[Sopater]

A child with a life-threatening problem has a much better chance of survival if it’s identified before birth.

For this purpose, I agree. We told the doctors that they are welcome to perform any tests that might help them to treat mom or baby during pregnancy, birth, or any time following that.

[Tax-chick]

Since many children with Down’s also have heart defects, a good case can be made that you want to know about it in advance. I did not, even in my 40s, have any tests other than ultrasound, but if the “level 2” ultrasound I had at 45 had showed indications for Down’s, we would have pursued additional testing that would help us deal with the baby’s particular physical issues.