Here is a table of risk with increasing maternal age.

  • Age Risk
    32 - 1/725
    33 - 1/592
    34 - 1/465
    35 - 1/365
    36 - 1/287
    37 - 1/255
    38 - 1/177
    39 - 1/139
    40 - 1/109
    41 - 1/85
    42 - 1/67
    43 - 1/53
    44 - 1/41
    45 - 1/32
    46 - 1/25
    47 - 1/20
    48 - 1/16
    49 - 1/12


The reason you would be considered a higher risk is usually depending on your age. The other factors (ie. nuchal fold scan) also affects the risk. Have you had a nuchal fold scan? When I had a nuchal fold scan with Paris it lowered my risk it was around 1/1500 to 1/9000 which is extremely low.

I guess the question you need to ask yourself is "does it matter if my baby has downs" If you know what I mean. And then way up the risks of amniocentisis, as even though they are small there is a slight chance of miscarriage or clubfoot. And you need to think about whats most important to you.

I know how hard this must be to go through, I have had a few gf's go through the very same situation. And they all came back fine after amnio, but they both said that they needed to be sure. So please try not to worry too much as that can be just as harmful to the baby.

For more information Login to our BellyBelly website and check out these articles:

Prenatal Testing
Amniocentesis

Let us know how you go, and feel free to lean on us at anytime for support. Its what we are here for!

Goodluck!

*hugs*
Cailin