Early Down's syndrome screening not available in Wales

Pregnant women in Wales are still waiting for access to a screening test two years after it was recommended.

A health guidance body said in 2008 all pregnant women should be offered, on the NHS, a combined scan and blood tests for foetal chromosomal problems.

But currently, women are only offered a different blood test after 15 weeks.

The assembly government said implementing guidelines took time but it hoped to have screening in place by April next year, depending on funding.

The recommended test is a specialised ultrasound scan checking for raised levels of fluid at the back of the foetus' neck, which can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's or Edward's syndromes.

The screening includes a specialised ultrasound scan Pregnant women in Wales are still waiting for access to a screening test two years after it was recommended.

A health guidance body said in 2008 all pregnant women should be offered, on the NHS, a combined scan and blood tests for foetal chromosomal problems.

But currently, women are only offered a different blood test after 15 weeks.

The assembly government said implementing guidelines took time but it hoped to have screening in place by April next year, depending on funding.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-10868260