Question
I underwent a Down Syndrome screening at 21+3 weeks of pregnancy and the result was high risk. What should I do next?
Answer
The high-risk screening result suggests undergoing amniocentesis or other more detailed diagnostic tests to confirm whether the fetus has Down Syndrome. While a high risk does not necessarily mean the fetus is a Down syndrome child, it is necessary to undergo further genetic counseling and testing to rule out potential risks. Children with Down Syndrome often suffer from severe intellectual disabilities, inability to care for themselves, and may have complex cardiovascular diseases, which can bring long-term mental and economic burdens to the family.