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Prenatal Symptoms Of Down Syndrome
In the United States the incidence of Down syndrome is approximately 1 in a 1,000 births. And it has been proven that there is no correlation between Down syndrome and any culture, ethnic group or geographic location.
The chances of having a child with Down syndrome depend on the age of the mother. The odds of having a child with Down syndrome are around 1 in 350 at the age of 35. If the mother is under 25, the odds are more in her favor and they are 1 in 1,400. However, if you decide to have a baby at 40, the odds dramatically increase and are 1 in 100.
There are prenatal screening tests available nowadays the identify women who are at an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. These tests are relatively safe and do not pose any threats of miscarriage but they can tell with certainty where the fetus has Down syndrome. On the other hand, there are prenatal diagnostic tests that are accurate and identify the abnormalities in a fetus. However, diagnostic tests can pose a small risk of miscarriage.
Prenatal Screening Tests
Expanded AFP Screening -- Is a simple blood test which performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. The blood test result is combined with the woman’s age to estimate the risk of her carrying a fetus with Down syndrome. This screening test does not diagnose birth defects
Nuchal Translucency Screening -- This is a non-invasive screening that is performed early in the pregnancy. The screening is done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy and it is done through a high resolution ultrasound exam of the nuchal area, which a fold of skin at the back of the neck of the fetus. The results are combined with the age of the mother to determine the risk of her having a baby with Down syndrome.
Prenatal Diagnostic Tests
There are three primary diagnostic tests done to determine abnormalities in the fetus and this includes the baby having Down syndrome. These are amniocentesis, chorionic villus and ultrasound.
Amniocentesis -- Is the most common diagnostic test done to determine problems like Down syndrome. This test is done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. A needle is inserted in the abdomen and a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed. The cells from the fluid are analyzed and it takes 2 weeks to get the results. There is small chance of miscarriage but the risk is very low.
Chorionic Villus -- This diagnostic test involves removing a piece of tissue from the placenta either with a needle through the abdomen or a catheter through the cervix. This test can be performed much earlier than amniocentesis and is done at 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Ultrasound -- This test is used to find out the due date, size of the fetus and multiple pregnancies. However, you can find out birth defects in the fetus with ultrasound.
Related Topics:
- Down Syndrome And Caries
- Adopting A Down Syndrome Baby
- Teaching Children With Down Syndrome Sign Language
