Question regarding screen tests and ultrasound results
Hi ladies,
I will be 35 when I deliver my baby next April. I had the blood screen test done around 15 weeks and the doctor told me my results were slightly abnormal at 1:232 for down syndrome.
I also just had my ultrasound on Monday and they found bilateral choroid plexus cysts on the baby's brain. The doctor told me this was a soft marker for Trisomy 18.
I know that my age (34) was factored into the blood test results, but I'm a little concerned that they found these cysts too.
Have any of you ladies experienced something like this with your results??? The doctor also recommended that I get an amnio because I will be 35 when the baby is born.
Do you think I should get the amnio??? Have any of you ladies had an amnio yet or have had similar results to mine??? I am going back and forth with this decision. My husband is against the amnio altogether, but I worry alot and I want to be able to enjoy the rest of this pregnancy. But then I don't want to harm the baby as well.
I posted something like this similar on the 2nd Tri board, so I apologize if I'm repeating myself---I'm just desperate 
(
Thanks for listening....
Re: Question regarding screen tests and ultrasound results
This is my thought as well.
Chandler 11/2000 ~ Bronwyn 6/2002 ~ Grayson 3/2010 ~ Matilda/Till 6/2012
BFP 10/20/11 ::sticky dust::
BFP 9/11/11 - m/c 9/25/11 5w5d
First, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I've been there and I know how scary it is. My results came back with a much higher risk for DS than yours, and DH and I were pretty freaked out. We decided to have the amnio, just so we'd be prepared for whatever we and baby were facing. It turned out that our daughter was fine, and the amnio didn't hurt at all. She is now 2.
Sending good thoughts that all goes well for you too.
I am having an amnio, just based on age. I did not have one with my first and I was 34.99 when she was born (healthy). But the entire time I was pregnant I worried.
If you decide to have an amnio, I would recommend you consider the different possible scenarios....healthy is easy. But if it comes back with Trisomy 21 or 18, what would you do?
Good luck with your decision and hoping for healthy!
If it was me, with my worrier mindset, I would have the amnio. The risk to the pregnancy is very low and you would be able to have peace of mind for the rest of your pregnancy.
If you decide not to, remember those screens are designed to have lots of false positives and your risk is still less than 1% that there is anything wrong with the baby.
I am due in April also. I will also be 35. I just had an anatomy scan and the doctor saw 2 soft markers for DS. We had missing pinky bone fingers and extra dialation in the kidneys. The doctor pushed for Amnio, but my husband and I were against the amnio too. We initially freaked out a bit and have worried a lot. But as we listened to the doctor talking I really felt like i was an experiment for them... He kept telling me how the scan and markers only indicate and increased risk and that the hope is some day they will be able to replace amnio with the scan. i have spoke to several women and have decided that i will take my next scan but will not do any further testing. For instance, my cousins son had no nasal bone which is considered a fairly strong soft marker. He was born fine and health, no DS. From what I have heard the choriod plexus cysts are common and not a strong indicator.
Now that being said. You are the only person that can decide what you need to do. Amnio is a personal choice for everyone and if it gives you peace, then it is the right option (make sure its right for you husband too). Remember that you don't need to stress out, your baby will be wonderful and you will love him/her to death. I certainly feel for you and your husband have already went through. Good luck :-)
If it was me, I would have the amnio. With my first, I had an amnio because of my age. I am having my amnio for #2 as well. It isn't as scary as you think. It took about 20 seconds and it was over. Honestly, the risk of miscarriage from amnio is sooooooo low. If you go to a specialist, they know what they are doing--they do amnios everyday.
If you are keeping the baby regardless of the results.. then I wouldnt have an amnio.