Marker on anatomy scan

elocke1986

So I had my anatomy scan last week and when the Dr came in at the end she said that I had 1 of 13 markers for Down Syndrome, but that everything else looked good. At first I didn't really know what she was saying, and she had horrible bedside manner, so I decided to wait until I saw my normal GYN to ask questions.  Today I had my regular appointment and when I asked her about it she said that the testing center had not faxed over my results yet (6 days later).  Then she was asking me if it was a hard marker or a soft marker, and if it was a soft marker, which one was it... but I have no idea! She said if it was a hard marker they most likely would have recommended an amnio, which they didn't do, so she is assuming it's a soft marker.  And if that's the case, 1 soft marker basically means nothing and I shouldn't worry about it... But of course I'm worrying about it! Has anyone else come across this at all, or have any other information about these markers? 

pinkshades05

I think it's common to have a soft marker (could mean a variety of things) and not have Down Syndrome. Things that come to mind are spots on the heart or something coming back slightly smaller than expected.

melszum

My friends baby had a soft marker and he is fine

PC0909

Amnio is 100% accurate so they will often recommend it with hard markers.

DD has enlarged kidneys which was the first soft marker, then when we went for a level 2 u/s they noted her femurs are growing at different rates.  I took the blood test that was offered at my hospital to check for Down Syndrome, and I have to see the high risk doctor again to check the kidneys.

I think you should find out which marker it was, because some markers are nothing, and some are important.  Also, did they schedule a level 2 u/s?  If not you should ask for one.

elocke1986

So I found out which marker it is.... it's an echogenic focus (a white spot on the heart).  That made me feel a little better considering I was born with a heart murmur and my husband has one as well... think it's worth asking for a level 2 U/S?  My insurance won't pay for the blood test because I'm only 28 and still considered low risk, and the risk associated with an amnio is higher than my chances of having a baby with downs so I think I'm going to pass on that too. 

KrissyR13

I actually went through the same situation a couple of weeks ago. At my 20 week ultrasound they found a soft marker on our LO's heart. All other test came back negative, but I requested a level 2 ultrasound to put myself at ease.. Had the ultrasound done and the doctor said everything is fine! I found the level 2 ultrasound very reissuring!

JessAnnJ

The same marker was found on my SILs A/S and her baby did not have Down Syndrome.

Sockgnome78

My LO has the white spot on his heart. I do have some family history (brother) born with heart defects. So they already want to schedule a echo cardio on him.
If not for my age (35), GD, and family history they would not have me do anything and not made a comment. But since I do.....game plan changes. I know they say don't stress about it. Much easier said then done. But I would start with the non - invasive test first.

Kboyce08

We just dealt with this a few weeks ago. LO had one soft marker so as a precaution they did a blood test and everything came back negative. From what my doctor told me, its pretty common to have a soft marker of some sort. Basically he did the blood test to put my mind at ease. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

hermanavelasquez

Maybe you should ask for a written report of your results to be completely sure about this.