What are the advantages for ladies over 35 who are considered 'high risk' anyway?

Older mothers are more likely to have a Down's syndrome baby but age alone will only pick up 30% of cases. Many older mums are carrying perfectly healthy babies but may feel the need to have a test to exclude DS. By having an invasive test, such as amniocentesis, means putting the baby at risk resulting in miscarriage. By assessing your baby with a nuchal scan and analysing your blood, you can be given an adjusted risk factor for your pregnancy which will pick up over 90% of Down's babies (Currently Baby Premier rate from outcome analysis is 95%).  If the results from these tests are good, this will mean that you are no longer considered as high risk and therefore may opt against invasive testing.

What are the advantages for younger mums?

On age alone, as a younger mum, you are less likely to be carrying a Down's baby, but the majority of Down's babies are born to healthy young parents without any known risk. This is largely because historically screening has been offered to the older age group. Any mum, regardless of their age, carries a risk of a chromosome abnormality such as Down's. By opting for nuchal scan and blood testing you can be reassured that your baby is not at increased risk.