Chez - don't let anyone pressure you into invasive testing you dn't want! i looked at the downs test as giving me an idea to prepare - i didn't need absolutes. our results weren't bad, but not great for my age 1:462. they didn't recommend further testing, but we'd talked about it.

the way i see it - there is a 1-2% chance of something going wrong with the amnio - so unless your risk is along the lines of 1:50, there is less chance of having a baby with downs than losing a baby due to the procedure. if you think you could manage the needs of a downs or other special needs child, all you have to do is prepare yourself emotionally that you MAY have a baby with additional needs - do you really need to know in advance?