Question
When should Down syndrome screening be done during pregnancy? My last menstrual period was on July 14th, and I am currently 21 weeks + 2 days pregnant. I only had the Down syndrome screening on Monday (December 6th), but I’ve read online that the accuracy of the test decreases after 20 weeks. How accurate is this method at this point? Is it still necessary to undergo this test after 20 weeks? Additionally, with the recent changes in weather, I have allergic rhinitis and often have a runny nose and nasal congestion. I’m worried about whether this will affect the fetus. Moreover, I also have anemia issues. Will these health problems affect the fetus?
Answer
Down syndrome screening is typically conducted around five months of pregnancy, but the accuracy of the test may be affected after 20 weeks. For pregnant women with Down syndrome, in addition to timely treatment, it is important to consult experts frequently, maintain communication with doctors, and pay attention to daily care and choose authoritative hospitals for treatment. As for allergic rhinitis and anemia issues, these are common symptoms during pregnancy and usually have no direct impact on the fetus. However, to ensure the health of both mother and child, it is recommended that you discuss the management of these symptoms with your doctor and adjust your lifestyle or receive appropriate treatment based on their advice.