Down Syndrome Screening

Hi Ladies,

I am scheduled for another u/s at then end of October when I will be 11 weeks. The referral mentions that they will test for Downs. Can someone explain to me exactly what they do? Do they tell u on that day if the baby has Downs? What else do they test for during this screening? Is this called the ultrascreen that you ladies talk about?

Sorry for all the questions, just nervous and curious.

Thank u

Re: Down Syndrome Screening

when i went to a dr today he said that they do a sono at 12 weeks to check for downs--he said they look at the neck of the baby

Re: Down Syndrome Screening

They look for folds in the neck, and then they give you a little blood test, drop blood on a sheet, and send it to the lab...

So, they will tell you from the look of the baby, things look ok, but obviously you also have to wait for the results of the blood test...

Re: Down Syndrome Screening

I guess times have changed. My mother had a baby the year before I was born with Down Syndrome. He passed away at about 10 weeks with serious health complications associated with DS. My parents conceived me knowing they could test for it but then I think it was only done by amnio back then. I am glad it an be done with a less invasive procedure.

Re: Down Syndrome Screening