Ladies under 35...

Today I went for my second obgyn appointment...I'm right at the end of my first trimester and the doctor told me that they are now offering testing to women under 35 about downs syndrome. It's not an amnio test, but some other test that's not quite so invasive. I would have to have the test done by the end of the week (because Saturday starts my 2nd trimester). Did any of you do this? I'll be 30 when I deliver. She said at my 18 week sono they'll be able to tell if the baby has downs (well it's not 100% accurate, but 80% supposedly.) I don't know what to do. Is it necessary?

Re: Ladies under 35...

I just went to my first ob visit and was told about this test. I'm not sure if I'm going to have it or not, either. But I'd love to know what others have done/think.

Re: Ladies under 35...

I had this test done for both of my pregnancies. I think they're probably referring to the Integrated test.

Basically, you go for a sonogram around 13 weeks which measures a certain area of the baby's neck--nuchal fold. They also take blood at that visit. Next, at 16 weeks you will get another blood test. They compile the results and for me, I got my final results at 17 weeks both times.

I don't necessarily see a "down side" to this type of a test and would want to know what I was faced with no matter what. But that's just my opinion!

Re: Ladies under 35...

Re: Ladies under 35...

Yes, some places do the finger prick--mine took a vial from my arm instead.

Yeah, I am surprised they didn't discuss this with you during your first visit. The good thing is that it's still not too late if you opt to do it.

Re: Ladies under 35...

Re: Ladies under 35...

I did not do any testing other than the nuchal fold measurements done at the level II. I will be 33 at delivery.

Re: Ladies under 35...

Re: Ladies under 35...

To tell you the truth, I had it done, but I didn't know it at the time. I am a high risk pregnancy and have been on bedrest. When I go to the doctors (every two weeks) they always do blood tests. They actually included this test without telling me! At 19 weeks they were like " oh by the way, the baby doesn't have downs" My first thought was thank God, my second was shouldn't I have been told about this test?

Re: Ladies under 35...

I just had it done last week. They give you an sonogram (called an Ultra-Screen) and take some blood (finger prick). You have the option of getting genetic counseling with it, but I didnt want to have it done. I really didnt want to have this test done either, but DH wanted to and i was convinced bc its another excuse to have a sonogram. We heard the babies heartbeat and got some more pictures.

ETA: I will be a month shy of 27 when baby is born.

Message edited 2/14/2007 10:54:38 AM.

Re: Ladies under 35...

I'm getting it done this week, but mainly for another pic of the baby. We aren't going for genetic counseling or an amnio if they happen to 'find' something. I will be 31 at delivery.

Re: Ladies under 35...

I did it at 12 weeks.

Re: Ladies under 35...

I didn't do any testing like that for DD or #2. I was 29 with DD, 30 with #2 at delivery.

Re: Ladies under 35...

At 12.5 weeks I did the Ultrascreen (the nuchal fold sonogram w/the finger prick) and then also did the Level II at 17.5 weeks with the AFP blood test.

My doctor told me the ultrascreen is a bit more "reliable" than the Level II in regards to the number of "false positives".

ETA: I will be 34 once she's born

Message edited 2/14/2007 10:30:38 AM.

Re: Ladies under 35...

I did both those tests at 12.5wks the ultrascreen with nuchal trans. sono and fingerstick blod test and again @ 16wks maternal serum AFP it called which is another fingerstick