Down Syndrome: Risks Exist at Any Maternal Age

     Most people misunderstand that babies with Down syndrome only occur in mothers aged over 35 . Since the majority of pregnant mothers are young, it is found that out of  100 children with Down syndrome, only 25-30 are born to mothers over 35 years old.

The remaining 70-75 are born to younger mothers, even though older mothers inherently have a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.

'Down Syndrome' Can Occur in Mothers of All Ages

     However, because the absolute number of these older mothers is small, and older mothers are already routinely advised by doctors to undergo fetal chromosome testing, the detection rate of Down syndrome among them accounts for only 25-30% of cases.

The rest occurs in younger mothers. Therefore, all pregnant mothers should be screened for Down syndrome, even if they are young.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Has Down Syndrome?

     In the past, knowing whether a child had Down syndrome required an amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis, which carried a risk of miscarriage and was highly expensive. This procedure was typically reserved for mothers over 35 years old. Consequently, mothers under 35 rarely knew in advance if they were carrying a fetus with Down syndrome.

     Today, Down syndrome screening is available so that all mothers can find out if their baby is at risk. By combining a maternal blood test with an ultrasound, this screening method carries no risk of miscarriage and is more affordable, making it accessible for all mothers, especially younger ones.

Methods for Fetal Down Syndrome Screening

1.  Single Test in the First Trimester (Combined Test)

     This can be performed between 11-13  weeks of pregnancy. It consists of an ultrasound to measure the fetal nuchal translucency (thickness of the back of the neck) along with a maternal blood test. This method provides an 87% detection rate for Down syndrome.

2. Two-Stage Test in the First Trimester and Early Second Trimester (Integrated Test)

     This method can detect Down syndrome up to 96%. It involves a nuchal translucency ultrasound and the first blood test at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, followed by a second blood test 2-4 weeks later. The final results are reported after the 2nd blood draw.

3.  Single Test in the Second Trimester (Quadruple test)

     For mothers who register their pregnancy after the first trimester, a screening test with an 81% detection rate is still available through a maternal blood test during 15-20 weeks of pregnancy.

Mothers should get screened early to prepare for the possibilities. Modern screening combines ultrasound with a blood test, posing no risk to the pregnancy.

Read more: The Benefits of Ultrasound at Each Stage of Pregnancy