Question 1

when do they test for down syndrome during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Screening for DS, : offered to all pregnant women, is done after 10 weeks' gestational age, usually at 11-13 weeks. Both the 1st trimester comprehensive screen &amp; the 1st &amp; 2nd trimester integrated screen use fetal ultrasounds, blood tests for specific proteins &amp; hormones &amp; maternal age at delivery to calculate risk of DS. (If 36, risk us 1:294; if 37, 1:227). Diagnostic tests are offered if calculated risk is high.

Question 2

should someone test for down syndrome during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Screening for Down : Syndrome is offered to all pregnant women in the US,  regardless of age.  If screening test results + maternal age reveal a high risk for DS, diagnostic tests are offered. Risk for DS becomes significantly higher &amp;  increases yearly beginning  when women wil be 35 at the time of full-term delivery. Though screening for DS is highly recommended, pregnant women  can choose not to have it done.

Question 3

my wife is 13weeks pregnant and we have done the blood test for down syndrome and the results came back with the following 1:190. please advice and give guidance on what else can we done to get a more confirmed result.

Accepted Answer

Screening v definite: You didn't provide your wife's age, which determines general DS risk, but 1/190 is elevated in general. A definitive test will require that cells from baby be examined for chromosomes. In the USA they have a test as early as 10 wks where fetal cells are found in mothers blood &amp; studied(NIPS). Older method amnionic villus sampling or amniocentesis can do it. Unsure what is available there.

Question 4

i got a positive test for down syndrome i am 21 weeks pregnant ?

Accepted Answer

Down's Syndrome: Ask your doc if he/she can connect you w/parents of children w/Downs.  Find support groups through your local charities or hospitals.  Please get educated so you will be well-prepared.  Speak w/friends or a prudent spiritual leader.  Adjustment to anything is a process.  Peace and good health.

Question 5

i am 23 weeks pregnant, and considering changing my gynae as she insists that i complete a scan with a fetal specialist to test for down syndrome. apparently my blood tests reveal an intermediate risk - 1:850. please advise if this test is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Would it matter: OBGYNs are very focused on a good outcome and quite aware that people will sue them for any bad one. Screening tests are cheaper tests designed to select the people that need further testing to confirm or exclude a problem. If having a kid with DS does not alter your plans for the pregnancy, don't get it. If it would help you prepare for the outcome or change what you do, get it done. Your choice.

Question 6

what is the best test that my wife can do it to detect down syndrome? my wife now is pregnant with first trimester

Accepted Answer

Various: Tests include screening with ultrasound and blood tests.  If they create suspicion then amniocentesis, chronic villi sampling and drawing per cutaneous umbilical blood.  All women should be screened between 11& 13 weeks regardless of age.

Question 7

what are the typical prenatal tests to check for down syndrome? what week of pregnancy do they typically test for this?

Accepted Answer

Integrated Prenatal: Screening determines risk of Down Syndrome or other Trisomies, calculated from findings on 1st &amp; , often, 2nd trimester Fetal Ultrasounds, 1st &amp; 2nd trimester specific maternal blood tests + gestational &amp; maternal age, so parents can decide if they want a diagnostic test for analysis of fetal chromosomes. See http://www.womenandinfants.org/pdc/integrated-screening-test for specific markers.

Question 8

i am 11 weeks pregnant & i got a request for another test to check the baby for down syndrome. the last result came back as 1/1000-intimidate risk. how worried should i be?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: The type of test was not mentioned but is likely a screening test. Screening just uses a cheaper test to select those who may be at higher risk for a more expensive &amp; more dependable test. The NIPS is a test on maternal blood after 10 wks that can identify fetal cells &amp; use them to confirm/exclude DS and many other defects. (&gt;99% accurate) I wouldn't stress at this point.

Question 9

can the new test of the pregnant woman's blood fine down syndrome dna from the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The test by sequenom is a blood test from the mother as early as 10 weeks used to analyze circulating fetal blood cells for their chromosomal structure. This can help determine if the fetus suffers from a number of chromosomal abnormalities including down's syndrome.  It can also determine the sex but in the case of female fetuses it is more problematic because of cross contamination.

Question 10

my first baby is down syndrome, what is the test must my wife doing during the first trimester of second pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Your risk  of a second ds birth is about 1% plus any age factor risk if the first baby was a 21 trisomy.The most specific tests would be chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis. Cvs can be done in early pregnancy and amniocentesis around 16 wks.Both procedures have some risk to mom and the baby.There are some less invasive but less definitive tests.Ask ur doc.

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Doctor answers about:

Test for down syndrome while pregnant

A member asked:

When do they test for down syndrome during pregnancy?

A member asked:

Should someone test for down syndrome during pregnancy?

A member asked:

My wife is 13weeks pregnant and we have done the blood test for down syndrome and the results came back with the following 1:190. please advice and give guidance on what else can we done to get a more confirmed result.

A member asked:

I got a positive test for down syndrome i am 21 weeks pregnant ?

A member asked:

I am 23 weeks pregnant, and considering changing my gynae as she insists that i complete a scan with a fetal specialist to test for down syndrome. apparently my blood tests reveal an intermediate risk - 1:850. please advise if this test is necessary?

A member asked:

What is the best test that my wife can do it to detect down syndrome? my wife now is pregnant with first trimester

A member asked:

What are the typical prenatal tests to check for down syndrome? what week of pregnancy do they typically test for this?

A member asked:

I am 11 weeks pregnant & i got a request for another test to check the baby for down syndrome. the last result came back as 1/1000-intimidate risk. how worried should i be?

A member asked:

Can the new test of the pregnant woman's blood fine down syndrome dna from the fetus?

A member asked:

My first baby is down syndrome, what is the test must my wife doing during the first trimester of second pregnancy?

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