Amnio?

Mommalawyer · October 2014

Hi there, Im am from F15. I don't post that much on this board, a bit here and there, but not too much. Anywho, I am 38, we just did our 2nd trimester scan. Due to being AMA, it was done at the hospital with a perinatologist. After the exam, with the exception of the placenta being "close" to the cervix (which was long and closed) everything looked good. They started talking to me about doing amnio, due to my age. We did the first trimester blood work, along with the ultrasound, I did the Maternit21, and we did the second trimester blood screen. All came back "low risk." However, the peri spent a significant amount of time talking to me about amnio and how all of the other stuff that I have done was just "screening." I admit that I probably didn't ask all the right questions, or even all the questions I should have. Anyone else in this situation? Anyone have it done and care to share experiences? Im on the fence about what I want to do, however, I would have peace of mind knowing "for sure."

marijaa333 · October 2014

I can't give any advice on amnio per se, but could you perhaps have a follow up conversation with the doctor and have all of your additional questions answered?

If all the screens came back with low risk, I would think that you have little reason to do amnio, unless you absolutely need as conclusive a diagnosis as possible.

On the other hand, amnio has been around for so long, it's basically inertia for doctors now, especially with "AMA." So I am not surprised they are suggesting it.

There is a big information gap on these topics at the moment - I have been digging for answers myself and it's really hard to figure out what to do!

Mommalawyer · October 2014

I totally agree with you @marijaa333 - there isn't a lot of helpful information on the "should I do it" question.

marijaa333 · October 2014

One of the questions I would ask is what their own facility-related and practitioner-related rate of complications has been; I would also ask what they do to prevent complications (antibiotic solution for equipment? oral antibiotics after procedure? bed rest? none of the above?). The answers themselves may not be correlated with outcomes, but the process of asking will let you know whether they keep track and put thought into improving outcomes. If they dismiss your concerns, and you decide to go ahead with the procedure, I would seek another, very experienced provider.

Mommalawyer · October 2014

Good points.

indianaalum · October 2014

If Mateniy21 came back low risk for everything, I certainly wouldn't be doing an amnio. IT seems unnecessary, IMO.

I am 41 and an amnio was never suggested to me except in passing if i wanted it (I had sketchy NT scan followed by a "low risk" Panorama test, so doc said it more like "well, if you are still worried" kinda way---I wasn't worried, so the convo stopped quickly). It certainly was never pushed on me and was said more in "passing" then anything else. You doctors just seems old school to me.

Yes, the NIPT tests are "Screening" but they are over 90 percent accurate and up to 99 percent accurate depending on the genetic test. They are pretty darn close, IMO

on a related note, My placenta was lying low and it fixed itself. I guess it is common early in pregnancy, so try to relax on that one, as well

[Deleted User] · October 2014

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Mrs.McIrish · October 2014

I did have a double amnio bc I needed a "yes/no" answer after years of IF. Since I'm having twins, my MFM would not give me mat 21 or the other NIPT tests (not really tested for twins). My girls also wouldn't cooperate for the nt measurements. So I opted for the amnio but that was more my "irrational" fear that there was no way this could be a good pregnancy after all we endured to get here. In your case, no one had given you any reason to think something is wrong since your screening tests were good. Have you had your anatomy scan yet? I see no reason for you to do an amnio with what you've written.

NicoleWI · October 2014

What? I also don't understand at all why you would do amnio, especially with all the other screenings you have done. Amnio was never suggested to me and I have been AMA with all but my first pregnancy. I consider it a last resort if you have concerns and need a definitive answer. I wouldn't accept the risks associated with amnio without a good reason, and in your case, I don't think there's a good reason!

Mommalawyer · October 2014

Perhaps my docs are old school. Im not sure. The conversation seemed more than just a passing suggestion, which threw me off. I had told them that I would think about it and then there was an awkward silence and I was given suggestions on why I would want to (AMA, more than screeing...ect) and how the procedure had risks, but were low risks. Im going to call tomorrow and flush it out and make a final decision. For whatever reason, I figured most were in my situation where it seemed like doctors were really kinda pushing for you to do it.

Mommalawyer · October 2014

indianaalum said:
on a related note, My placenta was lying low and it fixed itself. I guess it is common early in pregnancy, so try to relax on that one, as well

This is reassuring!! I read that somewhere after I left the appointment, despite not being told that from the doctor.

chilepaler · October 2014

I'm 41 and had an amnio. After a couple miscarriages, I wanted to be sure and know about all the risks. Also, there is history of some genetic abnormalities in my husband's family so we definitely thought it was worth it. The clinic who performed the amnio had very good history and data about their services so I felt pretty good about it. Tests came back all good with no genetic abnormalities or spina bifida so we feel good that this is something we can move on from.

Bigboneded · October 2014

I am AMA and we are staying away from invasive testing (amnio or CVS) because I understand the free fetal dna is more accurate earlier, and ours came back fine. If you are concerned, then educate yourself and decide. I determined the "small risk for miscarriage" was too much for me. And the flip side, Mrs.McIrish wanted more reassurance and was willing to accept the risk as minimal. It really depends on you, feel free to get a second opinion (should be covered by insurance) before deciding. Good luck!

Samuelismomma · October 2014

You might want to find out if insurance will cover it, since all other tests were good. I went with harmony and nt scan. My perintologist said even though they were called screening tests now that will change in next couple years and will replace amnio. I am 42 , he said amnio wasn't worth risk. Good luck!

mwerren · October 2014

My doctor briefly suggested amnio as well, even after my NIPT came back in the clear. Being that I waited 36 years for this baby, I'm not chancing another loss, so I passed on the amnio.

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