Question
A woman pregnant for 15 weeks discovered through a non-invasive DNA test that her fetus may have a chromosomal abnormality, and she inquires about the treatment methods for chromosomal abnormalities.
Answer
For women over 35 years of age, due to the decline in egg quality and increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, it is usually not recommended to undergo Down syndrome screening but instead to opt for a non-invasive DNA test or amniocentesis. According to this woman’s situation, the non-invasive DNA test results indicated an abnormality, so she underwent amniocentesis to confirm. If the amniocentesis results also show chromosomal abnormalities, from the perspective of eugenics, it is suggested to terminate the pregnancy. Additionally, the optimal age for women to have children is between 20 and 29 years old, and pregnancy after 35 can face issues such as a decrease in egg quantity and quality, as well as an increased risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Currently, it is recommended that this woman wait for the amniocentesis results before making further decisions.