Amnio - need help

Did any of you struggle on doing the amnio test? When I was at the doctors office it sounded like a good idea but since then I have been thinking about this in more detail. My appointment is scheduled for next Monday and we will have to make a decision this week. Here is the deal:

* I will be a month away from being 35 so the age factor is not huge.
* I'm not really terrified of the needle but I do worry about complications (even though they can be minimal).
* Both DH and I do not have any family history of Downs...not that means anything.
* Both DH and I decided (before we were married) that no matter what we found out - we would ALWAYS have them.
* I do think about what the doctor said - that if there is a chance that something came up on the test we would have time to educate ourself to be prepared.

The last reason is the only one that is making me and DH go back and forth on this decison. Can I ask honest opinions - did anyone struggle? Am I overthinking this.......please help.

Re: Amnio - need help

DH and I struggled with this decision too, and I really feel we made the right choice for us. This was a source of huge stress for me at the time--I really wanted to make the best choice.

There were good reasons for or against anyway we looked at it, but in the end, my gut feeling weighed in as well.

I think you need to review all the factors again, and if you still don't know which choice is right, just think which choice you would be happier with long-term. Which one do you personally feel is right deep down? Then go with that.

If you decide not to go with the amnio, there are other screening tests that aren't as invasive. They aren't as definite, but they can point out some problems.

Good luck, you will make the right decision for you, DH, and DC.

Re: Amnio - need help

The decision to have or not have an amnio is very personal, and ultimately is up to you & your DH. I talked to women that had an amnio as well as women that decided against it. Their opinions were extremely valuable to me.

In the end we decided to have one for a variety of factors. I do think what pushed us over the edge though was the fact that an amnio can detect so many things other than DS - some of which would have necessitated C-section, others which could have been corrected in-utero, or which could have been fixed upon birth if the right MD was standing by at delivery.

Message edited 9/10/2007 2:05:20 PM.

Re: Amnio - need help

Re: Amnio - need help

Would you be doing it to prepare in case there were results? you said it didnt matter the results, so why do it.. My OB said there not really doing them after 35 anymore, now the age is 40 b/c so many more women are having babys later in life now.

Re: Amnio - need help

Re: Amnio - need help

I think its only normal to struggle with this decision. I decided to have it, but I agree with the above posters that it is an extremely personal decision. For me, I wanted to be as prepared as possible, and I had to know. In my heart I know whatever will be will be, but I just had to know. Good luck with your decision Remember, whatever decision you make, its okay, you have to do whats right for you and your DH

Re: Amnio - need help

You have FM

Re: Amnio - need help

You may want to speak to your doctor again about the test is you are this on the fence. It is NOT required for you to have it. So do NOT feel pressure to have it.
If you want one, that is okay too.
It is a very personal decision. I have decided against having one if I have another baby (I am now 37). The truth is you can have a Down's baby at ANY age and there are other non-invasive tests as well. HUGS. Good Luck with your decision.

Re: Amnio - need help

This is such a personal decision. I know my SIL had her first baby at 37, she chose to have all tests available. She did have a neice born with mental deficiencies&my brother is adopted so medical history was unknown. Her choice to do it was not to terminate, but to be prepared. You do have to weigh the risks though. Did you have the NT scan yet? Any markers that would preclude this test?

I know this is a hard decision, and noone can or should tell you what to do. You an hubby have to decide what is best for you and your baby.

Good luck with the decision

and remember there is no right or wrong answer....

Message edited 9/11/2007 2:57:56 PM.

Re: Amnio - need help

I am over 35 and I struggled with the decision too. I wouldn't have terminated and I decided not to have one for a few reasons.

I did have an ultrascreen with very good results, so I opted not to take the risk. If the ultrascreen results were not so good, I might have decided to have it.

Re: Amnio - need help

I struggled very much with the decision and then had the amnio. We were unable to get any meaningful results on the ulstrascreen because of the position of the baby. I am past 35.

I know that this is not reason enough to have the amnio but I found out that I will need a different type of amnio at the end of the pregnancy, to assess the baby's lungs. It would probably be very unwise for me not to have that one. I am kinda glad that I already know what an amnio is like.

Re: Amnio - need help

I also wanted to add, have you seen a genetic counselor? That may help you make your decision, you could also speak to him/her about the problems an amnio and a 20 week screening can pick up, the rates of detection for each, and make your decision from that. I know speaking to a genetic counselor helped me clarify what I wanted to do.

Also, it's a terrible thing, but no matter what you decide to do, someone will probably disagree with your choice. As long as you know you made the right choice for you, ignore any criticism. I got criticized for not having one, but I also know people who got criticized for having one. There will always be people who can't keep their opinions to themselves!

Re: Amnio - need help

A very personal decision indeed.

DH and I went to a genetic counselor first and she described the different testing that can be done.

It also depends why you are doing it. Do you have family histories that give you concern? Would you like to be better educated in case the test is positive for Downs, or spina bifida? Is this a factor that would make you terminate the pregnancy. All very personal questions only you and your Dh can answer.

I had mine done two weeks ago and am waiting for the results any day now. It was a decision we struggled with, but felt that it was right for us.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Re: Amnio - need help

Thanks ladies for all your input. It really helped. DH and I are sitting down tonight and talking the pros and cons. I'll let you know how it goes. Again - really appreciate everyones input.