Blood test showing possible abnormalities in a baby?

[Dream]

I had the Nuchal scan at 12 weeks and also the 1st part of the blood test that was associated with detecting baby's abnormalities. Everything was fine. Then the 2nd part of the blood test was done when I was 15 weeks and my OB just called me that there's some concern and I might have to come for an amnio test. She's going to consult another doc and will get back to me tomorrow and maybe with a date for the amnio test. She said there's less than 5% chance something could be wrong but wants to make sure its a healthy baby.

Its hard not to worry at this point. Anyone went through this? I'm 16 weeks now, 32yr old. I don't think I had this test with my first but don't really remember. I've also heard that with amnio test there a chance of miscarrying. Is it valid even at 16 weeks? What does the blood test detect that the sonogram doesn't?

[Kitten007]

I have no advice or input on this, but I wanted to send you lots and lots of hugs. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

Saying prayers and sending tons of PT that everything is fine.

[llama8]

I think only a doctor can help you with your questions...but if you are that concerned you could get a second opinion.

I do know of someone that miscarried from an amnio...but it is quite rare.

Chances are good everything is fine. Perhaps ask what abnormalities they are detecting and what issues that could mean. If you are going to carry to term regardless of any issues, perhaps you should bypass the amnio. If you think you may terminate based on issues, then maybe look into the amnio. You could also see a specialist. The level 2 unltrasound is only a few weeks away. Perhaps they can wait to see if they see major issues on the ultrasound.

I lost my 1st around 17-18 weeks and found out at the level 2 ultrasound (I now have a 10 month old DD). I also had a friend find out her first was not viable at the level 2 and she has to terminate. (She now has twins). They can see a lot at that ultrasound and most issues show up then.

Sending well wishes you way.

[Dream]

Thank you for your prayers and wishes. Can the level II ultrasound detect as much as the amnio test?

[rkold]

No, a Level 2 Ultrasound won't be able to give the same information as an amnio. The Level 2 Ultrasound is more to check anatomy and is more useful for detecting things like heart defects.

I think you and your DH really need to talk about whether the results of the amnio test would make a difference in how you feel about your pregnancy. It's a hard decision and something no one else can tell you what to do on.

I think I had the AFP/Integrated Screening because I am over 35. I was really lucky though and everything came back negative so I chose not to get an amnio.

The AFP test does have a 5%+ False Positive rate, so if you can, try to be positive and perhaps look into a second opinion or see if you can get more info on your results from both the screening and the nuchal.

P&PT!!! :hug:

[ThreeofUs]

I was terrified by DS1's amnio. I asked around for the best high-risk OB in the region to do it, and fought until I got her. And then I asked her how many of the amnios she's done resulted in m/c before I'd let her touch me.

Best wishes to you!

[Nechums]

I agree -- I wouldn't do an amnio unless it would change your mind about something. I'd also consider doing it if the doctor could possibly use the information to "fix" whatever problem could be there (not sure if this is even an option with an amnio -- clearly, I know very little).

[smilequeen]

Do you know which risk came back higher on the second test?

This is the first pregnancy I had any kind of screening done (since I am over 35 this time). I had the NT scan and bloodwork done. The specialist who did that test for me told me explicitly not to do any other bloodwork screening for genetic defects b/c it would not be as accurate. They do have bloodwork screening for neural tube defects that aren't covered by the 1st trimester screen though. As I understood it, those could typically be detected by u/s, so I did no further screening until my 19 week ultrasound.

My decision on an amnio would depend on just how high my risk came back. I wasn't planning to terminate a pregnancy based on amnio results, but I would have wanted to be prepared if my risk for a genetic defect was significantly higher than the risk of losing the baby via amnio. I have not ever had an amnio done.

[wellyes]

How frightening, I'm sorry you have to deal with this :hug:.

I think there can be a lot of good reasons to have an amnio even if you would proceed with the pregnancy no matter what - it depends on what they're concerned about. I think you need a lot more info before proceeding. I'm surprised the doctor called you without giving you a better idea of the gravity of the concern.

[Dream]

So far I haven't heard from my obgyn yet and if I don't hear I'll call her in few more hours, just don't want to get into this at work. I have DD's skin test today too so I'll be leaving work early.

DH doesn't really have that much of an idea of what's going on. And thinks positively. He wants to have the amnio. His take on this is, why we have to decide what we're going to do in the worst case scenario, chances are we might never have to go there and things will be fine. And if the amnio is going to result is a miscarriage then he thinks it was never meant to be(pregnancy). I guess I'm going to go with that for now. I'm going to try to find out what the risks are.

[lovebebes]

Please please do not drive yourself crazy with worry ( i know, easier said than done).

The test you had (nuchal+blood combo) is a screening, not a definitive test. It does have a high rate of false positives. The overwhelming majority of the time there is NOTHING wrong with the baby at all. Many mothers choose to skip this test because of the false positive outcomes.

An amnio is very accurate-the information is basically collected from the sample of amniotic fluid. However the procedure does carry higher risks when done earlier in pregnancy (where you are). You need to find out CLEARLY what the risks are for the amnio for you right now. You also need to know WHAT exactly your doctor thinks MAY be wrong-what kind of abnormality).

And I am sorry but I do not agree with DHs thinking. You could harm a perfectly healthy pregnancy and baby. Why would you do that?

A question to ask yourself is: IF the Amnio came back and said there WAS something wrong-how that would affect your decisions about the baby.

AND: If you do not have the amnio right now there are still quite a few tests you can go have such as a level 2 ultrasound for example. If Downs is under question-there are markers a doctor can look for on ultrasound.

BUT PLEASE REMEMBER-CHANCES ARE YOU ARE CARRYING A PERFECTLY HEALTHY BABY. Dont make decisions based on not knowing something.:hug::hug::hug: Research research research until YOU know.

Hang in there mama, I know this must be hard.

[Dream]

An amnio is very accurate-the information is basically collected from the sample of amniotic fluid. However the procedure does carry higher risks when done earlier in pregnancy (where you are).

Thank you so much for all the responses.

Any idea how late is it considered safe?

[lovebebes]

Thank you so much for all the responses.

Any idea how late is it considered safe?



Oh I meant its not AS scary closer to end of pregnancy, when it's done to test for maturity of baby's lungs-but this does not apply to you right now, you are way early in pregnancy so the risks are more serious.

When amnio is scary to me is when it can cause you to miscarry. Also, the safety of the amnio depends on how experienced the person performing it (like if they have done many, at this gestation etc etc).

[kam]

One thing I don't see discussed here is how the screening test works. You should google it -- there are sites out there that explain it well. (Sorry, on a phone, so can't search right now, but I think Wikipedia's description is pretty good).

But, in essence, what this test gives you is ODDS. Your odds of having a baby with Trisomy 13/18/21 are 1:_______, based on your age alone. Then, the nuchal measurement and blood test modify those odds, up or down.

So, the questions I would be asking are:
(1) What are my odds of Trisomy 13/18/21/Turners Syndrome (I think those are what the NT scan is checking for) after this screening test?

(2) What are the odds of miscarriage from the amnio?

It's clearly not worth getting an amnio or CVS unless your odds of the infant having the illness are higher than the odds of miscarriage.


Does this make any sense? I hope it helps. Good luck, and remember, odds are that everything is FINE.

[bostonsmama]

I agree with most of the others--it's your choice, but chances are very high that nothing is wrong. My 32yo BFF had the NT show extra thickness at the back of the neck, and the blood test showed an increased chance of one of the disorders, and so knowing she likely wouldn't terminate anyways, she skipped the amnio and waited until the Level-2 u/s. There were a lot of soft markers then, too, but she just couldn't bring herself to get an amnio, and then finally it was too late (they like to do it before 22 weeks, which is weird b/c 2 weeks later if something happened, the baby would be viable outside the womb). Good thing she did wait b/c her baby was ABSOLUTELY perfect at birth, even though all sorts of "signs" showed up on u/s (kidney problems, soft markers on bones, etc). My BFF said that if she had to do it over again, she'd never have gotten the NT and triple screen b/c it absolutely ruined her pg with fear, doubt and worry.

I skipped the quad-screen and NT test to avoid exactly what you're going through. I had my level-2 u/s done by the Chief Attending MFM at a high risk OB clinic, and he was exceedingly thorough. There isn't really much they can't catch via u/s that can help them put the pieces of the puzzle together.

[Dream]

I can't get my obgyn on the phone but an assistant called to inform me that he's going to make an appt for the amnio. After prying to get more info I was able to find out the blood test is Quad Screen and I'm high risk for Trisomy 21, so its down syndrom, I'm surprised they didn't detect is from the Nuchal Scan. I will ask about the odds when he call the next time and he said he'll pass on the Qs to the OB as I won't be able to talk to her today, they're overbooked. He also said that the Amnio will be done under a sonogram.

[citymama]

Sending P&PT your way. I hope everything turns out fine.

[Indianamom2]

I can't get my obgyn on the phone but an assistant called to inform me that he's going to make an appt for the amnio. After prying to get more info I was able to find out the blood test is Quad Screen and I'm high risk for Trisomy 21, so its down syndrom, I'm surprised they didn't detect is from the Nuchal Scan. I will ask about the odds when he call the next time and he said he'll pass on the Qs to the OB as I won't be able to talk to her today, they're overbooked. He also said that the Amnio will be done under a sonogram.

I don't have any advice, as I opted not to have the testing done, but I just wanted to send you a big :hug:. I cannot imagine how scared you must feel right now.

I do think that if I were in your shoes, I would still wait as long as possible for an amnio and likely not do one at all, since I personally wouldn't terminate either way. I think for sure, I would be asking why the OB wanted an amnio. Is it just to confirm the test or some other reason? It is a high-risk procedure and even if your blood test results came back in a suggestive manner, they still do have a high rate of error, so you have to weigh the risks of the amnio against the possibility of a false positive, kwim?

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[lovebebes]

I can't get my obgyn on the phone but an assistant called to inform me that he's going to make an appt for the amnio. After prying to get more info I was able to find out the blood test is Quad Screen and I'm high risk for Trisomy 21, so its down syndrom, I'm surprised they didn't detect is from the Nuchal Scan. I will ask about the odds when he call the next time and he said he'll pass on the Qs to the OB as I won't be able to talk to her today, they're overbooked. He also said that the Amnio will be done under a sonogram.

What I dont understand at all:

WHY in the world are they just scheduling you for an amnio, just like that without your doctor first having an in depth meeting with you, in person, to discuss ALL OF THE DETAILS of EVERYTHING (1.what type of abnormality-yes i know you said Trisomy 21 but honestly to get that from an assistant on phone and not your doctor-i would be demanding a meeting 2. what are the odds-like someone said above 3. all your options for future tests in the pregnancy that may help avoid amnio right now etc etc etc).



You just cant make a decision without the above information...Im surprised and it sounds like its almost being made for you...?

[kdeunc]

I am sorry for the stress you are having! I had the nuchal test with DD. It showed an increase in risk for Trisomy 21 to 1 in 46. I opted for an amnio at 16 weeks. I was advised that there was no need to get the quad screen as the first trimester blood work would be more accurate. I would discuss your first results with your doctor and ask not only why they did a second screen but what impact does that have on the results.

As far as the amnio. It is somewhat risker before 16 weeks. The actual risk of complications/miscarriage depends on your doctor. My practice was well above 1 in 1000 for any complication. Since my down syndrome risk was 1 in 46 I opted for the amino. The procedure itself was not painful or problematic for me.

Best of luck with your decision. The 5 weeks between my nuchal test results and the amnio were the longest of my life. I hope that you receive positive news.

[bostonsmama]

Down's is one of the easiest abnormalities to screen for via u/s--they can look at the facial bones (nose, forehead), measure the length of the femur, look for an enlarged heart, scan the blood flow to the kidneys--all soft markers that if confirmed would still give you time to do an amnio prior to 22w. For something as easy to diagnose as Down's, I'd be livid that my OB "scheduled" me for an amnio w/out my prior consent.

[Sweetum]

sending P&PT.

[mom2MandC]

Praying for you and your family!!

[Dream]

Thank you again. I'm going to call for an appt tomorrow with my ob. Hopefully then I'll be able to ask all the questions. The tech already called and gave me appt date for amnio, this friday 8th am. So I don't have much time.

[SnuggleBuggles]

You can always, always reschedule/ cancel/ whatever. It is your baby, your pregnancy and your body. At the very least they owe you informed consent.

I hope all goes well whatever you wind up doing. It was my friend's false + on these tests that made me decide to avoid them. I couldn't handle the stress! Hang in there!

Beth

[citymama]

What I dont understand at all:

WHY in the world are they just scheduling you for an amnio, just like that without your doctor first having an in depth meeting with you, in person, to discuss ALL OF THE DETAILS of EVERYTHING (1.what type of abnormality-yes i know you said Trisomy 21 but honestly to get that from an assistant on phone and not your doctor-i would be demanding a meeting 2. what are the odds-like someone said above 3. all your options for future tests in the pregnancy that may help avoid amnio right now etc etc etc).

You just cant make a decision without the above information...Im surprised and it sounds like its almost being made for you...?

I agree with this. Use your appointment to get the info you need about whether or not you want an amnio, not for the amnio itself. Take the time you need - it's early days yet.

All the best!

[DrSally]

You can always, always reschedule/ cancel/ whatever. It is your baby, your pregnancy and your body. At the very least they owe you informed consent.



:yeahthat:
I had a false positive as well. I knew I wanted an amnio. I had genetic couseling first, very helpful. The amnio and U/S were very routine/easy in my case, and I was about 18 weeks along, IIRC.

Good luck with whatever you decide. It is your decision. :hug:

[Dr C]

Positive thoughts coming your way.
If it were me, the decision about the amnio would not be about termination if the concern were Trisomy 21--I know way too many awesome kids with Down's to do that.
So for me, it would come down to whether the risks of the amnio were worth the benefit of either being able to relax and not worry, or prepare better knowing that I were having a special needs baby.
Definitely don't just go along with the amnio simply because they tell you to. You deserve your doctor's advice and answers to your questions (and if it's not forthcoming over the phone consider making an appointment to discuss this further, alternatively consider getting a second opinion). Once you have all the information, you'll have to make your own decision.
It's a tough one. My thoughts are with you.

[shawnandangel]

You can always, always reschedule/ cancel/ whatever. It is your baby, your pregnancy and your body. At the very least they owe you informed consent.


:yeahthat: And in fact I would likely change OB practices from the way they are treating you. You are not a medical record; a name on a chart. You and your baby are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect!

Personally for me, I would ask for an earlier US to look for markers of DS vs. the amnio. The risk is less substantial. If the US showed markers for DS then I would think about the amnio.

[american_mama]

>> So for me, it would come down to whether the risks of the amnio were worth the benefit of either being able to relax and not worry, or prepare better knowing that I were having a special needs baby.

I am sorry to see so many posters talk as though the only reason to do screening or have an amnio is about the question of termination. There are so many other reasons to do screening - to decide if you want to change your delivery plans (go to a higher level hospital, have a different or extra providers present, etc.), to learn more about your child's possible condition in advance, to line up extra support for after the birth of a baby. I read once of a woman who changed her plans about how to feed her baby once she found out the baby had Down's Syndrome and found there was some evidence that nursing helped these babies develop stronger facial muscles. I believe she lined up extra help from a lactation consultant in case her baby had a weak suck/tongue protrusion - all things made easier if lined up in advance rather than in the emotional roller coaster of delivering a baby with special needs.

Screening gives you the option of preparing in advance if your child has special needs, and that might appeal to someone even if they would never terminate.

[MrsZaz]

>> So for me, it would come down to whether the risks of the amnio were worth the benefit of either being able to relax and not worry, or prepare better knowing that I were having a special needs baby.

I am sorry to see so many posters talk as though the only reason to do screening or have an amnio is about the question of termination. There are so many other reasons to do screening - to decide if you want to change your delivery plans (go to a higher level hospital, have a different or extra providers present, etc.), to learn more about your child's possible condition in advance, to line up extra support for after the birth of a baby. I read once of a woman who changed her plans about how to feed her baby once she found out the baby had Down's Syndrome and found there was some evidence that nursing helped these babies develop stronger facial muscles. I believe she lined up extra help from a lactation consultant in case her baby had a weak suck/tongue protrusion - all things made easier if lined up in advance rather than in the emotional roller coaster of delivering a baby with special needs.

Screening gives you the option of preparing in advance if your child has special needs, and that might appeal to someone even if they would never terminate.



Well said American_Mama. This is why I chose an amnio. We wouldn't have terminated but I wanted all the information so I could be prepared when my son was born. I had a 1 in 10 chance of downs syndrome - he decided to come early (32 weeks, 2lbs 14oz) and is now 8 years old and second tallest in his class! And no, he does not have downs syndrome.

Stay strong - whatever you chose.

Colleen

[wellyes]

I am sorry to see so many posters talk as though the only reason to do screening or have an amnio is about the question of termination. There are so many other reasons to do screening

I agree with this. If *knowing* either way will ease you from months of hellish anxiety and uncertainty, that is very valuable. Having said that, for Downs I think I personally would wait for the next U/S as a PP mentioned. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[Edensmum]

Please take your time, research this and meet with your doctor. If the nuchal fold ultrasound shows no markers, that's a really good sign and much more accurate than the blood test, which has very high false positives. http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/afp/a/afptesting.htm. The blood test result can be off if your due date is off by even a little bit. There is so much that affects this screening. Please try not to worry. You do not need to do this test because they scheduled it, simply call and say you are undecided and cancel until you feel you have a good decision. The amnio can end your pregnancy. It's a small percentage chance, but %5 seems huge to me when it's my baby's life we're talking about. Please take your time, trust your gut, and decide what you really feel is right for you, this isn't their decision or child. It's yours. Good luck.

[Edensmum]

The only reason to do the screening is not termination. Knowing, the worry Etc. If you you would not terminate for downs syndrome though, are the other things worth the risk of the procedure? The amnio carries a lie and death risk. That's what it comes down to, do you need to know enough to risk it? That's why people ask themselves, would I do anything with this information? Do I need to know now? I would at least want the level 2 u/s to see if there are any other markers before doing something like the amnio. I am sorry you are facing this awful decision. HUGS, please trust your instincts here.

[kam]

I agree -- there are MANY reasons to find out more information (hospitals, care for the baby, etc.) But the key thing at this point is fact gathering -- I don't think they've given you enough information to make an informed decision about whether or not to have an amnio.

You need to meet with the OB BEFORE the amnio appointment. Personally, I'd be pissed if I were told "we didn't like your screening test, so we're scheduling you for an amnio. Come in friday at 8." Uh, NO. And this is essentially what they've told you. That would be one part of my conversation with the doc.

(My ob doesn't give any of these results over the phone. We do the blood work a week in advance of our NT ultrasound and meeting with him, and he gives us the results on the spot, in person, and talks them through.)

Lots of hugs and support to you.

[billysmommy]

:yeahthat:
I had a false positive as well. I knew I wanted an amnio. I had genetic couseling first, very helpful. The amnio and U/S were very routine/easy in my case, and I was about 18 weeks along, IIRC.

Good luck with whatever you decide. It is your decision. :hug:


:yeahthat:

They scheduled both appts at the same time, the amnio for a few days after the genetic counseling appt and told me that if I decided against the amnio after the counseling to cancel it. I decided to have the amnio done and had no issues. I was about 18 weeks as well.

[Dream]

Sadly I don't have an update from my obgyn, she's not going to be available for appt till friday. I sent an email with my questions through the patient portal, hopefully she'll response. The portal list the results of my lab test and for the Integrated MSS I(date was the day of Nuchal scan) said "patients risks doesn't exceed first trimester". I have no idea what that means.

On the other hand, we both agree that we do not want to terminate for downs. But DH still wants me to have the amnio, and since this is effecting my mind set I'm too beginning to think its better that we find out now. If amnio is negative then we can move on and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy and if its not then we can educate ourselves and prepare for it. As for the risks of the amnio, I'm really praying that my baby will be safe.

I agree the service of this facility has been lower than I expected. It was very hard for me to find an OB that accepted my insurance and would support a VBAC. I went to 3-4 different obgyns before settling on this one.

Its very reassuring to hear from moms who had the amnio without complications. Thank you for all the advice and sharing your experience.

[Beth24]

Just want to let you know that I've had 2 amnios bc of my age and they both went fine. I was so worried before my first and the procedure itself wasn't as big of a deal as I had been expecting. You'll need to lie down afterwards for a few hours and that's about it. I wish you the best of luck with the procedure and the results. Take care.

[daisymommy]

I'm sorry you're going through the stress of this.
If it makes you feel any better, every person I have known in real life (friends and family) have gotten a false positive with this blood test. My first OB (with DS#1) actually counseled against getting it done because it was so unreliable, and did nothing but stress out and worry new mothers for no good reason. She said it was totally my choice though. The offered level 2 ultra-sounds and something else (I forget what), which she said was more accurate.

I have declined the blood test with all 3 of my pregnancies, and only had the routine ultrasound at 20 weeks.

[AnnieW625]

On the other hand, we both agree that we do not want to terminate for downs. But DH still wants me to have the amnio, and since this is effecting my mind set I'm too beginning to think its better that we find out now. If amnio is negative then we can move on and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy and if its not then we can educate ourselves and prepare for it. As for the risks of the amnio, I'm really praying that my baby will be safe.

Its very reassuring to hear from moms who had the amnio without complications. Thank you for all the advice and sharing your experience.

Just want to give you lots of hugs. My DH and I were the same way. We opted to do an amnio and we wouldn't have terminated had the baby had downs, but eventually came to the conclusion that it was best to terminate our baby who had Trisomy 18. Unfortunately we weren't given the option of the nuchal fold test so I had no idea there was anything wrong with the baby until I was 19 weeks along and I got the results of the 18 week ultra sound (although I do look back to the first appt. with the OB at 7 weeks and the rn licensed U/S tech told me that they didn't see the baby yet, but that some babies grow slower I should've known then because Tri 18 babies grow slower than normal babies in gestation).

We went through genetic counseling, an amnio, and ultimately made the decision to terminate a pregnancy during the later stages of the second trimester so I would have the amnio now. My OB passed off the ecogenic focile as completely normal and I didn't see the neonatologist until almost 3 weeks later and well during that exam the dr. told me that my baby had a 1 in 3 or 3 in 5 chance of having Trisomy 18 because the hands were clenched and didn't open. I had the amnio a week later which came back positive for Tri 18, and terminated the pregnancy two weeks later at 25 or 26 weeks (yes it was considered late term). A diagnosis 10 weeks earlier as hard as it would've been to deal with would've been a lot easier IMHO to pass off as a miscarriage instead of having to explain to someone that the baby had tri 18 and telling people the baby died at 6 mos. along, and that tri 18 babies have a 5% chance of being born alive (and most likely very early) and then it most likely could've only lived for a few short hours, and maybe had about a .50% to make it to it's first birthday. None of it was easy, but to this day I know that dealing with a loss earlier would've been much easier had it been earlier, than later.

For you and your DH I honestly hope that it is nothing (and in many cases unlike mine an ecogenic focile does mean nothing), but IMHO it's better to be safe now than deal with it later. I also know plenty of people who have had amnios either in the second or third trimester and their babies were fine.

:grouphug: I was 31 when I got pregnant, and 2 mos shy of 32 when we lost the baby.

[Green_Tea]

What I dont understand at all:

WHY in the world are they just scheduling you for an amnio, just like that without your doctor first having an in depth meeting with you, in person, to discuss ALL OF THE DETAILS of EVERYTHING (1.what type of abnormality-yes i know you said Trisomy 21 but honestly to get that from an assistant on phone and not your doctor-i would be demanding a meeting 2. what are the odds-like someone said above 3. all your options for future tests in the pregnancy that may help avoid amnio right now etc etc etc).



You just cant make a decision without the above information...Im surprised and it sounds like its almost being made for you...?

Yes to all of this. Your doctor should NOT be making appointments like this for you without having a lengthy discussion about the results of your tests and asking you how YOU would like to proceed. He or she is WAY over the line.

[Kitten007]

On the other hand, we both agree that we do not want to terminate for downs. But DH still wants me to have the amnio, and since this is effecting my mind set I'm too beginning to think its better that we find out now. If amnio is negative then we can move on and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy and if its not then we can educate ourselves and prepare for it. As for the risks of the amnio, I'm really praying that my baby will be safe.

I just wanted to tell you I am still praying for you and the baby. I will pray for you and the baby's safety on Friday and how amazing and strong you and your DH are. You are special and this baby was definitely meant for parents who are as loving as you.

[Dream]

Annie, I'm so sorry for what you went through, I can't begin to imagine.

All in all I feel its better to have peace of mind and not have to worry. Thank you all for the advice, support and prayers. Please do keep us in your prayers as friday approches.

My OB did email me back to say that my questions are best answered by the doc they reffered me to on friday, apparently he's a Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialist. So I emailed her back asking whether friday appt is for consultation or for the test itself since her office staff said its for the test. Hopefully she'll email me back today.

[arivecchi]

OP, I went through this with DS1. My quad test came back positive for Downs. I was living in another state back then and my subpar Ob-Gyn there did not do first trimester screening which is what my OB in Chicago did for DS2 and which is much more effective.

I was a wreck for days and I wanted to know whether the baby did indeed have Downs so I did the amnio. No complications and had my results within a day or two I believe. I personally could not take the uncertainty, so the amnio was an easy decision for me.

In general, I felt like all the screening and work done by my OB in Chicago (who ended up delivering both kids because I switched to her practice when I was 8 months pregnant with DS1) was far better than my old OB. I would encourage you to get a new OB if you are not happy with him/her at this point. I should have followed my gut when I saw my first OB and switched right away.

Hugs to you and your DH. This is such a difficult process. :hug:

[lchang25000]

OP, I went through this with DS1. My quad test came back positive for Downs. I was living in another state back then and my subpar Ob-Gyn there did not do first trimester screening which is what my OB in Chicago did for DS2 and which is much more effective.


First trimester screening as the NT test? Is there any other screening done during the 1st trimester?

[MoJo]

Prayers on Friday as you requested, Dream! :hug:

[mom2MandC]

Thinking and praying for you today!

[ThreeofUs]

Thinking of you today, Dream!! Hugs!

[scrooks]

Prayers for you! :grouphug: I've been in your shoes. It's very hard to deal with. I hope you hear great news!

[arivecchi]

First trimester screening as the NT test? Is there any other screening done during the 1st trimester? NT plus bloodwork. I think my specialist referred to it as the USA test? With DS1, my first OB only ordered the quad screen.

ETA: Found the info: http://www.northwesternreproductivegenetics.com/test-first-trimester-screening.aspx


OP, hope everything turns out ok!

[ChristinaLucia]

Prayers and Hugs!

[Dream]

Just got back. The procedure alone was not painful, like a pin prick. They did a detailed US before the procedure. Baby's 6oz. They did confirm that the US shows no signs of ds but its only 65% accurate and if I was to be 100% accurate I should do the Amnio. Since I had already madeup my mind we went ahead.

Said to rest for 2 days, no lifting etc. I should have the results in about 7 days.

Thank you for the prayers and I hope the next few days would be uneventful and praying for good results.

[MamaSnoo]

Just got back. The procedure alone was not painful, like a pin prick. They did a detailed US before the procedure. Baby's 6oz. They did confirm that the US shows no signs of ds but its only 65% accurate and if I was to be 100% accurate I should do the Amnio. Since I had already madeup my mind we went ahead.

Said to rest for 2 days, no lifting etc. I should have the results in about 7 days.

Thank you for the prayers and I hope the next few days would be uneventful and praying for good results.

I am really glad the procedure was not too difficult for you, and that your US looked good. I'll be thinking of you and your LO until you get the amnio results.

Hugs!!

[lchang25000]

Just got back. The procedure alone was not painful, like a pin prick. They did a detailed US before the procedure. Baby's 6oz. They did confirm that the US shows no signs of ds but its only 65% accurate and if I was to be 100% accurate I should do the Amnio. Since I had already madeup my mind we went ahead.

Said to rest for 2 days, no lifting etc. I should have the results in about 7 days.

Thank you for the prayers and I hope the next few days would be uneventful and praying for good results.

Will be praying for good results for you. :hug:

[wellyes]

Glad it's done & good luck. No matter what the result :).

[c&j04]

Glad it's done & good luck. No matter what the result :).

:yeahthat:

[Dream]

Just got back from my obgyn appointment and I have great news to shares. Amnio results are normal and its a baby girl. We're so happy and relieved. They initially told me I'll have the results in 7 working days but when I called wednesday they didn't have anything for me. I've been so on the edge and now I feel like celebrating. My doc said the amnio results are 100% accurate and I have nothing to worry.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and good thoughts. We really appreciate it.

[arivecchi]

Great news! Have a fabulous relaxing weekend! :bighand:

[WolfpackMom]

Great news! Congrats on your little girl!

[brgnmom]

Just got back from my obgyn appointment and I have great news to shares. Amnio results are normal and its a baby girl. We're so happy and relieved. They initially told me I'll have the results in 7 working days but when I called wednesday they didn't have anything for me. I've been so on the edge and now I feel like celebrating. My doc said the amnio results are 100% accurate and I have nothing to worry.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and good thoughts. We really appreciate it.


awesome!! :applause: I'm happy that you received positive news - thank you for the great update. congratulations!!

[mom2MandC]

SO HAPPY to hear your news! I have been wondering about you! I have 2 girls and I LOVE it! Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

Shannon

[citymama]

Just got back from my obgyn appointment and I have great news to shares. Amnio results are normal and its a baby girl. We're so happy and relieved. They initially told me I'll have the results in 7 working days but when I called wednesday they didn't have anything for me. I've been so on the edge and now I feel like celebrating. My doc said the amnio results are 100% accurate and I have nothing to worry.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and good thoughts. We really appreciate it.

HURRAY! Fantastic news all around. Two girls are the BEST! :cheerleader1:So glad the baby is healthy and I hope you have an uneventful rest of you pregnancy!

[hillview]

wahoo -- congratulations.
/hillary

[mommylamb]

That's so great!!

[smiles33]

Congratulations!! Two girls are really great and mine are also 3 years apart. I love watching mine hug each other and grin from ear to ear when they first see each other after waking up/coming home from school/daycare!

[ThreeofUs]

WHOOO-HOOOOO!!!

Such awesome news - you really must be floating on air!

[DrSally]

So happy for you!! Great news!!

[Beth24]

So happy for you! Yay!!!

[AnnieW625]

Yay! Soo happy for you:)

[SkyrMommy]

Just got back from my obgyn appointment and I have great news to shares. Amnio results are normal and its a baby girl. We're so happy and relieved. They initially told me I'll have the results in 7 working days but when I called wednesday they didn't have anything for me. I've been so on the edge and now I feel like celebrating. My doc said the amnio results are 100% accurate and I have nothing to worry.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and good thoughts. We really appreciate it.

:bighand: Great news!!! Now go dream happy dreams about your little baby girl!

[Sweetum]

Very happy for you :)

[llama8]

Congratulations! That is the best news that all is ok!

As the mom of an 11 month old girl, I will tell you that girls are soo much fun!!!

[scrooks]

Yeah!:cheerleader1: Hope the rest of your pregnancy is much more uneventful!

[ScorpioMommy]

So far I haven't heard from my obgyn yet and if I don't hear I'll call her in few more hours, just don't want to get into this at work. I have DD's skin test today too so I'll be leaving work early.

DH doesn't really have that much of an idea of what's going on. And thinks positively. He wants to have the amnio. His take on this is, why we have to decide what we're going to do in the worst case scenario, chances are we might never have to go there and things will be fine. And if the amnio is going to result is a miscarriage then he thinks it was never meant to be(pregnancy). I guess I'm going to go with that for now. I'm going to try to find out what the risks are.

If it doesn't change your mind, and you want to have the amnio it might help you and your family along with your doctor to decide the best care and the best course of action now, so that you can be "better" prepared to deal with what comes next or at least have some expectation as to the issues what will arise.

Best of luck to you and I hope that everything turns out well for you and your baby.