I am having an amniocentisis - need to share, would love your thoughts

[Pregy E]

I am very excited about being pregnant with my second child, I was so sad to find out I was at high risk for downs 1/207. There have been no markers in either the 12 or 20 week ultrasound but my bloods combined gave me this reading. I am 34. I hate needing to make this decision. Its not an easy decision to make given we put so much weight on the mc risk 1/200 as a result of having the amnio.

My husband and I decided to go ahead with one (which is next week) and I am trying to stay as positive as I can. I am not worried about the pain to me I am just worried about the risk. I pray that everything turns out ok and that we have made a good decision.

I wish I could talk to my friends about this but its such a personal thing, its amazing how much my friends support means to me!

If you would like to share your amnio stories with me I would love that - good and bad experiences! I want to know the facts.

Thanks for listening ladies.

[LionsandBears]

Firstly, the blood result is only about 10% of the overall score, so if you're unsure and the NT result was good, then maybe you don't need one. It's a personal decision. If you use an experienced practitioner, that lowers the risk.

How far along are you? I think the further along you are, the less the risk of m/c.

I had an amnio with DS2 at about 21wks. It hurt, but I breathed through it while DH held my hand. It was relatively quick and afterwards, they showed us baby's heartbeat. He was fine.

In our case, our baby later passed, but that wasn't related to the amnio. He had a serious illness. Which is why we had the amnio in the first place.

[Boo Boo]

Hi Pregy E,

I was given a 1/227 of DS and went on to have an amnio. It was a huge decision to make, I think making the decision was the worst part of it and once I had decided to go ahead with it, I didn't think about it again until the actual day. I went to a clinic recommended to me by my GP and the Dr who did the amnio was lovely, we went with getting the main results within the 24 hour period - think we had to pay $200 extra. It came back all clear. There were no markers on the ultrasound so it was also to do with my bloods. There are lots of different variables as to the actual risk of the amnio - how the baby is positioned, where the placenta is positioned, etc, the specialist who is doing it, so it is not just a straight 1/200 chance of mc it actually depends on a number of things that would increase the chance. However, you will have another ultrasound before the actual amnio is done and the Dr will be able to see how straightforward your individual case is.
Lots of hugs to you. x

[Babyluv]

Hugs, no experience here but hoping all goes smoothy for you and that bub is fine.

[skybie]

i had one at 24 weeks with my DS. He had a heart defect that is often linked with downs and 22q deletion. his results came back all clear
it isnt a pleasant procedure. the ob said it felt like a blood test, afterwards i told him i was going to push a giant needle through his belly and he can tell me if it feels like a blood test!!
I had my mum at home with me for a few days after just to ensure i didnt pick up DD2 or hang out washing to make sure everything healed. there was no pain or bruising afterwards.
Wishing u all the best

[Aussiegirl777]

I wanted to wish you well in making such a hard decision. I haven't had amnio but I have had 2 CVS procedures. Tashy is right - find yourself an experienced dr and your risk will lower significantly.

Another thing to think about is what you will do with the information should it show something other than normal in the results. If you would likely carry-on with your pregnancy than maybe your odds and your personal choice outweigh any risk there may be in having the procedure.

It is uncomfortable but by no means unbearable. Take someone with you and just breathe. Make sure you rest afterwards.

[EsJay]

i had one at 15wks due to 1/82 risk of ds from my b/t. bub showed no signs and the nt was good but my blood results made for the high risk. it was painful for me, and had to have the needle go through twice as dd tried to grab it the first time so she withdrew and had another go a couple of minutes later. i got the fast results within 24hrs and they were clear, as were the full results 3 weeks later. The only advice is the same as above, find someone experienced to do it, take someone with you and rest for a few days after. hugs to you, its an incredibly hard decision, ive got my fingers crossed for you

[~Kim~]

I was given a 1/200 chance with DS. No-one offered an amnio. I knew enough about the results and the issues to def ask if I felt we needed one. I had no soft markers at any u/s so we decided not to worry. My DS is fine.

Hope you can find a doctor you're happy with.

[Blair]

Hey there,
I just wanted to share my story with you. I was given a 1/123 risk of downs and proceeded to have an amnio, which was scheduled for four weeks after my 12week scan. It was honestly one of the hardest times of my life, but now with the benefit of hindsight it was well worthwhile. Thankfully we received the all clear today and we can finally enjoy the pregnancy. The procedure itself wasn't painful, slightly alarming but certainly nothing unbearable at all. If you are offered the FISH test I would recommend it, results in around 24 hours. Although you can't claim on Medicare, the fast result meant we could move on (one way or another) quickly.
All the best for your scan and I hope you get good news at the end.

[~Kirsten~]

Hi..

I had an amnio down at 18 weeks due to little mans issues as he had a small jaw, heart and spine issues and they wanted to check it wasn't a chromosomes thing..

I had the needle injected in my belly and it was done in less then 5 mins.. I was a little sore but they told me it was expected and to take panadol.. Results came back normal and he doesn't have a heart problem anymore..

Good luck! And take it easy and no heavy lifting for a week..