Screening for Down Syndrome.

There is no prevention for Downs Syndrome, but there are signs when pregnant to determine if the baby has Down Syndrome.There are two types of test used to detect Down Syndrome in a fetus they are screening test and diagnostic tests.Screening tests estimates the risk of a fetus having Down Syndrome. Diagnostic tests can tell wether the fetus actually has the condition.
    Screening test are cost effective and easy to perform. But because they can't give a definte answer if the baby has Downs Syndrome,the test are used to help parents decide if  need to have more diagnostic tests.
          Diagnostic test are about 99% accurate in detecting Down Syndrome and  other chromosomal abnormalaties,However because they are performed inside of the uterus, they are assosiated with a risk of miscarriage and other complications.For this reason invasive dianostic screening was previously generally recomended for women age 35 or older,family with history of genetics defects, or those who had an abnormal result on a screening test.
                   However,the american College of Obsterics and Gynecology now recommends that all women be offered screemning with invasive diagnostic testing for Down Syndrome,regardless of age.

Screening tests include;

Nuchal translucency testing.This test is performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, uses altrosound to mmeasure the clearspace in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck.(Babies eith Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalaties tend to accumulate fluid thetre, making the space appear larger.) This measurment, taken together withthe mother,s age and baby's gestational age,can be used to calculate the odds that the baby has Down Syndrome.Nuchal translucency testing is usually performed along witha maternol blood test.

Tripple screen or quadruple screen (also called the multiple marker test). These tests measure the quantities of normal substances in the mother's blood.As the manes imply, triple screen tests for three markers and quadruple screen includes one addittional marker and is more accurate.These test are typically offered between 15 and 18 weeks of prgnancy.

Integrated screen. This uses results from first trimester screening teste(with or without nuchal transluccency)and blood tests with second trimester quad screen to come up with the most accurate screening results.

A genetic ultrasound. A detailed ultra sound is often performed at 18 to 20 weeks in conjiction with the blood test,and it checks the fetus for some of the physical traits abnormalities assosiated with Down Syndrome.

Diagnostic Tests include.

Chrorionic villus ampling(CVS).CVS involves taking a tiny sample of placenta, either through the cervix or through a neddle inserted in the abdomen. The advantage of this test is that it can be performed during the first trimester,between 8 and 12 weeks.The disadvantage is that it carries a slightly risk of miscarriage as compared with aminocentesis and has other complications.

Amenocentesis.This test,performed betwen 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy,involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid through a needle inserted in the abdomen. The cells can then be analyzed for the presence of chromosomal abnormalaties.Aminocentesis carries a small risk of complications,such as preterm labor and miscarriage.

Percutaneous umbical blood sampling(PUBS). Usually performed after 20 weeks, this test uses a needle to retreive a small sample of blood from the umbical cord.It caries risk siliar to those assosiated with aminocentesis.

Realizing that your child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome can be ovewhelmimg and fear of facing the future.Talking to other parents with children with Down Syndrome can can help deal with the initial fear and shock.