Any tests out there prior to amnio?

Im so scarred based on prior m/c and b/o that I would like to know if any of you helpful ladies know of any tests that can be performed besides u/s to see if everything is on track for a normal pregnancy? Im 41 and 8 weeks pregnant with first child.

[newlywed05]

The measurments from the u/s and the rate of the hb should be enough indicator for now to let them know if all is well. Unfortunately pg is nothing but a waiting game...

[stormy1373]

Hi Ark...probably one of the best ways to track the baby's progess at this point is testing your hcg levels, they should pretty much double every 48 hours if I remember correctly, and it is non-invasive, just drawing your blood.  Other than that, your u/s is your best bet.  As you know, the cvs test can be done between 10 and 13 weeks, nuchal fold test (screening for d/s via u/s)can be done a little later on, prob 14 to 16 weeks, and amnio which is normally done around 16-20 weeks.  They do have the triple blood test (which I am still looking into), that combined with the nuchal fold test diagnoses approx 85% of defects.  Good luck!  I am sure your baby will be fine!

[ark730]

Thank you stormy. I am not familiar with cvs what is that? As for hcg tests my dr. hasnt done any bloodwork on me in 2 and half weeks. maybe I should call and tell him my concerns. Thanks for your help. Hope all is well with you and you are sleeping well!

[stormy1373]

The cvs test is a chorionic villi sampling test, there are two ways for it to be conducted...the specialist can either thread a small device thru the cervix and snip a piece of the chorion villi, also (I havent read up extensively on the second way) a needle can be inserted thru the abdomen to the chorion villi (sounds alot like amnio but can be done sooner).  The cvs test is the most definitive, 99% accurate.  This actually provides the chromosone's of the baby to examine whereas I am told amnio does not.  It tests for d/s, spina bifida and a host of other possible b/d.  It will also tell you the sex of your baby.  The risk from what my ob told is less than the possiblity of b/d (but there is a risk) which at my age (possibility of b/d) is 1 in 200.  If it were not for what they think is a low lying placenta with me, I would have it done.  For my situation, I think it is too invasive, for you, it will give you piece of mind or...a plan of action.  I hope this helps.   Keep me posted and lots of luck!!!

[ark730]

Thank you so much. You are awesome! I will inquire on fridays apt.

[flower2]

Yes CVS and it does not hurt a bit. Also if you have any cocerns talk to a genetic counselor prior to CVS and inquire as to what fetus sample can be tested for. For exaple I had Jewish genetic testing which tested for Tasachs,CF and 8 other things. Also you and your partner can give blood and see if you are carriers for anything. It is only a problem if you both are. I was tested and I am a carrier for CF. But dad was not so no problem.
Good Luck.

[ark730]

Thank you for the info. When i found out i was first pregnant they did extensive bloodwork because they said jewish people carry something but it all came back fine. Is this test more in depth?

[kariann1999]

I got an amnio at 19 weeks and it was no big deal.  My Quad Screen had come back really high for AFP (spina bifida risk).  The procedure was actually less painful than ANY IV I've ever had, in fact it was more like a blood draw.  Amnio will tell you for sure if there is anything wrong and allow you to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy without doubts in the back of your mind.

[flower2]

As far as I know CVS or AMNIO rul out downs, cerebal palsy and a few others which ARE NOT