quad screening results

My wife and I got a phone call from the OB telling us that her quad screening revealed that our baby might be at risk for Downs.  All of a sudden our world has been turned upside down, and we are now a high risk pregnancy.  We were immediately devastated with this news, I mean crushed!  We automatically went into the what if and why us modes.  Then, we start looking on the internet for irregular/false positive quad screens.  We find nothing but reassuring stories of women who are in their mid to late thirties having the same results, and having healthy babies.  What we didn't find are families where the quad screen came back irregular and their baby's did have Downs.  Why should we put any trust a medical screening that is so innacurate that if your due date is off by even a couple days, could result in these false positive's!!!  I really hate to say this, but it's almost as if these quad screen tests are a way for MD's to recoup the monies that they don't get when couples like us refuse an amnio in the first place!  My wife is beyond herself with grief, and we can't help but think that we did something to cause this(not that Downs babies are any less beautiful or wonderful than those without Downs).  We are absolutely against teminating our baby, come hell or high water we're in this for the long haul.  I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on my theory.  God bless  

[leftygirl]

I think this test should be thrown out.  I read that it has a 98% false positive rate.  I know several people that are part of that 98%.  That's rediculous!  Think of the anxiety that this causes to hormone-raging expectant mothers, not to mention the abortions carried out because of the inaccurate results.

I refused the test and went for ultrasound techniques such as nuchal translucency.  There are also things they can look for on ultrasound around 20 weeks that can point to Downs or other chromosonal abnormalities.  However, they too can give you unnecessary anxiety, especially when only a single marker is found.  

I would suggest your wife have a skilled technician/physician perform an ultrasound before you put much stock in this test.  Then if she wants to do an amniocentesis, she can weigh the risks at that point.

[luv_2_sew_2]

My 26 yo daughter had the Quad screen 2 weeks ago.  The results came with with a score of 1/177 for Down Syndrome or Turner Syndrome.  Not such a big deal; those are pretty good odds!  Her OB had her come in for repeat ultrasound to verify her due date 2 days later.  After that US he arranged for her to see a specialist for a high-definition US the following week.  We were starting to get a little concerned and discussed the pros and cons of having an amnio.  

The high-def US confirmed several markers and my DD and DSIL agreed to do the amnio; odds were down to 1 in 7 now.  Emotions and tears were on the surface as they waited for results.  They didn't have to wait long!  The next evening the specialist called; their little girl has Down Syndrome.  The full amnio screen will be back soon with details.  

My DD and DSIL would NEVER consider terminating the pregnancy, but are glad now for the heads up.  It has been a terrible two weeks since the Quad screen, but they already have an appointment scheduled with a heart specialist and are preparing to interviewing pediatricians that specialize in special babies.  I think when the birth finally gets here they will be prepared for it as well as they can be -- as opposed to being in complete shock at the birth and overwhelmed medical terminology, tests, and "could/might be's," not to mention the obvious grief for the baby they thought they had.  

Everyone moves through the grief cycle at different speeds and ways.  Telling family and friends is going to be a hardest task for my DD and DSIL and they are putting that off, except for the very closest.  DD and DSIL are both college grads that have done everything right, no drugs, alcohol, go to church every Sunday, bought a new home two years ago...  It's just one of those things.

All that being said, DON'T panic before you have something to worry about!  When DD's score was 1/177 I bought that many pennies and spread them out on the table.  I told my daughter that I had put a mark on the back side of one of them.  I asked her to find it, but she only got one chance, the rest didn't matter!  We both laughed.  

My daughter is having a baby, not Down syndrome; my DH and I couldn't LOVE my DD, or her baby, more.
First time Nana

[leftygirl]

I love to sew too!  Cute name...

Thanks for sharing.  What markers did they find on your daughter's ultrasound?  I'm guessing one has to do with the heart since your daughter found a heart specialist.  

Also - stupid question - what do the acronym's like DD, DSIL, DH mean?  I see that alot and figure it has to do with daughter, son in law, and husband, but not sure what the first 'D' is for.

[luv_2_sew_2]

You made me smile!  "D" is for dear, grin.

Hum, my DD's baby ultrasounds show shortened femur and humerus, heart problem and 2 more I can't think of now, of course.  Not dwelling on what I can't change...  Don't get me wrong, I know how hard things can be; DD was 3 days old before they thought she'd live.  She was 7.5 weeks early with pneumothorax... We had a long road to haul ahead of us, but we just kept at it one day at a time.  

Sometimes those lemons just aren't as sour as you think they are going to be!
luv_2_sew_2

PS  I have a long arm quilting machine, embroidery and sewing machines, 2 Featherweights, and am ordering a smocking pleater this week.  I said I was getting a pleater if this was a girl, and she is!  I've got a GRANDDAUGHTER!   :)

[SimplyStar]

Girls, I am a great gramma now, but back when I was forty, I got pg, 4 other  children, no tests, just a normal pregnacy, I had been working in OB for 20 years as a delivery nurse, knew my chances of a DS, but let me tell you, that son of mine is my greatest asset now,  Went back to colledge and got a 2 year degress in working with the disabled, spent the rest of my working years  with them, there is no better population in the world then people with disabilities, and the DS groups are the Kings and Queens of the lot.  My peditrician knew me when Chris was born and wanted to place him in a home, I told him to get out and I never went to see him again. I found out that he and his wife had placed their son in a home because he was brain damaged,  later when these homes were closed, we had his son as a consumer in our work place, fine young man, what a loss to that family, never to have known how great their son really was.  I always say to families, do not be afraid of  your child, just love and teach. All will be fine.