Your provider may order one or both of these tests. A quadruple screen test looks for four different substances and is done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. It is done between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. A triple screen test looks for three different substances.
These are blood tests that also look for certain substances in the mother's blood that may be a sign of Down syndrome. The test is done between the 10th and 14th week of pregnancy. The screening also includes an ultrasound, an imaging test that looks at the unborn baby for signs of Down syndrome. If levels are not normal, it means there is a higher chance of the baby having Down syndrome. First trimester screening includes a blood test that checks the levels of certain proteins in the mother's blood.There are two basic types of Down syndrome tests: screening and diagnostic tests.ĭown syndrome screening includes the following tests done during pregnancy: 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. 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. 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.