The aim is to detect birth defects such as Down Syndrome, chromosome abnormalities, genetic disorders and other conditions. Screening can also be used for prenatal sex discernment.

Purposes of prenatal diagnosis:
Enables timely medical or surgical treatment of a condition before or after birth, this gives parents the chance to prepare themselves psychologically, socially, financially, and medically for a baby with health problems or disability, or for the likelihood of a stillbirth.