Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition leads to intellectual disability and developmental delays. It is the most common chromosomal disorder, occurring in about 1 in every 1000 births globally.

An Overview of Fetal DNA Testing and Down Syndrome

About 1 in every 2 newborn babies with Down syndrome will have heart problems and nearly 1 in 10 will have gastrointestinal problems. Hence, it is necessary to conduct a screening while pregnant to determine the health status of your baby.

Two types of prenatal testing can be done to screen for Down syndrome – fetal DNA testing and fetal ultrasound. Fetal DNA testing is more accurate, but it is also more expensive. Fetal ultrasound can sometimes detect features associated with Down syndrome, but it is not as accurate as fetal DNA testing. 

Pregnant women can undergo various tests during different stages of pregnancy. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is the most preferred screening test these days. As there are no preventive measures or cures for Down syndrome, prenatal testing can only help you and your family in taking important steps. 

Prenatal testing for Down syndrome is important because it can help parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy and prepare for the birth of a child with special needs. If you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor about whether or not you should have fetal DNA testing to screen for Down syndrome.

At Prenatal Genetics Laboratory, we use ultra-modern methods to conduct fetal DNA testing that is safe for the mother and the baby. Our state-of-the-art techniques and highly trained technicians provide accurate results. You can also speak to our health experts and clear all sorts of doubts you may have. Speak to us today to learn about our various services.