Test For Down Syndrome: What You Need To Know

Angel
Test For Down Syndrome: What You Need To Know

If you're expecting a baby or are considering getting tested for Down syndrome, it's important to understand the different screening options available to you. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that results in intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. It is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in a person's cells. While there is no cure for Down syndrome, early intervention and monitoring can help individuals with the condition lead full and healthy lives.

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in a person's cells. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome, such as intellectual disabilities, distinct facial features, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions. It is important to note that individuals with Down syndrome are unique and have their own strengths, challenges, and abilities.

Symptoms Of Down Syndrome

Some common physical features of Down syndrome include a flat facial profile, small ears, and a protruding tongue. Individuals with Down syndrome may also have poor muscle tone, developmental delays, and a shortened life expectancy. It is important to remember that not all individuals with Down syndrome will exhibit the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely.

Testing For Down Syndrome

There are several different screening and diagnostic tests available to determine if a baby has Down syndrome. These tests can be performed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. It is important to discuss the options with your healthcare provider to determine which test is right for you.

Screening Tests

  1. First Trimester Screening: This test combines a blood test and an ultrasound to assess the risk of the baby having Down syndrome.
  2. Second Trimester Screening: This test involves a blood test to measure certain markers that may indicate a higher risk of Down syndrome.
  3. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This is a blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood to determine the risk of genetic conditions, including Down syndrome.

Diagnostic Tests

  1. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This test involves taking a small sample of the placenta to analyze the baby's chromosomes.
  2. Amniocentesis: This test involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid to analyze the baby's chromosomes.
    It is important to note that while screening tests can provide information about the likelihood of a baby having Down syndrome, only diagnostic tests can provide a definitive diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will help you understand the risks and benefits of each test to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Getting tested for Down syndrome is a personal decision that should be made based on your individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to have open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your baby. Remember, a diagnosis of Down syndrome does not define a person – individuals with Down syndrome are unique, capable, and deserving of love and support.

Popular Posts

According To A Food Executive, Prices Could Climb By Up To 15%

Angel
Image
As a result of the conflict in Ukraine, a top food sector executive has warned that prices will rise. Food prices could climb by up to 15% this year, according to Ronald Kers, CEO of food company 2 Sisters. He also mentioned that the company's pricing for chicken from the farm has increased. Russia and Ukraine are two of the world's largest wheat producers, and the conflict is expected to have an impact on shipments. Furthermore, the price of gas has risen, which is used to heat greenhouses and produce fertilizer, both of which are critical to food production. According to some experts, war in the region is expected to worsen price increases that have already been occurring during what has been dubbed as a cost-of-living crisis. In the United Kingdom, 2 Sisters employs over 14,000 people and specializes in chicken and chilled meals. Its CEO claimed that the company had already been forced to pay 50 percent extra for poultry from farms. "Fundamentally, it implies as a count...
Read more

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath Permanently

Angel
Image
Bad breath, known medically as halitosis, is commonly seen as a sign of poor oral hygiene.  To find out if halitosis can be permanently ruled out, you, your doctor, and dentist will first need to look at its likely causes.    What can cause bad breath?   Bad breath can come from a variety of causes and can also be a warning sign of illness. Possible causes include:   Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing your teeth every day or flossing every day, not cleaning your dentures can lead to shortness of breath.  Certain Foods: Ingesting raw garlic and onion is known to cause bad breath. This is due to the substances they release after breaking down in the stomach and reaching the lungs through the circulation.  Tobacco: Besides their smell, smoking and chewing tobacco can cause gum disease and bad breath.  Oral infections: Dental conditions, such as tooth decay, can cause bad breath.  Decreased salivation / dry mouth: You may have decreased s...
Read more

What Is The Cause Of Back Pain

Angel
Image
Back pain is a p hysical discomfort occurring anywhere on the spine or back, ranging from mild to disabling.   Back pain  often happens because something is off in the way your sp inal joints, muscles, discs.   It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. Causes of back pain   B ack pain  may be  caused   by overuse muscle strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your  spine .  Pressure on the spinal nerves from certain problems, such as a herniated disc. A fracture of one of the vertebrae. Back pain  can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include overuse such as working out or lifting too much, prolonged sitting and lying down, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or wearing a poorly fitting backpack. Strained muscles or ligaments,  a muscle spasm,  muscle tension,  dama...
Read more

In England, Mandatory Vaccinations For NHS Workers May Be Phased Out.

Angel
Image
Ministers will gather later to discuss whether or not to make Covid vaccines mandatory for NHS workers in England. Front-line NHS employees in England are required to be completely vaccinated by April 1st, which means they must have their first dosage by Thursday. They will be redeployed or terminated if they are not jabbed by April. Around 77,000 people have received no vaccination at all. Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, stated last week that the obligation for vaccinations was being "reviewed," but that it was the "responsibility" of NHS workers to get vaccinated. On Tuesday, he told the Health and Social Care Select Committee that the dominant version at the time the policy was published was Delta, and that it was appropriate to "reflect" now that Omicron was the major form. However, it is believed that no final decisions have been made. Some in the health-care system have lobbied the government to repeal the mandate, claiming that it would result in...
Read more

CBN DONATES INTERVENTION FUNDS OF 338.6B

Angel
Image
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) donated N338.6billion coronavirus (COVID-19) connected intervention funds to assigned sectors across.  Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), member  Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, who made this known in a note disclosed by the apex bank, said reports of the implementation of the CBN’s COVID-19 intervention had shown significant progress in disbursements. Over N152.9 billion (or 15.2 per cent) of the N1 trillion targeted support for the manufacturing sector has been disbursed. Of the N100 billion Healthcare funds, N26.278 billion (or 26.3 per cent) has been disbursed to fund 20 projects. Additional 16 applications for N67.413 billion were under processing. Of the N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility for Households and Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises(MSMEs), N49.195 billion has been disbursed to 91,736 beneficiaries, while N1.5 billion was disbursed to 169 beneficiaries under the Creative Industry Financing Initiative. The Manufacturing ...
Read more

After A Balcony Protest, Eight People Were Arrested At An Oligarch's London Mansion

Angel
Image
According to authorities, a protest at a home tied to Vladimir Putin associate Oleg Deripaska resulted in eight arrests. Around midnight, protesters occupied the balcony of 5 Belgrave Square in downtown London, where they remained for the rest of the day, despite police attempts to remove them. The squatters said the property was being reclaimed for Ukrainian migrants. The Metropolitan Police Service announced shortly before 20:00 GMT that the protests had ended and that eight persons had been arrested in total. Four people were arrested inside the building, and four more outside, according to a spokeswoman. Although a presence will be kept at the location tonight, police said they have checked the property and are certain there is no one left inside. Mr Deripaska, a billionaire energy tycoon, is one of the oligarchs sanctioned by the UK government in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Four people were arrested for trespassing at 18:00 GMT, according to a Met Police spo...
Read more

Man In Florida Charged When Child Fatally Shot Mom During Zoom Call

Angel
Image
  A Florida man was arrested Tues within the shooting death of a woman who was on a Zoom call when her 2-year-old discharged a gun, officers aforementioned. Veondre Avery, 22, the child' father, faces charges of homicide and failure to firmly store a firearm in the Aug. eleven killing of Shamaya Lynn, 21, the state attorney' workplace said during a statement. The toddler found the gun, that went off whereas Lynn was on a Zoom call with co-workers, in the couple' range in Altamonte Springs, officers said. Another person on the decision referred to as 911 and reported  hearing a noise before Lynn suddenly fell backward. once police arrived, officers found Avery performing arts mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Lynn, prosecutors said. Avery was in remission Tues and was in custody Tuesday night. on-line court records didn't seem to point out a case, and it had been not clear if he had an attorney. Neither of the 2 youngsters who were at the house at the time were harmed with...
Read more

Donald Trump Bombard US Military In 4th Of July Address

Angel
Image
President Trump bombarded "brave men and women" of the US military with praise during a speech at a controversial Independence Day event. "We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag," he told a crowd at a rain-soaked Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. He spoke about America's battle for independence and praised the "extraordinary heritage" of the country. "Together we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told, the story of America," Mr Trump said at the event. Chants of "USA, USA" broke out sporadically as he spoke. "It is the chronicle of brave citizens who never give up on the dream of a better and brighter future," he continued. "As long as we never stop fighting for a better future... there will be nothing that America cannot do." The stage at the Lincoln Memorial was draped in flags and there were military vehicles on display nearby. Two 70-tonne Ab...
Read more

In England, Face Mask Laws And Covid Permits Are Being Phased Out.

Angel
Image
After the relaxation of Plan B requirements took effect on Thursday, face coverings and Covid permits are no longer required in England. Because of the vaccine's success and a better understanding of Covid treatments, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the restrictions might be relaxed. Mask wearing will now be "a matter of personal discretion," according to the PM's official spokeswoman. However, several stores have stated that they will continue to require customers to wear them. Passengers will also be required to wear face coverings, according to rail operators. Customers will be encouraged, not forced, to comply, according to all of them. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that masks will remain necessary on all Transport for London services, and has urged residents to wear them. The government stated that public health recommendations for people to cover their faces when meeting strangers in crowded and enclosed settings will remain in place. Organizations will a...
Read more

Nigerian lady set to wed in October, crushed to death by truck in Lagos

Angel
Image
A Nigerian lady, identified as Immaculate Okochu who was set to be married in October, after she had her introduction in March has been crushed to death by a truck in Lagos. The quite tragic incident happened on Wednesday, moments after posting a selfie on her Facebook page. The young Lady before her demise was the assistant restaurant manager at Cold Stone Creamery Nigeria. Friends have since taken to her Facebook page to pay condolence. The deceased was described as a rare gem who was more than a friend to a lot of people. May soul rest in peace. Her sister wrote this on her facebook wall:
Read more