Why is downs test being done so much for low risk woman ?

I have noticed a lot of women are having or being offered the blood test to test for downs when they are such a low risk of having a child with issues. I am almost 40 ,pregnant and have a higher risk of having a child with downs or other genetic issues so I elected to have the test. If a woman decides to have the test I have no problem with it but it seems unnecessary if you are low risk. Just the wait alone to hear the results is stressful. When I had my older kids in the 90's I wasn't offered this test. When did it change to offer it to most pregnant women ? I will have to ask my OB at my next visit but I was wondering if anyone had an answer. Again I have no problem with anyone who wants the test but don't understand why it is offered for low risk women.

It's because the initial testing (the triple screen) is a simple blood test. If it were more invasive, like an amnio or CVS, it wouldn't be done as frequently. I refuse the testing altogether. I don't need another reason to worry.

im 26 and they try to give it to me everytime i have a baby! i think i only took it with one of them before i knew what it was!! its become a standard blood test here i think

It's important
And some women would chose to abort if their child had DS or related disorders

I think it's offered to every pregnant women now. The first is just a blood test. I refused it though with both my kids.

Because being prepared is important if something is wrong, and if it's as simple and low risk as a blood draw, all the better. Also, more and more "low risk" people are having babies with problems.

I guess to be prepared if there was something wrong? Or some women would elect for an abortion if something is wrong with the baby? Only thing I can think of.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Karen Serratt:</b>" I have noticed a lot of women are having or being offered the blood test to test for downs when they ... [snip!] ... an answer. Again I have no problem with anyone who wants the test but don't understand why it is offered for low risk women."</blockquote>




Times are different, and technology has evolved. It is a less invasive test so they can offer genetic testing to anyone. They are looking for markers. They also look for DS markers in U/S via the neck to see if it is thicker than normal.

Yes, nearly 40years old puts you at a higher risk of a child with Down's syndrome. You understand why that is right? However, younger couples can have a child with DS based on genetics.

I think the dr has to offer it to his patient.

I was 17 when pregnant with my daughter and 21 now. I have opted for it both times because it would make a difference to me and I would terminate. I think it's a personal choice whether someone wants to be screened

The triple screen is just a screening test. They give it to all women because it makes more sense to screen women with a simple blood test than to give every pregnant woman a level 2 ultrasound, amniocentesis, or a CVS. Only the women who test positive are sent for more testing.

With both my children iopted out of that test bc either way it didn't matter to me, it was my baby and i would love them no matter what

Because they're already drawing your blood anyway, so why not test for downs?

Quoting Not tellin:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Karen Serratt:</b>" I have noticed a lot of women are having ... [snip!] ... with Down's syndrome. You understand why that is right? However, younger couples can have a child with DS based on genetics."

It's also important to note that while women over 40 have a higher risk, most children with DS are born to women under 40.
ETA: It also isn't JUST testing for DS, it's testing for neural tube defects and other chromosomal abnormalities such as Trisomy 18.

I was offered the test but declined due to my OB showing me statistics of someone my age having a child with DS. I do know a certain person who wants to milk her fathers money and since as far as I know health insurance doesn't cover it, she and her mother used his money to do all the elective tests. She also was looking to get a bunch of ultrasounds. But she's an example of someone who likes to play the system, but in a lot more ways than that.

They offer it to all pregnant women. You don't have to accept though. I denied both times.