Has anyone been through this?

SBmomma · October 2014

We just had our 18 week perinatal appt today and after the specialist did all the measurements on the twins he started saying that baby B is measuring a bit smaller & that is a red flag for Downs Syndrome. He started asking if we wanted to schedule an amino or just blood work to start. Then the specialist went even further & said that it's possible that both twins have downs IF they are identical. They need to call my OB and review the early sonograms to determine if they are identical. Right now we are looking at a possible 10% chance of Downs. Which if I try to remain positive, means 90% everything is just fine. My heart is aching right now. Has anyone ever been told this?! I feel like they were trying to scare me....but I know they are doing their job by informing me.

zazu13 · October 2014

Are they in separate sacs with separate placentas? I am assuming so since you seem to not know if they are identical (shared sac or placenta is automatically identical). It is not uncommon for them to be slightly different sizes especially if they are fraternal. Mine never measured exactly the same. If you had only one baby would measuring smaller than average also mean a downs marker? I haven't heard that before. I also don't understand why your US tech is having to call the OB to find out if they are identical? Shouldn't they be able to tell? Forgive my ignorance, but I am leaning toward your tech not being with it and scaring you unnecessarily. I can't blame you for being worried and hope you get some reassuring answers soon.

Rynleigh · October 2014

How much smaller? Short femurs are considered a soft-medium marker for Down's, but just "being small" isn't a marker at all... without other potential markers, I wouldn't personally want to take on the risks of amnio... did you have the NT scan around 12w to check nuchal fold?

SBmomma · October 2014

The specialist just called me and confirmed there are 2 placentas. He went by my OBs office to view my early sonograms and has now bumped up the percentage to 50% chance of Downs for baby B. His reasons are baby B appears to have a chubby neck, short femur & legs (compared to baby A). At this point he says baby A seems "perfect". I don't think I'm going to move forward with testing. It is what it is & we will deal with any challenges that come our way. We opted out of the 1st trimester screenings with this specialist specifically because we wanted to enjoy this pregnancy without any concerning red flags hanging over our heads. Looks like we got it any ways.

I'm trying to have a positive attitude right now, but it's so hard. I don't want to have a pity party, it makes me feel selfish & ungrateful. There were some good points made in your responses ladies. I'm trying to get everything figured out....my head is spinning.

RayRay007 · October 2014

I'm sorry you have to go through this.

rachelkongsore@hotmail.com · October 2014

I'm sorry sbmama. Stay positive. Those markers are soft markers, not hard markers for Downs and I really don't think it's fair for them to compare a to b. My baby b has been smaller than a my whole pregnancy and in my last pregnancy a was much smaller than b!! I totally get not proceeding with more testing. Just focus on the now as best you can and enjoy the lives thriving inside you. Hugs.

zazu13 · October 2014

^all this. Hugs to you and congratulations on your two miracles.

KatieGummow · October 2014

Hugs to you! You are already a rockstar momma.

lilydolce · October 2014

My friend just had fraternal twins who never measured similar. When they were born they still measured very different but no Down Syndrome. Stay positive and goodluck

blueberries8 · October 2014

Sending lots of hugs your way and hoping for the best.

Bigboneded · October 2014

I opted out of testing first pg, until we hit problems. Testing confirmed Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), so I was able to start researching and finding support... which I was grateful, then we lost our girl- too many complications, no HB at 17 weeks.

This time we did the bloodwork, again to be able to plan for special needs if needed. Chromosome testing showed us in the clear.
Later, inadvertently run blood test dictated a 1:10 chance for T21. We feel the blood work is more accurate so are not concerned.

It is up to you, but you might find peace of mind with normal test results. I refused amnio and CVS because of my concern for miscarriage, but the free DNA does not carry any such risk :-)

If you find you do have a Down Syndrome baby, I recommend getting plugged in to support networks before birth. Other moms are a great source of info and support.... just like here!
(((Hugs))) to you, if I can give you any help... point you to some resources, let me know.

vpine · October 2014

Genetic testing is also available -
The non-invasive test (NIPT) results indicate the expected amount of the chromosomes involved in Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18 This test is estimated to pick up >99% of babies with Down syndrome, 97% of babies with trisomy 18, and 88% of babies with trisomy 13 in singleton pregnancies.Can you find out if the NIPT test (done via blood) is an option instead of amniocentesis?

jordangilliam · October 2014

Hugs and prayers coming your way!

FaeryStarGazer · October 2014

If they didn't have Baby A to compare to, would they still consider the limbs shorter?

SBmomma · October 2014

Thank you for the support & those of you who shared stories. I will be asking the specialist about the comparison question. I'm leaving everything up to destiny. If I'm meant to have 1 or 2 or no babies with Down syndrome, then so be it.

greks84 · November 2014

@SBmomma‌ I second @KatieGummow‌ you are a rock star. Keep us posted!

Want a personalized experience?

Has anyone been through this?

Re: Has anyone been through this?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards