Down Syndrome Prevention

Prevention can be done by inspecting the chromosome through amniocentesis for pregnant women especially in the early months of pregnancy. Moreover pregnant women who had had a child with Down Syndrome or those who were pregnant at the age of 40 years should carefully monitor the development of her fetus because they have a risk of giving birth to Down syndrome is higher. Down Syndrome can not be prevented, because it is a disorder caused by abnormal chromosome number. The number of chromosome 21 was supposed to only 2 to 3. The cause is still not known for sure. What can be concluded so far are the older age of the mother the higher the risk for the occurrence of Down syndrome. Diagnosis in the womb can be done by analysis of chromosome capture by CVS (taking a bit of a fetus in the placenta) at 10-12 weeks of pregnancy) or amniocentesis (taking amniotic fluid) at 14-16 weeks of pregnancy.

Diagnostic tests

To detect the chromosomal abnormalities, there are several checks that can be done, among others:

* Physical examination the patient
* Examination of chromosomes
* Ultrasonography
* ECG
* Echocardiogram
* Check blood (umbilical Percutaneus Blood Sampling)