Can an unborn child test positive for Down syndrome?
Yes. Quite commonly Down syndrome is diagnosed or highly suspected before birth. Prenatal ultrasound can be used to increase the suspicion of Down syndrome by evaluating the nuchal lucency during the 1st trimester. The triple screen (HCG, AFP, and estriol) can also point to a potential chromosomal abnormality. An amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can clinch the diagnosis by allowing prenatal chromosomal analysis.
