Question
I am currently six months pregnant and was informed today that my Down Syndrome screening result is not passing. What methods are available for Down Syndrome screening at this stage? Is this test mandatory?
Answer
The Down Syndrome screening result does not definitively indicate whether the fetus is affected by the condition; it is merely a preliminary test for pregnant women. Typically, non-invasive DNA testing or chorionic villus sampling are recommended. A failed Down Syndrome screening does not necessarily mean an increased risk of the fetus having the condition. For safety’s sake, it is advisable to undergo non-invasive DNA testing and chorionic villus sampling. These tests are safe for both the fetus and the mother, although they are relatively expensive.