Patient's question:
Hello, your sister-in-law didn't have Down syndrome with her first child. Now she's having her second child. I want to ask, if the first child didn't have Down syndrome, will the second child have it?Doctor's answer:
Down syndrome is a disease caused by chromosomal abnormalities (having an extra 21 chromosome). 60% of affected fetuses are miscarried in early pregnancy, and survivors have significant intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, growth and development disorders, and a higher risk of congenital malformations. The purpose of this test is to determine the risk of the fetus developing Down syndrome by analyzing the mother's blood. It is recommended that young women under the age of 34 undergo a thorough Down syndrome screening, as the genetic makeup of each child is unique. The best time for the test is between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. If the first child is fine, it does not necessarily mean the second child will be affected. It is still advisable to consult a doctor for additional testing.