down syndrome testing

Re: down syndrome testing

Not PG yet, but I plan on getting all of the screening and diagnostic testings that my insurance will cover. I will do it to be informed regardless of what I decide to do once the results are revealed.

Re: down syndrome testing

I would never recommend for anyone to get one after my experience. I did the ultrascreen test because I figured everything would be OK and I would get to see the baby again. I didnt think anything of it. Then I got back my results and they were 1 in 160 and should have been 1 in 758. Now I know that these are still very good odds that everything is OK, but I cant help but be very anxious and freaking out and it is recommended that I have an amnio. I would keep the baby regardless of if it has Down Syndrome---but it is a very tough decision regarding the amnio, one that I honestly feel I would be better off not knowing, especially since in all likelihood the baby will be OK...but those words "you are at an increased risk" are very very scary. I will not take this test again in future pregnancies because I think it can contribute to unnecessary anxiety. Of course if everything came back OK, I wouldnt feel this way...but you just never know. Just my opinion...good luck on deciding!!!! and honestly, even if someone had said this to me, I probably would have done it anyway because I was so convinced everything would come back normal.

Re: down syndrome testing

had it at 12 weeks. was a simple sonogram and it put me at ease.

Re: down syndrome testing

i already know that i'm not going to test a) because no matter what i would keep the baby and b) if something came back abnormal i think it would stress me out and ruin the rest of my pregnancy. i was just curious how everyone else felt. thanks for the replies!

Re: down syndrome testing

I did the testing just to know. I wanted to be prepared and have a better understanding of down syndrome should the test come back high risk.

Re: down syndrome testing

I have my ultrascreen tueday. I didn't realized that it was a choice. My doctor made it seem like it is just another thing that has to be done.

Re: down syndrome testing

Initially I felt as many posters did, that no matter what the results showed it did not matter to me and that it would just potentially cause me grief.

My DH talked me into doing the test, as he felt it would prepare us better if something were wrong.

Thank goodness....... because my shortened cervix was diagnosed with this sonogram and I was immediately cerclaged as a result..... I dread to think what could have happened if it was not caught then.....

So IMO, and experience, I would take advantage of every test available because you never know what may be prevented as a result.......

Re: down syndrome testing

Message edited 7/4/2007 2:55:11 PM.

Re: down syndrome testing

I opted for the noninvasive route...ultrascreen and Quad Screen AFP and the Level II.. Had their been an issue with any of of them I would of had an amnio.

I already have a child with Down Syndrome and feel that knowing before birth has its benefits.

Re: down syndrome testing

I have been through so much testing short of the Amnio and The madonna docs said it to me best. Sometimes the testing is not just about identifying the risks but preparing you for a baby that may have special needs even if you know you would not abort.

Everyone is different in handling info though so it is a personal choice. This has been the pregnancy from hell and the testing stops me from creating the worst case scenarios in my head.

Message edited 7/4/2007 4:28:07 PM.

Re: down syndrome testing

I got it thru the blood test and it came back negative. there is no definate answer without an amnio....but I won't risk that unless I have to.

Re: down syndrome testing

My ultrascreen showed an increased risk of downs. Originally my OB was totally against my having an amnio - for any reason, including my advanced age. However, the increased risk was soooooo increased that he did a complete 180. I am very patiently waiting for the amnio results. (actually who am I kidding - I am not waiting patiently at all, I am sitting on pins and needles praying that I fall into that 5% false positive rate of the ultrascreen).

Re: down syndrome testing

Re: down syndrome testing

I did not have an ultrascreen but I did the blood testing for spina bifida

Re: down syndrome testing

I was against having it...my doctor convinced me it was a god idea, i was afraid of a false positive...anyway then ended uo seeing something else (minor but needed attention), my uterus is heart shaped and my cervex needs to be watched every 2 weeks, risk of early labor. anyway, it also depends on your age, i am only 27 so thats why i didnt really want it...

Re: down syndrome testing

We did the ultrascreen( attempted 2X) baby was not cooperating as was the shape of my uterus.

My high risk Dr recomended that we do wither the CVSor the amnio based on my age etc.

Thank god all was ok, but I feel for us it was better to be prepared and know exactly what was happening.

Re: down syndrome testing

Re: down syndrome testing

I don't know the rigor of tests yet as my first Dr's appointment is not until next Wednesday but with every test 'offered' to me, I plan to ask what I can do with the results. If the answer is nothing during pregnancy (because I will not terminate), then I'm not taking the test. For me, it will only serve to stress me out entirely for the remainder of my pregnancy which will do neither me nor the baby any good.

Good luck with your decision

Re: down syndrome testing

I'm having the test done next week. I am very nervous about it, but feel that I would like to know so that we are better prepared.

Re: down syndrome testing

I decided to have the ultrascreen, quad screening, and the Level II, but I skipped the amnio. My doctor pushed for an amnio a bit since my ultrascreen results were negative, but very close to positive. Still, my ultrascreen gave me far better chances than the average for my age (for not having a child with Down's Syndrome), and I was very concerned about the risk of miscarriage or complications from an amnio, so I decided to skip it.

I don't want to terminate, but I would like to have as much information as I can, so I am taking advantage of any non-invasive tests available.

This is a very personal decision, and I think everyone has to come to it on their own.

Re: down syndrome testing

Re: down syndrome testing

I will do it.

Re: down syndrome testing

I will have the screening done.