Okay, I Have Decided...

not to have an amnio, at least not now.

I gave this a lot of thought and did some research about it, spoke to my doctor and a genetic counselor, and decided it wasn't for me. The doctor was advocating for it a bit because of my age, but my ultrascreen was good, and I'd rather have the AFP test and 20 wk. scan. If something turns up with those tests, then I may reconsider. Basically, I was very uncomfortable with the idea that our baby could be put at risk with the test, and I didn't see enough reasons to have it done.

I certainly don't mean to judge anyone who has the test--it's a very personal decision, and this was my choice. There are good reasons for having it done.

It's good to have come to a decision about this--I kept flip-flopping for a long time.

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

My dr initially advised an amnio also due to my age (36). However, after a lot of thinking, I told the dr I didnt really want to have one..she agreed that since one of the other tests came back really good that I didnt have to have one if I didnt want it.

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

I decided I didnt want one either...I was satisfied with the results of my ultrascreen, afp, and ultrasound...my doctor was really pushy about me having one..I have a daughter with Down Syndrome..and I wound up finding a new doctor b/c of it..when push comes to shove it is our decision to make and noone elses!

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

I too decided not to have one, although they suggested it based on my age (36)...thankfully the ultrascreen gave me very positive results & we feel we made the right decision.

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

I never had one either - I was of the opinion that I was having the babies either way and I wasn't willing to risk anything happening to them.

I had negative results with both of my pregnancys (as in, with my first pg the afp test came out with negative results - and with my twins the sonogram showed a bright spot on one of the babies hearts) but in the end all of my babies were born perfectly healthy.

Message edited 6/20/2007 2:55:39 PM.

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

Good for you!!! I had the same feeling and then, went for the 20 wk ultra scan.

If it wasn't that they saw some cysts (which are normal) around her brain, and they thought they saw a cleft lip/plate and my AGE (37) we weren't going to do it either. Those 3 "red flags" or shall I say possible red flags made me do it. I cried the entire time, not b/c it hurt, but the thought of having my baby in danger. Once the results were in and my baby was 100% A. O.K. I forbid the Dr.'s to ever mention my age to me again! That, and the fact my blood work came back of that of a 20 year old!

I'm sure your baby is healthy, these days, Dr.'s really want to be cautious for anyone over 35. If you know you're in good health, don't let them pressure you!!!!

Re: Okay, I Have Decided...

Thanks for the support! I guess I'll see what my 20 week and AFP tests show, but if those are fine, I won't have one.

My doctor wasn't too high pressure, though she would have preferred the amnio. When I told her I didn't want to do it and why (risk of losing the baby and it's very unlikely I would terminate), she didn't press it.

Yeah, I do think when you are over 35, people assume the worst. I am healthy, and neither DH nor I have family histories of birth defects.