Is Abortion Legal for Down Syndrome Diagnosis After 18 Weeks?
Abortion issues In Taiwan, if a pregnant woman undergoes genetic screening for hereditary diseases at 18 weeks of gestation and discovers that the baby has Down syndrome, the legality of abortion at that point depends on specific regulations. Generally, abortion is permitted unde...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
A healthy baby with Down syndrome is not a reason for abortion. Please consult a physician for a thorough examination to check for any other congenital diseases in the fetus.[Read More] Is Abortion Legal for Down Syndrome Diagnosis After 18 Weeks?
Concerns Over Short Nasal Bone Measurement in 21-Week Ultrasound
High-resolution ultrasound examination shows a shorter nasal bone? During the 21-week ultrasound, the high-level ultrasound technician noted that the nasal bone measurement was approximately 5.7 cm, which is below the standard value of 6 cm, indicating a risk of Down syndrome tha...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
All non-invasive tests (such as ultrasound and blood tests) cannot definitively determine whether a baby has Down syndrome; they can only provide a ratio or probability. A high probability does not mean the baby will definitely have Down syndrome, and a low probability does not m...[Read More] Concerns Over Short Nasal Bone Measurement in 21-Week Ultrasound
Navigating Concerns About Down Syndrome in Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Possible Down syndrome? Hello Dr. Lin, today during the ultrasound, there were bright spots detected, and the doctor mentioned a suspected case of Down syndrome. However, I was also informed that the probability of this actually occurring is quite high, but the likelihood of not ...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
After 24 weeks, even if the fetus has Down syndrome, abortion is not permitted. Individuals with Down syndrome can survive, and their human rights cannot be denied. In cases of beta-thalassemia, as long as one parent is normal, there is no issue. Other factors, such as economic c...[Read More] Navigating Concerns About Down Syndrome in Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Amniotic Membrane Rupture: Concerns for Expecting Mothers
After the sheep is delivered, the amniotic sac ruptures? Hello Dr. Tsao, I had an amniocentesis on July 1 and rested for half an hour. An ultrasound revealed that the amniotic membrane had ruptured, but the chorion was intact. However, there were fragments of the amniotic membran...
Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, after undergoing an amniocentesis, it is generally observed whether there is any amniotic fluid leaking from the vagina or if there are accompanying abdominal cramps to determine if there are any issues. If everything is fine, monitoring should suffice. The amniotic debris...[Read More] Understanding Amniotic Membrane Rupture: Concerns for Expecting Mothers
Understanding the Differences Between Amniocentesis and Amniotic Fluid Chip Testing
Amniocentesis Amniocentesis and amniotic fluid microarray screening are two different procedures used during pregnancy for genetic testing. Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure where a thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac to collect a sample...
Dr. Zhong Wenzhen Reply:
Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves extracting amniotic fluid from the fetus to culture its nucleated cells (such as white blood cells) for chromosomal analysis. Amniotic fluid chip testing, on the other hand, utilizes the extracted amniotic fluid to screen for various (ra...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Amniocentesis and Amniotic Fluid Chip Testing
Understanding Amniotic Fluid Chip Testing: What Does It Screen For?
Amniotic fluid chip testing? Why is there amniotic fluid chip screening? What is it screening for?
Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, I apologize for being out of the loop. This is my first time hearing about amniotic fluid chip screening. It may simply provide quick results regarding the presence of Down syndrome or other issues, which is different from the more comprehensive information obtained from a...[Read More] Understanding Amniotic Fluid Chip Testing: What Does It Screen For?
Understanding Abnormal Pregnancy Test Results: AFP and White Blood Cell Counts
Pregnancy health check report index issues? Hello, Doctor. I had a health check-up when I was about thirteen weeks pregnant, and the report showed that my fetal protein AFP level is 18.91. Is this level normal? I believe the normal range is 0-7. Additionally, regarding my white b...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
During pregnancy, the fetus produces alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which will naturally result in higher levels compared to the non-pregnant range of 0-7. However, to determine if the AFP level is excessively high and assess the risk of Down syndrome, it is necessary to consider the s...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Pregnancy Test Results: AFP and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Prenatal Screening Options in Taiwan
Are there any out-of-pocket prenatal screening options? I would like to inquire whether your hospital offers the following self-paid prenatal screening items. If I am to have my prenatal check-ups at your hospital, I would like to undergo these self-paid tests, as I believe thoro...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear KIKI: Hello, our hospital provides the services listed from 1 to 10 above. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lu Li-Cheng, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Out-of-Pocket Prenatal Screening Options in Taiwan
Understanding High Neural Tube Defect Index During Pregnancy
The neural tube defect index is excessively high? During pregnancy, if tests for Down syndrome and neural tube defects show elevated risk levels, can a routine ultrasound during the 16th week of gestation detect any brain or spinal cord issues in the fetus? Also, is fetal movemen...
Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, the results for the neural tube defect index are elevated, and an ultrasound scan should be performed to check for any issues with the neural tube (brain and spine). Generally, significant defects should be detectable, and anencephaly can definitely be identified. As for f...[Read More] Understanding High Neural Tube Defect Index During Pregnancy
Understanding Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy: Pre-Marital Health Screening Insights
Regarding Down syndrome and cerebral palsy! My second brother has cerebral palsy (which seems to be non-hereditary), and my cousin (the daughter of my mother's sister) has Down syndrome. Since I am getting married soon, I would like to know if there are any prenatal screenin...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
Down syndrome screening is a test to check for the possibility of the fetus having Down syndrome, which is caused by an abnormality in chromosome 21. Down syndrome screening cannot be part of premarital health checks, as there is no fetus to test for Down syndrome. Cerebral palsy...[Read More] Understanding Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy: Pre-Marital Health Screening Insights
Understanding Abnormal High-Level Ultrasound Findings in Pregnancy
High-level ultrasound abnormalities Hello Dr. Lu: I am currently pregnant with a due date of November 8, 2013. Due to an initial screening for Down syndrome showing a nuchal translucency of 3.0 and unclear visualization of the nasal bone, I underwent chorionic villus sampling bec...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: Since both physicians have noted abnormalities, there is a possibility of a diaphragmatic hernia. The newborn may require surgical treatment in the future. It is recommended to seek prenatal care and delivery at a medical center specializing in pediatric surgery. Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal High-Level Ultrasound Findings in Pregnancy
Should You Consider Amniocentesis During Pregnancy?
Is amniocentesis necessary? Dear Dr. Lu, Hello, I am a pregnant woman currently at 21 weeks and 4 days, undergoing prenatal check-ups with my doctor. During my first prenatal visit, the doctor performed a nuchal translucency scan and stated that the results were within the norma...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Fancle: 1. Even at 21 weeks, amniocentesis can still be performed; in fact, with more amniotic fluid, it becomes easier to conduct. 2. Most cases of Down syndrome, about 99%, are caused by mutations and are not related to family genetics, so your cousin's second child&...[Read More] Should You Consider Amniocentesis During Pregnancy?
Do Women Over 34 Always Need Amniocentesis During Pregnancy?
Amniocentesis Hello, doctor. Is amniocentesis necessary for pregnancies over the age of 34? I'm feeling very anxious and would like to hear your opinion. Thank you!
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
Pregnancy over the age of 34 is considered advanced maternal age. Statistically, approximately 1 in 250 mothers in this age group will give birth to a baby with Down syndrome. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo amniocentesis for greater peace of mind.[Read More] Do Women Over 34 Always Need Amniocentesis During Pregnancy?
Bilateral Choroid Plexus Cysts: What to Expect During Pregnancy
Bilateral choroid plexus cysts Hello Dr. Liu: During my prenatal check-up, the ultrasound revealed that the fetus has bilateral choroid plexus cysts. I underwent amniocentesis on November 2nd, and the doctor said it would take three weeks to receive the report. If there are abnor...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
During the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 13-28), 1% to 3% of fetuses may be found to have choroid plexus cysts on ultrasound, but most of these cysts will disappear by the third trimester. The likelihood of a fetus with choroid plexus cysts having Edwards syndrome (a chrom...[Read More] Bilateral Choroid Plexus Cysts: What to Expect During Pregnancy
Can Early Pregnancy Tests Detect Edwards Syndrome and NTDs?
Can Edward's syndrome be detected in early pregnancy? Dear Doctor: The second trimester quadruple marker test can simultaneously detect neural tube defects and abnormalities of the 18th chromosome (i.e., Edwards syndrome). Does the first trimester screening (nuchal transluce...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
"Does the first trimester screening (nuchal translucency + blood test) include the two items mentioned above?" The first trimester screening (nuchal translucency + blood test) can also screen for neural tube defects and abnormalities of the 18th chromosome pair, but it ...[Read More] Can Early Pregnancy Tests Detect Edwards Syndrome and NTDs?
Is Mid-Pregnancy Quad Screen Necessary After First Trimester Testing?
The Four Indicators of Middle Tang Dynasty Hello, doctor: If the initial screening for the nuchal translucency (NT) test is normal, is it still necessary to perform the second-trimester quadruple marker screening? Would doing both tests increase the risk of false positives? Thank...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
In the early Tang (nuchal translucency) and mid-Tang four marker tests, both have similar efficacy in detecting Down syndrome, identifying approximately 80% of Down syndrome babies, but there is a 5% false positive rate. "If both tests are performed, does it increase the fal...[Read More] Is Mid-Pregnancy Quad Screen Necessary After First Trimester Testing?
Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Testing, and Child Health
Neural tube defect Hello, doctor. My wife had a blood test for Down syndrome screening during her first pregnancy, and the screening included a risk value for "neural tube defects," which was found to be 1 in 27, clearly abnormal. A high-level ultrasound was performed, ...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: If you have related concerns, you can seek relevant examinations. However, there is currently no direct causal relationship between having an extra vertebra, bone cancer, and the values from screening tests. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Risks, Testing, and Child Health
Understanding Neural Tube Defects and Fetal Movement: Key Insights for Expecting Parents
Neural tube defects and fetal movement? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about neural tube defects. Previously, I underwent the fourth marker screening (for Down syndrome), and this index was abnormal, leading to a referral to Mackay Memorial Hospital for an ultrasound on J...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
1. "What checks should I perform or what conditions should I monitor in my baby at birth to detect and treat issues early?" This is the responsibility of your obstetrician during prenatal care! Of course, due to the limitations of contemporary medical technology, many c...[Read More] Understanding Neural Tube Defects and Fetal Movement: Key Insights for Expecting Parents
Does Amniocentesis Increase My Risk for Down Syndrome?
Amniotic issues 2 Hello Doctor: I just raised a question about amniotic fluid and forgot to ask what I wanted to ask now. Could you please combine your answers? Thank you ^^ My sister-in-law tested positive for Down syndrome during her amniocentesis. Does this mean that my chance...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
"Having a sister-in-law who tested positive for Down syndrome during amniocentesis does not increase the likelihood of your own fetus having Down syndrome."[Read More] Does Amniocentesis Increase My Risk for Down Syndrome?
Understanding Fetal Heart Echogenic Foci: What Parents Should Know
There are small white spots on the fetal heart? Currently at 22 weeks, a high-level ultrasound performed two days ago showed a white spot on the heart, while other parts were normal. The initial blood test for Down syndrome risk was 1 in 40,000. The obstetrician mentioned that si...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Star, Hello. The presence of calcifications in the heart has previously been thought to increase the risk of Down syndrome. However, recent studies suggest that these heart calcifications are merely a normal variation that will naturally disappear as the fetus develops and ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Heart Echogenic Foci: What Parents Should Know