Question
I just found out I’m pregnant about a month ago. I remember a friend had done a Down syndrome screening when she was pregnant, but my doctor didn’t mention it. So, I want to know if prenatal Down syndrome screening is necessary? What kind of harm might occur if it’s not done?
Answer
During pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo Down syndrome screening. If we don’t have the screening, we cannot rule out the possibility of a Down syndrome baby. Babies with Down syndrome are born with an intellectual disability and cannot be cured. If a baby with Down syndrome is in a high-risk condition, we may need to perform amniocentesis. Once a Down syndrome baby is confirmed, we may need to terminate the pregnancy. It’s not advisable to take medication randomly during pregnancy to avoid developmental abnormalities in the fetus, fatigue from staying up late, and eating excessive amounts of fresh vegetables.