To assess the value of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and karyotyping in the prenatal diagnosis for carriers of balanced translocations. Clinical records of 135 amniocentesis samples of balanced translocation carriers undergoing simultaneous CNV-seq and karyotyping were analyzed. Chromosomal aberrations were defined as those can definitely lead to birth defects definitely, which included chromosomal numerical abnormality, large deletion/duplication and pathogenic copy number variations (pCNVs). The detection rates for karyotyping and CNV-seq were 4.44% (6/135) and 5.93% (8/135) respectively, and the latter had a detection rate of 1.48(2/135) higher than the former. A total of 68 fetal chromosomal translocations were detected by karyotying analysis. For couples carrying a balanced translocation, simultaneous CNV-seq and karyotyping is conducive to the detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and genetic counseling.