Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chrosmosome which causes mental retardation.

This condition is estimated to be present in 1 for every 800 births. It is identified at birth but prenatal screening is possible via amniocentesis which has a small risk of miscarriage.

The risk of conceiving a baby with Down Syndrome increases the older a woman/mother gets. Previously, pregnant women aged 35 and above are screened.

"The original age-35 trigger was chosen years ago when doctors had less information about the risk of Down syndrome, and the only choice for prenatal detection was an amnio, using a needle to draw fluid from the amniotic sac, he said. Amnios are highly accurate but were reserved for women at higher risk of an affected pregnancy because they occasionally cause miscarriage."

NOW, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are recommending that all pregnant women be offered a choice of tests for Down Syndrome. Tests which are less evasive are now available even for those who are in their first trimester.

"It's a change that promises to decrease unnecessary amnios -- giving mothers-to-be peace of mind without the ordeal -- while also detecting Down syndrome in moms who otherwise would have gone unchecked."

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