The test that they are talking about will only give you a risk factor and chances are that, based on your age, the risk will be low so that's why some doctors see it as a waste of time.

Once you hit 35, they recommend testing because the chances are higher solely based on your age. But the 12 week test only gives you a risk factor, it doesn't give you a definitive yes or no.

If the risk is higher than about 1 in 300, they recommend that you have an amnio because that will tell you yes or no. But the downside of an amnio is that it can carry a risk of miscarriage.

These days more babies with Downs are being born to women aged BELOW 35, probably because women over 35 test for it and then go on to have amnios and terminate.

I had screening because of my age with DD and luckily my risk was low so I didn't need to have an amnio.

People don't just have amnios with a view to termination. If I was in a situation where the first screening results were not good, I think I would have an amnio so I knew for sure. I have thought and thought about what I would do if the result was positive and I just don't know BUT I do know that I would want to know beforehand and mentally prepare for having a child with Downs.

Having said all that, you ARE low risk because of your age so please don't worry too much - the statistics are on your side in this.