What does Down syndrome screening test during pregnancy?

Pregnant women nowadays are very careful and will go to the hospital for pregnancy check-ups immediately during pregnancy to check the condition of the fetus and their own physical condition. Pregnant women three months later need to have a pregnancy check-up every month, and the content of the pregnancy check-up is different. Generally, a Down syndrome screening test is needed around 22 weeks of gestation. So, what does the Down syndrome screening actually test?

Down syndrome screening is a screening for Down syndrome. In layman's terms, it is to check whether the fetus has Down syndrome, that is, an idiot child. Although older pregnant women are more likely to have Down syndrome babies, every pregnant woman needs to do this test, which will be safer. However, older pregnant women need to undergo more tests to prevent problems.

If the Down screening test fails, amniocentesis should be done, which will be more accurate. However, no matter what test is done, it cannot be 100% sure whether the fetus actually has Down syndrome. Pregnant women need to choose to continue pregnancy or terminate the pregnancy based on the doctor's advice.

To sum up, Down syndrome screening is to check the specific condition of the fetus to see if it is a child with mental retardation. The probability of having a child with Down syndrome is still relatively high, so this is a necessary test. Pregnant women should relieve themselves and not be overly nervous. If you have been pregnant with Down syndrome before, if you want to get pregnant again, you need to go to the hospital to check your sex chromosomes.

When to do Down syndrome screening

Pregnant mothers must grasp the right time for Down syndrome screening, because whether it is early or late, it will affect the accuracy of the test results. If you miss the time range, you will not be able to make up for the examination and can only do amniocentesis. It is best to do Down syndrome screening between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Down syndrome screening method

The screening method often uses a collaborative serological method to screen for Down syndrome. The peripheral blood of the pregnant mother is extracted, blood cells are obtained, and the concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the pregnant mother's blood cells are tested. The "risk factor" is calculated based on the expectant mother's date of delivery, age, gestational age and weight at the time of blood test. In this way, 80% of congenital idiocy can be detected. In addition, this test can also detect pregnant women at high risk of neural tube defects, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. If the blood cell test is positive, an amniotic fluid test is also required to confirm the diagnosis.

Advance preparation before Down syndrome screening

There is no need to fast for Down syndrome screening, but if the pregnant mother needs to have blood tests and other tests in addition to Down syndrome screening, the doctor may require fasting, so it is best for the pregnant mother to consult the doctor for other preparations before the test. You must choose the right time for Down syndrome screening, otherwise you will not be able to make up for it if you miss it. Therefore, you must prepare in advance and consult a doctor immediately if you have any questions.

Warm reminder: Down syndrome screening is a relatively important test in the second trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant mothers must follow the doctor's instructions, do regular prenatal checkups, and never skip this test.