This study examines the availability of prenatal screening tests such
as ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and serum scre
ening in Finnish maternity care and estimates possible future trends.
In Finland, municipalities are responsible for organizing maternity ca
re in their area. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 100 m
unicipalities (response rate 99%) and to all Finnish public hospitals
with obstetric or gynaecological departments (response rate 100%). Ult
rasound screening examinations and amniocentesis and chorionic villus
sampling were put into use in Finland as soon as they were technically
available. These screening techniques have diffused widely and are ac
cessible throughout most of the country. There exists some variation w
ith regard to the timing and number of ultrasound examinations and to
which age group amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are offere
d. A tendency to decentralize prenatal screening test locations, in pa
rticular in the case of ultrasound, was found. Most professionals were
comfortable with current screening systems and, if some change was wi
shed for, it most often was a wish to increase screening activity. Reg
ardless of many controversial issues, prenatal screening has become an
established practice in Finland.