Amniocentesis is necessary for older pregnant women with a high risk of Down’s syndrome.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal defect disorder, also known as congenital stupidity, caused by a genetic mutation. The risk of Down syndrome in the fetus is higher when the pregnant woman is older than when she is younger.
Down’s syndrome screening can be done between 9 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and for older pregnant women it is usually recommended to go straight to non-invasive DNA or amniocentesis to clarify the presence of Down’s syndrome in the fetus. Amniocentesis has a higher accuracy rate although there are some risks.
Pregnant women of advanced age are advised to undergo adequate preconception testing when preparing for pregnancy. After successful pregnancy, it is also important to have regular labor and delivery checkups. In the case of fetal abnormalities, adequate assessment should be made before deciding whether the pregnancy should continue.