pregnant women.
① Length of the waiting period for results
It generally takes 1-2 weeks for NIPT results to come back, and this period causes anxiety. Research shows the average waiting period is 15 days, and 68.5% of those tested rate the "wait time as too long."
② Notification of a positive or inconclusive result
Being notified of a high-risk or inconclusive result significantly increases the psychological burden.
③ Lack of prior information
The quality of the information provided directly affects the psychological burden. People who received sufficient explanation from a specialist experience lower anxiety compared to those who relied solely on information from family or friends. If a person undergoes testing focused only on the benefits, they are unprepared for an unexpected result, which increases the psychological shock.
Five steps to ease the psychological burden
We explain concrete actions to reduce psychological anxiety from before the test through to after receiving the results.
- Undergo genetic counseling before the test
Receiving genetic counseling beforehand clearly reduces the psychological burden. Individual counseling lowers anxiety, reduces conflict in decision-making, and improves accurate knowledge. - Secure reliable sources of information
Use the objective explanations of doctors and genetic counselors as your standard. Uncritically absorbing inaccurate information or personal accounts online can lead to excessive anxiety. - Understand the meaning of "screening test"
NIPT is a screening test, not a definitive diagnosis. A high-risk result only indicates "there is a possibility of an abnormality," and confirmation requires amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. - Share the decision-making process with your partner
Share your anxiety with your partner or someone you trust to build emotional support. It is important to create an environment where the pregnant woman herself can take an active role. - Confirm the post-test support system
Choose in advance a facility you can consult if a high-risk or inconclusive result occurs. Check whether support from a genetics specialist, genetic counselor, or psychologist is available.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is NIPT?
A. It is a screening test that draws blood from a pregnant woman to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. There is almost no physical risk, but it is not a definitive diagnosis.
Q. How long does it take for NIPT results to come back?
A. It generally takes about 1-2 weeks. 68.5% of those tested feel anxious during this waiting period.
Q. What should I do if I receive a high-risk result?
A. To confirm the result, you will need to undergo a definitive diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Try not to be overly pessimistic, and consider your next steps using the support of a genetics specialist or counselor you have identified in advance.
Q. What are the benefits of genetic counseling?
A. You can accurately understand the purpose, accuracy, and limitations of the test, as well as the possible patterns of results. This has the effect of reducing anxiety about the test and lowering conflict in decision-making.
[References]
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019 OctEur J Hum Genet. 2023 Dec
J Genet Couns. 2017 Jun
Prenat Diagn. 2017 Sep
Prenat Diagn. 2014 Jun
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Author
M.D., Ph.D.
Tasuku Hiroshige
Ph.D. in Medicine, Board-Certified Urologist and Clinical Instructor of the Japanese Urological Association, Certified Physician of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, Certified Physician of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine, Japan Medical Association Certified Occupational Physician, Certified Physician of the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy, Certified Physician of the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections, Certificate of da Vinci system Training as a Console Surgeon, and other qualifications.
After graduating from Kagoshima University School of Medicine in 2010, he has built extensive clinical experience as a urologist. In addition to his clinical work, he is also actively engaged in academic activities such as presenting at conferences, writing papers, and securing research funding. Alongside his urology specialty certifications, he has obtained specialist qualifications in a wide range of fields including cancer treatment, anti-aging medicine, and infectious disease treatment. He draws on his extensive medical knowledge and skills to provide care tailored to each individual patient.