The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has suggested that all pregnant women, despite of their age, must undergo screening for Down’s syndrome in the first trimester of their pregnancy. Previously the test was done on the pregnant women over 35 years of age. Now even the younger women can go in for these types of tests and it can be predicted easily using highly effective non-invasive screening techniques. The women identified at risk can be offered further screening with invasive tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Obstetricians have been examining for three chemicals — alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin — in the mother’s blood stream during the first trimester. This so-called triple test categorizes about 70% of Down’s syndrome cases. It has now been discovered that gathering of fluid in the fetus’ neck is indication of several chromosomal abnormalities, including Down’s syndrome. Hence, obstetricians suggested adding an ultrasound sonography for nuchal translucency to the triple tests to have better detection rates. Thus, accordingly, all women would be presented a blood and nuchal translucency tests during the first trimester. Those found to be positive in the tests can undergo other invasive tests in the second trimester.
