Is it necessary to do Down syndrome screening for the second child?

Pregnant women should undergo prenatal checkups according to the doctor's requirements throughout the pregnancy. The examinations done at different times are also different. However, some pregnant women are pregnant with their second child and feel that everything was normal with their first child, especially the Down syndrome screening test showed no problems with the first child. So they want to know if it is necessary to do Down syndrome screening for the second child? In fact, Down syndrome screening is an important examination, and as women age, the risk increases, so it is even more important to do it for the second child.

Does the second child need Down syndrome screening?

Many mothers who are expecting their second child underwent Down syndrome screening for their first child, but no Down syndrome was found in the child. Does this mean that they do not need to do Down syndrome screening for the second child? The answer is no.

The incidence of Down syndrome is related to the mother's age during pregnancy. The older the pregnant woman is, the higher the risk. Therefore, mothers of second children should undergo Down syndrome screening in a timely manner.

There is currently no effective treatment for Down syndrome, and the best way to deal with it is to terminate the pregnancy before the pregnant woman gives birth. Down syndrome screening has no side effects. It can narrow the scope of amniotic fluid examination and will not miss pregnant women who may be carrying children with dementia. Therefore, it is necessary for every pregnant woman to undergo Down syndrome screening to prevent it before it happens.

Prenatal check-up for second child

With the continuous development of obstetrics and gynecology, the various risks that older pregnant women may face are gradually reduced. A healthy body, coupled with the continuous maturity of scientific testing technology, will enable older pregnant women to have a healthy baby as they wish.

Blood glucose screening test:

Older pregnant women are also more likely to develop gestational diabetes. A blood glucose screening test should be performed around 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is a very important means of detecting gestational diabetes, so it is particularly important to do this test.

Amniocentesis:

As women age, the chance of fetal chromosomal abnormalities also increases, so older pregnant mothers should undergo amniocentesis to detect whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities.

Monitor blood pressure:

Since older pregnant mothers are more likely to develop gestational hypertension, blood pressure should be monitored regularly during pregnancy. If symptoms such as headaches, swollen legs, and high blood pressure occur, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Ultrasound examination:

It is a common examination during pregnancy. Older pregnant mothers should undergo at least 2 to 3 B-ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. It can not only understand the development of the fetus, but also rule out very serious malformations, such as heart and ventricular structural malformations.

Pelvic measurement:

In the late stages of pregnancy, older mothers should undergo pelvic measurements by obstetricians and determine the method and timing of delivery based on the size of the fetus.

Fetal heart rate monitoring:

In the last month of pregnancy, older mothers should pay special attention to fetal movements. If possible, they should do fetal heart monitoring once a week to understand the safety of the fetus in the womb.