Question
During the Down syndrome screening at the maternal and child health care hospital, the test results were slightly above the normal range. The hospital recommended performing amniocentesis to further confirm the fetus’s condition. Is it possible to avoid amniocentesis and choose other methods of examination instead?
Answer
The Down syndrome screening is conducted by measuring the concentration of fetal protein a and gonadotropin in the pregnant woman’s serum, and combining this with information such as the pregnant woman’s age, weight, and gestational period to assess the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome often suffer from severe developmental delays and cardiovascular diseases, among other health issues, requiring long-term family care, which may impose a heavy psychological and economic burden on the family. Based on the screening results, your fetus is considered to have a higher risk of Down syndrome. Therefore, it is recommended that you undergo amniocentesis or other more detailed examinations to obtain more accurate information. This will help you make more informed decisions and ensure the health of both the fetus and yourself.