Moms to be 35 and over

Hi everybody, congrats on you pregnancies. I know that this has been asked before but I could use some help from those currently going through this. I am 38, had ds at 36 and 2 losses since. My doctor strongly advises amnio even if ultascreen comes back with good results, his opinion there's always that "1". I am going to do the ultascreen on the early side like 11.5 weeks but it seems like most do it 12-13 weeks. I guess my question is what are your doctors recommending as far as screening/amnio/cvs and what are you going to do? Thanks! happy and healthy 9 months!

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I am 38 and DH is 31. We skipped the 12 week scan and just had the amnio at 17 weeks.

The results from the 12 w scan can be very off and we did not want that stress of wondering until the amnio.

My amnio came back fine. I was scared going into the procedure but have never 2nd guessed my decision.

The actual amnio was not that bad....I think its just the anticipation leading up to it.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I'm 37 and DH is 45. This is my first baby. My Dr. felt that I didn't need 12wk or amnio BUT, of course these decisions are left up to ME. So I decided to go along with the 12 wk screening (I think I jumped on this bc I want to see my baby again) and I will take it from there. Even if everything comes out OK we may have the amnio just in case.

Message edited 11/3/2011 1:45:04 PM.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I am 35 and dh is 39.. we skipped all screening tests.. reasoning is.... we would not abort it or love it any less. If something major was noticed on a sono or something like that then i'd probably proceed with further testing.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I'm 36. I did the Ultrascreen and will be doing the Level 2.

My OB said they wouldn't recommend an amnio unless something came back abnormal for one of those tests and a CVS wasn't mentioned at all.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

DH and I are both 40. This is my second. I am doing all the routine screening and if something comes up abnormal we will decide from there if we want to do an amnio. My Dr agreed and that is his recommendation. I have my 12 week on Tuesday.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

Im 36 my doctor never mentioned having an amino or cvs test done UNLESS my numbers came back way off. But even those who are under 35 would be recommended for one of these test if their numbers were off. I had the 12 week nt scan at 12 weeks and my level 2 at 19 weeks. Everything came back perfect. I didnt have any additional tests performed.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I'm 39 and this is my 3rd (I had my first 2 at ages 31 and 34).

Going into it, I decided not to do CVS, amnio, etc. unless something major along the way warranted it. I said I would do all the standard scans and blood tests though (same as I did for my other 2).

At my 12 weeks NT scan, the nuchal thickness came back very elevated. After much discussion with my OB, and since the thickness was well over the recommended standard, we then decided to do the CVS testing, and not wait until the amnio.

Everything came back normal, and we are moving forward and have declined all additional genetic testing.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I'm 39...going for ultrascreen on Thursday...after i get those results i will decide if i want to do Amnio.

I was 35 with DS no. 1 and only did Ultrascreen. All turned out good.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

i am notebooking this thread! Very interesting!
Sorry I'm a crasher - not currently prego but was recently and miscarried. At my follow up appt with OB he started saying things about "over 35" and "amnio" - I was sort of in a fog and not sure if he was telling me when I do get pregnant again he'll recommend one.

Happy and healthy pregnancies to you all!

ETA: I am currently 35. Will be 36 when I (hopefully) get pregnant again.
I have 1 DD - I was 34 when I had her.

Message edited 11/3/2011 3:29:27 PM.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

Im 37 and going for my ultrascreen in 2 weeks and will decide after that if I'll do an amio.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

Imo I would wait till at least 12 weeks to get a more accurate reading. I am 36 and had mine at 13 weeks. The results were very good so the docs don't think I need an amnio unless of course something weird pops up later on. Gl!!

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I am 36, was 35 throughout most of my pregnancy. My midwives left all screening except the 20 week scan up to us. We decided to do the 12 week scan and thankfully my numbers were excellent so we did not do an amnio.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I'll be 38 at delivery, and I had two healthy babies so I'm opting out.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I was 36 when I conceived, 37 when I delivered. We did do the 12 week screen and it came back great. I was offered amnio due to my age but declined it. I ahd to sign a waiver saying I declined the test.

Re: Moms to be 35 and over

I opted to do the amnio as I am 38 almost 39 and my sister lost a baby at 5 months pregnant with Tris 18 and it was devestating. My dad's brother also has down syndrome so I was high risk. We did not do CVS or NT scan the amnio was done at 15 weeks.

This was a difficult descion as it took me 5 years to conceive our baby and mulitple rounds of IVF and there is a slight risk of MC.

I wanted to know for peace of mind and if we were going to have a special needs baby at least we could be prepared. Thank god everything is ok with and i am 35 weeks. The amnio was quick the only draw back was waiting for the results.

I wish you luck with whatever you deciede to do as I know how difficult this is.....