What is Down syndrome

Patient's question:

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Doctor's answer:

Women aged 35 and older should undergo screening for Down syndrome during the perinatal period. Additionally, many obstetricians use blood tests to screen for Down syndrome in some younger pregnant women during the perinatal period. If the pregnancy continues to term, early diagnosis of Down syndrome before the fetus is delivered enables clinicians to provide genetic counseling to the family and appropriate medical evaluation for the newborn.