Screening for Down's Syndrome

Screening and Detecting Down SyndromeCombining ultrasound and maternal blood tests
Parents frequently want to know what to expect ofThe combination of ultrasound and maternal blood
their unborn child.testing increases the odds of early detection to 90%
Ultrasound tests are frequently performed not onlywith only 5% erroneous positive results. False
to check on the progression of the pregnancy, butpositives are maddening, stressful errors in the
to find out the baby's gender and size.testing process, and can lead new parents to believe
While ultrasound testing is usually a lovely bonus forthey have a child with Down's Syndrome when, in
any parent, these tests can be invaluable life-saversfact, they don't.
to parents who believe their child to be at risk forWhile testing procedures have improved greatly,
Down's Syndrome. In addition to advances inkeep this small chance in mind when looking at test
ultrasound, maternal blood screening tests haveresults.
advanced to the point where more dangerousUse of ultrasound and maternal blood testing can help
procedures can frequently be avoided.avoid the necessity of the more definitive tests.
Ultrasounds and detecting Down SyndromeHowever, if screening up to this point has indicated a
Ultrasound tests can be done in the first trimester tostrong possibility of Down's Syndrome in your baby,
check for early signs of Down's Syndrome, such asyou may want to go ahead and have the more
thicker than normal neck skin.definitive tests done to get a real, concrete answer.
In the early second trimester, an ultrasound test maySceening the baby more invasively
be able to show another potentially problematic sign,Be aware that these tests carry a small risk of
the lack of a normal nasal bone.endangering the baby and the mother because all of
Ultrasound is not a definitive test for a number ofthem involve physically invading the uterus for a
reasons. The mother will be moving slightly during thetissue sample. This risk is why avoiding them as much
test, no matter how hard she tries to be still. Heras possible is a good idea.
breathing moves her uterus, if nothing else. InThese tests include umbilical cord blood testing,
addition, of course, babies move around like mad assampling of placental tissue, and amniocentesis.
any pregnant lady who's tried to sleep through aAmniocentesis involves taking a sample of amniotic
kicking child can attest. Because ultrasound testingfluid from within the placental sac. Because these
involves bouncing sound waves in order to get atests involve breaching the integrity of the uterus
clear picture, movement can give false results eitherand/or placental fluid sac, they have a small chance
way.of causing a miscarriage or other damage.
However, these early ultrasound tests can help bothConclusion
doctors and parents make informed decisions toIf the tests should come up positive, realize that
proceed or not with further Down's Syndrome tests.your child can enjoy a happy and full life with early
Maternal Blood Screeningintervention and loving care.
If the ultrasounds indicate that the unborn baby mayAs diagnosis occured before birth, you have the
have Down's Syndrome, maternal blood screening is aopportunity to maximize your child's capability,
good next step.potential and quality of life.
These blood tests are taken from Mom and look forChildren with Down's Syndrome are, first and
several factors in her blood that indicate potentialforemost, children, with all the capacity for love,
Down's Syndrome.wonder and life implied thereby.