The blood test result labels are not patient friendly. "Screen Positive" does not by any means translated to "Positive Diagnosis." Many, many, many women are screen positive for DS end up giving birth to non-DS babies.
I have frequented many boards but this is my first -- and probably last -- post. I got a 1/100 screen positive for DS and that terrified us. We knew we'd have and love our baby no matter what -- she would be the light of our lives whether or not she had DS, but I had an amnio just to prepare. Thankfully it was negative for DS.
Our genetic counselor told us two things that I found helpful:
1) If you are in your late 30s or higher, you'll probably screen positive.
2) Do not focus on the badly termed "screen positive" - instead, focus on your odds. 1/100 means a 99% chance of a healthy baby. 1/50 means a 98% chance, etc.
Not everyone gets blessed with a 100% healthy baby, but please try not to worry if you simply get a "screen positive."
Done with my ultrasound and the doctors told me there was nothing in the US... what a relief!!! With that she also mentioned that my chances are now 1:500 since they couldnt find anything in teh US... i have declined the amnio... coz i feel my baby is fine....IN...
Thankyou all for listening....
saira
Your ultrasound should show any soft markers so you will definitely have a better idea after your ultrasound. :) Good luck!
My detailed US is tomorrow... if all goes well, my chances will go up from 1:250 to 1:500... i am still skeptical about teh amnio... but i would liek to know for sure about the condition of my baby...
i am 19 weeks today... and yes i am aware my risks are much less for aminio now...
lets see how it goes.... will keep you posted... i think i will know my thursday about teh US results...please pray :)
saiira
Hi there Saira2010,
Sounds like your odds are really great, and you like me wanted the option (Amnio) to find out for sure. I did have an amnio, but not because I had any odds other than 1:384, and nothing showed up on the early NT scan or ultrasounds. So when it did come back that our son had Ds we were shocked to say the least. But it gave us so much time to accept the fact and prepare by researching and learning all we could about Down syndrome. I learned that having an amnio presented an additional risk of .5% miscarriage, but for me it was justifiable in order to prepare. Having an Amnio is a very personal decision, and no matter what you decide, it will be right for you and your family. Having an Amnio later on, (Since it sounds like you would not make the decision to terminate) reduces your risk of complications. I had my Amnio after 16 weeks, to reduce my risks. As Martikagragoon suggested, if you are worried about the amnio, ask your doctors for referrals for High level ultrasounds and 3D/4D ultrasounds. While ultrasounds can not always pick up things, (as they didn't pick up much for our son) they do revel certain "Soft Markers" like EIF Aka Echogenic Intracardiac Focus - (bright spot on the heart - non health complicating), or certain facial features like low nose bridges or flattened nasal bones (or sometimes even missing portions of the nasal bone), smaller ears etc. Fetal bone measurements later on are also a big indicator, such as the Humerus bone and the Femur bone. They tend to be a few weeks behind then your babies gestational age. That can be a "marker". There are many other things that technicians are trained to look for, but may not revel to you when you are having your scans.
Good luck, and if you have any other questions that I can help you with, please feel free to message me directly.
Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973)
MedHelp Down syndrome Community Leader
& Ds Group Forum Founder/Moderator
hey, your screen was NOT positive. it was only indicating your odds which are GREAT. my odds are 1:100.....
I am 23.
I would suggest NOT getting the amnio. your chances are great and a woman of 35+ has a 1:400 chance.
your baby will most likely be healthy and if it would not affect you having a termination then wait til your further along and see if any of your ultrasounds show any soft markers before making a choice like an amnio because it can cause miscarriage. my son TJ was born at age 21 with down syndrome and feel free to ask me any questions. :)
your chances are GREAT
cindie