Question
At 18 weeks and 4 days pregnant, Down syndrome was diagnosed. How should it be handled?
Answer
According to the description, the pregnant woman is at 18 weeks and 4 days and has been diagnosed with Down syndrome during a prenatal examination. She inquires about how to handle the situation. Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a birth defect disease caused by a chromosomal abnormality, characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delays, and a distinctive facial appearance, and may be accompanied by multiple congenital malformations. It is recommended to communicate closely with the doctor, prepare for follow-up healthcare, and find the cause, which may involve factors such as advanced maternal age, medication, radiation, chemicals, and viral infections.