What should I do if there is a problem with the Down syndrome screening?

Patient's question:

I am 23 weeks pregnant and have been undergoing prenatal check-ups at the hospital. Yesterday, I had the Down syndrome screening, and the doctor said there were issues with my results. The AFP MOM value was 0.51, which is low and outside the normal range. I would like to consult on what to do if there are problems with the Down syndrome screening.

Doctor's answer:

If the results of the Down syndrome screening are problematic, it is recommended to undergo amniocentesis or minimally invasive diagnosis for a re-evaluation. These two methods will be more accurate than the initial screening. However, if further tests reveal issues, it is best to consider a timely abortion, as children with Down syndrome cannot be fully cured. Even if the child is born, its life expectancy is relatively short. I suggest waiting to see what the doctor advises after the examination before making any decisions.

📌 Related Posts