Further testing is very often recommended. If the woman is shown to be at increased risk for having a baby with Down Syndrome, then amniocentesis is most often offered. This exam is performed by a physician with special training in ultrasonography. If the targeted ultrasound exam does not show an abnormality, then amniocentesis may be recommended. Sometimes additional targeted ultrasound examinations are recommended when all further testing shows no abnormalities.
Some fetuses are at risk for growth abnormalities later in pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid contains cells shed from the fetus and includes copies of the genetic material the fetus possesses. Tests done on amniotic fluid yield more accurate results than tests on maternal blood. The amniotic fluid will be tested for neural tube defects and Down Syndrome. Only AFP will be measured since HCG and UE3 levels are only used to help detect chromosome abnormalities, and CVs has already tested for this. If the woman decides to have serum AFP testing, a special test request form will be filled out with information about the woman and her pregnancy.