Presentation description

Patients are increasingly turning to social media for health information, including during pregnancy. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), a screening tool used to estimate the likelihood of certain genetic conditions in a fetus, is often misrepresented in online content. On platforms like YouTube, NIPT is frequently framed as a gender reveal test rather than a medical screening, which can shape patient expectations and influence clinical conversations.

This study explores how NIPT is portrayed in YouTube videos, focusing on language, tone, emotional content, and the presence of misinformation or inclusive messaging. Using predefined search terms, we collected over 300 publicly available videos and analyzed a subset from YouTube. Each video was coded in REDCap for platform, creator type, and narrative characteristics, and evaluated for information quality using the DISCERN tool. Open-ended coder notes and transcripts were also reviewed to capture storytelling patterns, especially around gender framing.

We propose that much of the misinformation stems from misunderstanding rather than intent and that emotionally charged narratives play a significant role in shaping perceptions of NIPT. By analyzing these digital narratives, this project contributes to improved reproductive health communication and helps clinicians better understand the online information landscape their patients navigate.