Amnio or no amnio? WWYD?

monkey7106

We did the sequential screening test for birth defects and my first trimester results were normal and the NT scan was normal, 1.3 was the measurment I think.  So I went ahead and did the second trimester blood test the same day I had the BIG u/s (everything was great on the u/s), but the bloodwork came back that I have a 1 in 80 chance of having a downs baby.  All of the other results were like 1 in 40,000 so my greatest risk is downs.  I'm struggling weather or not to have the amnio to either confirm or set my mind at ease.  DH isn't worried about it after reading all of the info and doing his research, but I'm not sure.  What would you do with those results?

Laura Cochran

This is a cut and paste of my answer to a similar question a few days ago, with additions at the bottom.

Good luck with your decision it can be tough decision and really depends on you and your DH's perspective. I'm surprised that I didn't have an amnio because I am a person that likes to know and plan things, but as each screen (NT, 1st Tri blood test, AFP) came back with low risk for any issues it just didn't seem necessary.

 I know a lot of people skip the test because they wouldn't terminate no matter what but even though we wouldn't have terminated for DS (for something less compatible with a quality life we may have), if we had a significant risk I would have wanted to know in advance to have a plan of action. Forewarned is forarmed and all that. 

I think had any of my screens come up with a 1/80 risk, I would have gone with an amnio,  just so that I would know.  In all likelihood, you LO is just fine. Your other screens have been good and even with a 1/80 risk, 79 out of 80 births will be just fine.

 

Skyler&Paisley

IMO:

If you would terminate a Down's PG, then do amnio.  If not, then hope for the best.  If you just want to know for sure, do amnio. 

Best wishes.

Peppernut

I'm the "know for sure" type.  I had one in 260 for downs, and got the amnio.  It did make me feel much better.  The risks for amnio depend on the doctor doing the procedure, too.  Ask your doctor what his or her experience has been as far as giving the test, if you decide to go that way.

Good luck!

lmizgala@hotmail.com

1/80 represents a 1.25% chance of having a baby with DS.  Not a bad number when looked at it that way...

 

lilacfritz

I think if you are a person who needs to be certain, I would do it.  But the chances are still slim - as PP said, 1.25%, so in 98.75% of the cases, no DS.  As there were no "soft signs" markers for DS on your u/s and your NT was good and it's primarily an indicator for DS, I would think your baby doesn't have it. GL - I know these decisions are tough. 

Worcbride

I had an amnio on Wed cuz our results came back high risk and then they told us they read the results wrong.  DH and I just didn't trust them at that point.  We are people who like to plan/know.  I used to work w/developmentally delayed children and if I were to have one I'd want to get services in place asap.  That's just me.  We should have our results back next week.  It wasn't an easy decision, just the right one for us.

stever

I'd do it.

LucyVanPelt

We did the amnio and our risk was 1 in 200.  Like PPs, we like to plan/know.  Our FISH results came back normal; still waiting on the final results. 

The way our practitioner did the amnio appointment was great, I thought.  They gave us genetic counseling plus a 3D ultrasound to look for soft markers.  Then (in the same afternoon) they gave us time to ourselves to decide whether to proceed with the amnio based on all the information we had.  In other words, we went to the amnio appointment, but were not obligated to actually have the amnio if we felt comfortable based on u/s and genetic counseling. 

Alicia_Japan

I too had a higher risk for down syndrome.  My number was 1 in 40.  I knew we would not terminate, but we just wanted to be prepared.  We just got our results back and everything is normal.  It is such a personal decision.  I am so happy to know...either way it would of turned out : )

But I would do it again in a heart beat.  The amino was not bad at all and I am so much more relaxed now. I know I would of been wondering the rest of the pregnancy. 

 I wish you all the best in your decision.