Prenatal Testing: What Do People Know and What Are They Anxious About? Over 40% Prioritize 'Accuracy' and 'Impact on the Baby'
NEXER Co., Ltd. and Hiraishi Children's Clinic surveyed 300 individuals who have experienced pregnancy or have a pregnant partner regarding their awareness and concerns about prenatal testing and fetal health. The survey revealed that while nearly 70% receive standard pregnancy checkups, over half of the respondents felt inadequately informed about prenatal testing options, and approximately 70% lack sufficient knowledge regarding the differences between test types.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 11:50 (72h 19m after Collected)
## Survey on Knowledge and Awareness of Prenatal Testing and Fetal Health
From the moment pregnancy is confirmed, many people wonder, "Is the baby healthy?"
In recent years, the options for prenatal testing have expanded beyond ultrasounds and standard blood tests to include NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). However, how much information do families actually have when they become pregnant, and what is their mindset when approaching these tests?
In collaboration with Hiraishi Children's Clinic, we conducted a survey on "Prenatal Testing and Interest in Fetal Health," targeting 300 men and women across Japan who have experienced pregnancy or whose partner has experienced pregnancy.
## Survey Overview
- Methodology: Online survey
- Period: April 5, 2026 – April 12, 2026
- Target: Men and women nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or whose partner has experienced pregnancy
- Valid responses: 300 samples
## 69.7% Received Standard Pregnancy Checkups Only
When asked about the extent of testing conducted to monitor fetal health, 69.7% of respondents stated they only received standard pregnancy checkups. Other responses included "None" (12.3%), "Broad range of tests" (10.0%), and "Minimum necessary tests" (8.0%). While many received the standard range of care, over 10% received no testing, indicating differences in perspectives and circumstances.
## 51.7% Had No Prior Information on Prenatal Testing
When asked about their level of prior knowledge regarding prenatal testing, 51.7% of respondents said they had "not much" or "almost no" information (26.7% and 25.0%, respectively), compared to those who had "sufficient" (6.0%) or "some" (42.3%) knowledge. This shows that more than half of pregnant families pass through this stage without sufficient information.
## 68.3% Only Know the Names or Have Little Knowledge of Test Types
When asked about their awareness of available prenatal test types (e.g., traditional tests vs. NIPT), 68.3% of respondents said they had "almost no knowledge" (35.3%) or "only heard the names" (33.0%). Only 25.0% had "some knowledge" and 6.7% had "deep knowledge," indicating that most people do not understand the specifics of these tests.
## 61.1% Cannot Explain the Differences Between Tests
Among those who claimed to know about prenatal testing, 61.1% responded that they were "unable to explain" the differences between the various test types.
From the moment pregnancy is confirmed, many people wonder, "Is the baby healthy?"
In recent years, the options for prenatal testing have expanded beyond ultrasounds and standard blood tests to include NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). However, how much information do families actually have when they become pregnant, and what is their mindset when approaching these tests?
In collaboration with Hiraishi Children's Clinic, we conducted a survey on "Prenatal Testing and Interest in Fetal Health," targeting 300 men and women across Japan who have experienced pregnancy or whose partner has experienced pregnancy.
## Survey Overview
- Methodology: Online survey
- Period: April 5, 2026 – April 12, 2026
- Target: Men and women nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or whose partner has experienced pregnancy
- Valid responses: 300 samples
## 69.7% Received Standard Pregnancy Checkups Only
When asked about the extent of testing conducted to monitor fetal health, 69.7% of respondents stated they only received standard pregnancy checkups. Other responses included "None" (12.3%), "Broad range of tests" (10.0%), and "Minimum necessary tests" (8.0%). While many received the standard range of care, over 10% received no testing, indicating differences in perspectives and circumstances.
## 51.7% Had No Prior Information on Prenatal Testing
When asked about their level of prior knowledge regarding prenatal testing, 51.7% of respondents said they had "not much" or "almost no" information (26.7% and 25.0%, respectively), compared to those who had "sufficient" (6.0%) or "some" (42.3%) knowledge. This shows that more than half of pregnant families pass through this stage without sufficient information.
## 68.3% Only Know the Names or Have Little Knowledge of Test Types
When asked about their awareness of available prenatal test types (e.g., traditional tests vs. NIPT), 68.3% of respondents said they had "almost no knowledge" (35.3%) or "only heard the names" (33.0%). Only 25.0% had "some knowledge" and 6.7% had "deep knowledge," indicating that most people do not understand the specifics of these tests.
## 61.1% Cannot Explain the Differences Between Tests
Among those who claimed to know about prenatal testing, 61.1% responded that they were "unable to explain" the differences between the various test types.
FAQ
出生前検査について、事前に十分な情報を持っていましたか？
調査対象者の51.7％が「あまり持っていなかった」または「ほとんど持っていなかった」と回答し、半数以上が十分な情報を持っていないまま妊娠期を過ごしていたことがわかりました。
妊娠中、赤ちゃんの健康状態を確認するための検査をどの程度受けましたか？
69.7％が「一般的な妊婦健診の範囲で受けた」と回答しました。次いで「受けていない」が12.3％、「できる範囲で幅広く受けた」が10.0％、「必要最低限のみ受けた」が8.0％でした。
出生前に受けられる検査の種類についてどの程度知っていますか？
約7割（68.3％）の人が「名前は聞いたことがある程度」または「ほとんど知らない」と回答し、検査内容まで踏み込んで把握している人は少数派でした。
出生前検査を受ける際、重視されることは何ですか？
4割以上の回答者が「正確性」と「赤ちゃんへの影響」を重視しています。
この調査の対象者は誰ですか？
事前調査で「妊娠経験者またはパートナーが妊娠を経験したことがある」と回答した、全国の男女300名です。