Question
What is the necessity and main purpose of Down syndrome screening?
Answer
The detailed screening for Down syndrome is to confirm whether the fetus has brain abnormalities. Certain brain malformation diseases, such as Down syndrome or neural tube defects, can be detected early through Down screening between weeks 15 to 21 of pregnancy. Down screening is not mandatory; doctors may recommend it, but the final decision is up to the parents. Typically, Down syndrome is a sporadic disease, and anyone can contract it. The risk increases with the mother’s age. Since your age does not fall into the high-risk category, you can decide whether to undergo the test yourself. Wishing you a happy and smooth journey. The impact of Down syndrome on children is significant. If any related symptoms are found in the child, they should be taken to a regular hospital for immediate medical attention, and precautions should be taken in the child’s care.