Are you an older mom and worried about the test to see if the baby you are pregnant with has Downs Syndrome? Well, I was and I had the texs with the long needle (amnio) and then got to worry about miscarrying. I think the following new is important for every pregnant woman.
It is true and a blood test could soon be used on pregnant women around the world to check for Downs Syndrome. This is the latest development and news from a recent study conducted with scientists from Cyprus, Britain and Greece.
The tests performed to see if the unborn child may have Downs are invasive. These tests can also lead to miscarriage. Knowing miscarriage can be a side effect of the test also puts the pregnant mom under stress. Imagine a blood test for Downs Syndrome and the relief of not having to worry about miscarrying from the procedure?
This new test was correct when identifying 14 Downs cases and 26 normal pregnancies. Scientists also feel that this test may also make it easier to identify Downs Syndrome earlier in the pregnancy.
With this test being a blood test it should be available around the world in the near future. This test would not need expensive machinery or computer software. Many pregnant patients will be relieved to hear that a blood test is available over the invasive procedures commonly used.
Downs Syndrome is a genetic disorder. This syndrome causes learning disabilities, has a higher risk of heart problems and physical disabilities. Women over 40 are 16 times more likely to have a baby affected with Downs than a 25 year old. Children born with Downs have three copies of Chromosome 21 and not the usual two.
At this time all women are offered the screening to see if their child has Downs Syndrome. For a diagnosis the physician must have a sample of the amniotic fluid or the placenta itself. The problem with this procedure is that the miscarriage rate is 1 in 100. This in itself can cause many women not to have the test and still be fearful their child may have Downs Syndrome. Although the love for a Downs baby is not any different, many moms feel that they could be better prepared and educated knowing beforehand.
Many women in their forties are often worried about having a baby with a genetic disorder. Those who have started their families later in life as well as those women who have started having children all over again. Many patients who undergo tubal ligation reversal often write this is a fear after the initial fear of not being able to conceive. Many times the issue will be discussed on the leading tubal reversal message board and women are trying to decide whether to go through with the procedure or not.
In a short time it may be as easy as a blood test to know if your baby has Downs Syndrome or not.
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