Should I get First Trimester Screening for down syndrome?

[Tobily]

We declined this test with both of our babes.

Basically we decided that if we did come back with a result indicating high risk for downs, we would not be able to risk the pregnancy with an amnio. Especially when we would never have terminated even IF our baby had DS.

This is essentially what your doctor is getting at - the initial ultrasound just identifies your risk factor. To find out definitively whether or not your baby has it involves much more invasive testing. If you would decline that testing down the track, there is little point having an NT scan.

There is also quite a high incidence of mother's being told they are high risk and having amnios on normal pregnancies. This is why this test is said to have a high "false positive" rate.

GL and congratulations btw

[Maruschke]

This is essentially what your doctor is getting at - the initial ultrasound just identifies your risk factor. To find out definitively whether or not your baby has it involves much more invasive testing. If you would decline that testing down the track, there is little point having an NT scan.

I disagree with this part. Knowing the estimated risk is all that some women want. In this case the NT is informative.

[briggsy's girl]

ditto what oscaroscar said - i'll be happy with a risk factor - for some of us, absolutes aren't necessary. i will prepare for 'what if' if my results are high, but i don't need to KNOW for sure one way or the other....

[Inanna]

I agree Oscar - as I said above not everyone will have amnio/cvs - some just want to know if the liklihood is high or not. Also when faced with difficult results many women also change their mind on what their course of action will be. Women who previously thought they would have invasive testing decline and vice versa.

We all have it (or not!) for personal reasons - what I strongly and fervently know is that this is a test that can throw you a curve ball - having it for a photo opportunity should be actively discouraged... (IMO)