Should I get the test for Down's syndrome?

by Christine Hill

Hello. My partner is in her 17th week of pregnancy and has just had her blood test results back. They suggest that we have a 1:198 chance of having a Down's baby. My partner is 34 years old, 35 in September. We have been offered amniothentisis but we are reluctant due to the high risk of miscarriage which we have been told is 1:150. We have heard of a scan that can be done to evaluate certain distinctions for a down's baby but we do not know how accurate this is.We would like to know our full options and how effective these are. Unfortunately our midwife has not been forthcoming with information. Any information you could give us would be most appreciated. Thank you.

answer

I think you are referring to a nuchal fold measurement, which is a measurement taken between the skin and spine of the baby's neck. It is a risk assessment test, but most accurate if the scan is performed when the woman is between 11 and 14 weeks pregnant.The blood test is also a risk assessment test, and again, doesn't tell you anything for definite. If it shows that your risk of being pregnant with a baby with Down's syndrome is less than 1:250, the result is described as screen negative. A risk of more than 1:250 is described as screen positive, and the parents are offered further investigations - as you have been. An amniocentesis will be able to tell for definite if your baby has Down's syndrome.If you and your partner would not be prepared to terminate the pregnancy if it was found that your baby had Down's syndrome, there probably isn't much point in your partner having an amniocentesis. I do hope all works out OK for you, Christine Hill.

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Should I get the test for Down's syndrome?