What type of genetic testing evaluates a fetus before birth?

Prenatal testing is specifically designed to assess the genetic health of a fetus before birth. This type of testing is critical for detecting potential genetic disorders or anomalies early in pregnancy, allowing for informed decision-making for parents and healthcare providers.

Prenatal testing can include various methods, such as blood tests and imaging techniques, but it particularly refers to the broader category of tests that can be done during pregnancy. It plays a vital role in maternal-fetal medicine, as it can provide information about genetic conditions like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other chromosomal abnormalities.

While the other options pertain to genetic testing in various contexts, they do not encompass the specific focus of evaluating a fetus before birth. Postnatal testing occurs after the baby is born, and genetic screening usually refers to assessments done in broader populations rather than specific fetal evaluations. Chorionic villus sampling is a specific type of prenatal testing, but it is just one method among several that fall under the umbrella of prenatal testing. Thus, prenatal testing captures the overall approach to evaluating a fetus for genetic conditions.