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What are the different types of Down syndrome tests? If you didn't get tested during pregnancy or want to confirm the results of other tests, you may want to have your baby tested if he or she has symptoms of Down syndrome. You should discuss your questions and concerns with your partner and your health care provider. Before you decide to get tested, think about how you'd feel and what you might do after learning the results. Knowing in advance can give you time to plan for health care and support services for your child and family.īut testing isn't for everyone.
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In addition, you may want to get tested to help you prepare if the results show your baby may have Down syndrome. But you may also be at higher risk if you've already had a baby with Down syndrome and/or have a family history of the disorder.
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The risk increases as a woman gets older. A mother's age is the primary risk factor for having a baby with Down syndrome. Many health care providers recommend Down syndrome screening and/or diagnostic tests for pregnant women who are 35 years of age or older. Other types of tests confirm or rule out the diagnosis. People with these disorders usually have fewer of the characteristics and health problems associated with the common form of Down syndrome.ĭown syndrome screening tests show whether your unborn baby is more likely to have Down syndrome. In two rare forms of Down syndrome, called mosaic trisomy 21 and translocation trisomy 21, the extra chromosome doesn't show up in every cell.
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