Isn’t it necessary to know your baby is healthy as you? Of course, the next decision you have to follow after deciding to have a baby has to check whether it is healthy or what. Down syndrome occurs when an extra chromosome is added to the 21st chromosome. This extra genetic material causes changes that characterize the condition. This condition occurs in approximately 1 in 700 births. Hence, it isn’t a small thing to get ignored. A woman of any age can have a baby with Down syndrome. The chance of getting a Down syndrome baby increases as the woman gets older. A Down Syndrome person would survive up to 50-60 years, here the age doesn’t matter. Because, if a baby is born of Down Syndrome it would totally ruin the happiness of a whole family. There are high chances for the family to get isolated staying away from society and social activities. If you aren’t still aware of having a Down syndrome screening during your first trimester it would cost you a lifetime.

There are many common myths regarding Down syndrome screening which tends you to withdraw from having a simple test. The common myths are my baby won’t have Down syndrome because I am young, I exercise, and I am healthy, since I don’t drink or smoke, because no one in my family or the father of the baby’s family has Down syndrome, or I should not have screening for Down syndrome unless I know that I would terminate the pregnancy if Down syndrome were detected. These are some major thoughts of a pregnant woman. We know, Pregnancy isn’t easy, but it is the most wonderful time in parents’ life. You are dreaming of a healthy kid and that is of no confusion. Here comes the importance of checking whether your kid is totally healthy. A simple blood test would help you save a life.

Screening is primarily about facilitating choice through information provision; it’s not about putting women on a conveyor belt to the termination. Because our society has differing views on conditions such as Down syndrome, some couples wish to access information to inform their decision-making in pregnancy. Some wish to have this information to help adjust to life with a child who has a disability; others use it to plan for birth; while others might choose to end the pregnancy and try again. This completely depends on the couple’s decision, but understanding the importance of screening tests during pregnancy and undergoing one would help you to lead a healthy future.

Down Syndrome has two types of prenatal tests. They are screening test and a Diagnostic test.  Screening tests do not give you a definitive answer, but let you know if your baby is at increased risk of Down syndrome. Screening tests do not harm the mother or baby. Diagnostics tests are very accurate, giving you a definitive answer. Diagnostic tests are usually offered to women whose babies are at increased risk, based on the result of the screening tests. A diagnostic test can increase your risk of having a miscarriage, so they aren’t routinely offered to all women. Screening tests are done by a small blood check-up as same as the one most of us have done at least once in our lifetime before. Women are commonly classified as “high risk” and “low risk” groups. After screening if the result indicates an elevated risk of Down syndrome the fetus do not have the syndrome. The fetus is in fact healthy. On the other hand, when the risk level is low (a “normal” result), a Down syndrome baby may eventually be born only in rare cases. If the screening test says a high risk, the mother should follow up with the diagnostic test which is definitely very important.

It’s always difficult when you’re told that something is wrong with your baby, especially if you’re faced with a painful decision about the future of your pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor will make sure you see the appropriate health professionals, such as a genetic counselor, to help you get all the information and support you need to make the right choice for you and your family. If the result is positive, you can choose to end the pregnancy, keep the baby, or place the baby for adoption.

Down Syndrome Screening is must do during pregnancy. We need to appreciate that although these decisions are made by women and couples based on their individual values, the social context in which they are made is also important. Conditions such as Down syndrome can lead to significant and profound problems, but they don’t always.

We must talk about our attitudes to disability and how we make choices about it. And we should aim for a society that recognizes and supports all forms of ability and encourages discussion about our choices.