Shelleybelle welcome to Belly Belly & I am sorry you are going through this anxious wait...

I have had amniocentesis & whilst it was uncomfortable & stressful (for me) it really was very quick. The practitiomner uses ultrasound image to guide the needle so there is very little risk of damage to the baby. Usually you are left with a small bruise & a tender spot that clears up over a couple of weeks.

Generally a risk factor of greater than 1:200 further testing is recommended. This is because this is the risk rate accepted as "average" for miscarriage due to the procedure. So, the risk of a baby with a chromosomal defect is greater than the risk of miscarriage.

You do not have to have further testing. This is a very personal decision. Some women choose not to & some women choose to.

How further testing can help is that if it is known that a baby has for example Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) we know that there is a higher risk of cardiac problems etc. Sometimes this knowledge is helpful.

It is important though that you are fully informed. That you research the procedure and feel that you are making a decision that is your own. Rememver this is your body & your baby. So, do not feel that you are at the mercy of others with more information. I think this is important.

I wish you well my love & remember whatever your baby's result since you have decided that you will continue with your pregnancy - this baby is whatever he or she is... It sounds to me that the knowledge of exactly what it is your baby is facing is going to help you to have less anxiety.


Sending lots of love & support. xxx