with the scan that you've had, your "risk" of a child with downs syndrome, or another trisomy, are automatically increased based on your age. they combine a few results together - the thickness of the fold of skin at the babies neck, a couple of different hormones, take into account oyur age, and come up with the risk factor you've been given
a result of 1 in 64 means basically if they lined up 64 pregnant women with the same results as you, they would expect to see one child born with Downs - the other 63 would have a genetically fine baby
what you do with this information is entirely up to you. you can take on board that you have a slightly elevated risk of having a baby with a problem, and go with the "we'll see when it arrives" attitude, or you can opt to have further testing. this is a decision ONLY you and your partner can make. many take the view that it is only worth having the additional testing if you would terminate the pregnancy should a problem show up. others will see that they NEED to know either way - if a trisomy shows up, it means they can prepare for a child that will have additional needs when it arrives. it is entirely up to the two of you what you choose to do here. don't allow anyone to pressure you one way or the other
as to what happens physically with the amnio - i didn't have to go through this so i can't say myself. i know it gives a slightly higher chance of something going wrong (later term miscarriage etc), so that is something else to keep in mind. there are BB members who've had higher risks (one was 1 in 2!) - she had the amnio and it came back clear - she now has a gorgeous little boy
good luck with whatever you decide to do here - you will have support whatever you do
thanks for the replys girls..
well i have amnio next thursday, my partner and i decided to go ahead with the test.
the thing is i am the biggest worrier and i could not stop stressing, i have a mate who took her friend in for one a few months back and she said they were very professional and all was fine..
i am nervous but i know all will be fine, bubby is very strong, can feel movements already constantly,
i have a strong feeling i am having a girl..
xx jo
just want to wish you all the best with your amnio, I'm sure everything will be fine.
I have never had one, however, I do have a 22 month old nephew with Down Syndrome. What's odd about this is he was not diagnosed until he was almost 12 months old! During pregnancy the risk factor was something like 1:18,000 so no further testing was done. It just goes to show that the numbers don't really tell you too much so try not to stress. My nephew is only mildly affected by DS and is an absolute joy. They are now expecting their second baby and had to have an amnio done which was all fine - the test itself was not as scary as they thought and the results good.
The amnio will give you more information and as others have said will allow you to decide what you then want to do, it is totally up to you. I know it's a scary time but try to stay positive chances are all will be fine.
hi fi..
thanks for the wishes..
and wow that is amazing about your nephew, the risk factor !! bet he is just adorable and full of fun.
glad to hear the test is not as scary as i am imagining. i have been reading alot about it and all comments say it isnt as bad as they make out.
i will have my partner and best friend with me so they give me heaps of support.
i have read that they can tell the sex of a baby definately as well. so that is a bonus . as we really want to know.
i have absolutely nothing ready for the baby since it has been 15 years since last pregnancy lol
i am getting more and more excited though..
by the way i love your daughters name. so pretty..
I had a cvs, which is similar to an amnio, just earlier and they test the placenta not the amniotic fluid. We saw a genetic counsellor first, then had the test a few days later. My risk factor for D.S was 1 in 19 so pretty high. Te proceedure itself was ok. It is a bit daunting but what the do is numb your tummy with a local (so lots of little pin *****s). Then with the use of the ultrasound machine they guide a needle into your tummy and take a sample. The needle is big but you cant feel it. If I remember rightly it didnt take long to do this at all. Maybe 30 minutes...sorry it was 3.5 years ago! I found that sitting up from the proceedure hurt like I had done thousands of sit ups without practice! I rested for about 2 days and my tummy felt much better. We opted to get the FISH results which test the major markers and you get an initial results in about 2 or 3 days and the following results about 2 weeks later. You do get to find out gender 100%
Ho[pe that helps. All the best and if you need to know any more just ask...sorry its late and cant think straight!
Cheers melissa
Hope all goes well tomorrow, I have had an amnio done and for me it was not painful just a little uncomfortable. Will be praying that the results show all is well with your baby.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks