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Home-->Prenatal Tests for Down Syndrome
Prenatal Tests for Down SyndromeOn this page we will describe the common prenatal tests for Down Syndrome.Often, during pregnancy, women are subjected to a variety of prenatal tests. Screening for anomalies such as neural tube defects, Down Syndrome, and more seems to be the norm.
The Triple Screen or Triple Test is one of the first prenatal tests for Down Syndrome you will have.It involves taking a small blood sample somewhere between the 14th and the 20th weeks of pregnancy. The most accurate results are achieved when the test is performed between 16 and 18 weeks gestation. This test measures the quantities of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), AFP( alpha- fetoprotein), and estriol in the mother's blood. An increased risk on having a baby with Down Syndrome is suggested when the results show decreased AFP levels, and increased hCG and estriol levels. *(I do not consider it a "risk" anymore. A risk is where something negative happens, and there is nothing negative about having this child with Down Syndrome!) I'm getting sidetracked though so I will go on about the test. A variety of factors have to be taken into account when the test is interpreted. The mother's age, weight, and ethnicity. Also taken into account is whether she has diabetes, is carrying more than one fetus (baby), and the gestational age of the fetus(baby). Taking all this into consideration, along with the levels of these components in the blood the doctor will come to conclusion as to how great (for example, 1 in 200) the chance is that your baby will have Down Syndrome. It is important to remember that this is only a screening test, not a definitive diagnostic tool. This test is by no means 100% accurate! I will not even go into percentages of accuracy. In my own experience, I agonized for five months after a "positive for increased risk for Down Syndrome". That was baby number seven. She is a perfectly "normal" 4 year old. To read more about that story click here. The Quadruple Test The Quadruple Test or Quad Test is in essence the same as the Triple Test but measures a fourth component - inhibin A. This test is only done if the woman is already at high risk (there's that word again) for having a baby with Down Syndrome. FURTHER TESTING Chorionic Villus Sampling Another one of the more accurate prenatal tests for Down Syndrome is CVS. If you are still in the very early stages (10-12 weeks) of pregnancy, CVS (no, not the drugstore) or chorionic villus sampling may be an option. The doctor inserts a thin tube (usually vaginally) into the uterus and takes a sample of tissue from the placenta. Certain markers are measured and the results are usually back in 10 to 14 days. This test carries with it a 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 chance of miscarriage. Neither amniocentesis nor CVS carry any major risks of serious adverse effects with them, but I just did not want to take any chances. We would not have considered abortion for any reason so why risk it? When I was pregnant with our child who has Down Syndrome I opted not to have ANY of the prenatal tests for Down Syndrome (I did have ultrasounds for other reasons) since I agonized for five months the time before. For those who just need to know, the option is there.
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