Question
Is the risk rate of Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy too high? Should amniocentesis be performed in this situation?
Answer
If the Down syndrome screening result shows a high risk, it is recommended to undergo amniocentesis or non-invasive DNA testing after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While amniocentesis carries risks, it can provide a comprehensive chromosome examination. Non-invasive DNA testing only requires a blood draw and checks for chromosomes 21 and 18.