Screening for Down Syndrome

[cassy_82]

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to get the opinions of you all about the testing for down syndrome at around the 12 week mark. I have spoken to my Obs about the risks and have been told that there is a 50/50 chance for miscarriage in my circumstance if I have the test done. Have any of you had this test done or are planning to have it done in the future?

[Melinda]

Hi Cassy,

Are you referring to the nuchal fold scan, or are you referring to amniocentesis or CVS?

The nuchal fold scan is like a normal u/s scan and is usually done in conjunction with some blood tests. Most people don't routinely have amniocentesis or CVS done unless the first nuchal fold scan and blood tests indicate that there may be a problem, and even then, it's not essential for you to have these additional tests done if you don't want to - it's a personal choice.

Here are some articles that you may like to read:

Pre-natal Testing - this covers the nuchal fold scan
Amniocentesis
CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)

HTH!

[Lucy]

There is also a long post about this issue, from a while back HERE