The demands made on prenatal care in terms of fetal anomaly recognition and full 
and early counseling have become more and more sophisticated over the last few 
years. Today, a range of non-invasive and invasive procedures are now available 
for the detection of fetal anomalies, genetic disorders and e.g. infection. The 
most important of the former are ultrasound and triple test (determination of 
alpha feto-protein, HCG and unconjugated estriol), while amniocentesis remains 
the major invasive measure. The indications, the information they provide, and 
possible risks of these procedures are discussed.