Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test usually carried out to examine a baby’s chromosomes, most commonly in search for Downs Syndrome.

An Amniocentesis is a voluntary test and not routinely offered to all pregnant women because it does carry a small risk of miscarriage (about 1%).

It is usually done between 15 -18 weeks of pregnancy. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from around your baby. This fluid contains cells from your baby’s skin and bladder and can be grown in the lab for chromosome analysis.
Results of the test are usually available in 2-3 weeks.

Chorionic Villus sampling (CVS)

CVS is a test usually carried out to examine a baby’s chromosomes, most commonly in search for Downs Syndrome but it can also be used to detect various genetic syndromes.

CVS involves removing some cells from the developing placenta which are then sent to a lab to grow for analysis.

Results are usually available in 2-3 weeks.

Both of these diagnostic tests will give you a definitive answer on whether your baby has Downs Syndrome or not.