Patient's question:
The result of the first Down syndrome screening is 1/290, which is considered high risk (1/270). Although the result is classified as low risk, it is very close to the high-risk range. Is it necessary for me to have an amniocentesis? Personally, I don't really want to!Doctor's answer:
A Down syndrome screening is a method that involves drawing pregnant women's blood serum to detect the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin in the mother's serum. It also combines the pregnant woman's estimated due date, age, weight, and gestational age at the time of blood collection to calculate the risk factor for giving birth to a child with Down syndrome.Children with Down syndrome have severe intellectual disabilities, cannot live independently, and often suffer from complex cardiovascular diseases. They require long-term care from family members, which can impose significant emotional and financial burdens on the family.
Recommendation:
Your Down syndrome screening results indicate a borderline high risk. You may undergo another screening. If the results still show a high risk, further tests such as amniocentesis and fetal chromosome analysis should be performed to confirm whether the child has Down syndrome.