Bad news from a friend

A friend of mine just sent me an email. She is about 20 weeks pregnant and she told me that a test for Trisomy 18 came back positive for her. I am kinda confused as to what exactly this is...does anyone know anything about it? Also, if you could keep her in your prayers, I would appreciate it. Her name is Kristin. She goes for an amnio tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

Thanks,
Danielle

[Mom2be530]

I don't know what this means, but I will be praying for her and the baby.  This happened to my mom's friend.  They even wanted her to go to classes before the baby came on raising a handicapped child...some even wanted her to terminate.  He daughter is 15 now- healthy and beautiful..there is nothing wrong with her.  Infact she just won the school talent show afew weeks back.  Please let us know how it goes.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Trisomy 18 I THINK is some time of chromosome associated with down's syndrom (syndrome).  I'm not 100% but I've researched the different tests before and I that's what is standing out in my mind right now.

[kellym]

I'll have to look it up. I think there is trisomy13 and 18. It confuses me about the negative and positive results though. Usually I think they are just odds and #'s aren't they? I called and got my results on a message line today and she said my AFP results were negative. My dh's friend said theirs was positive and after the amnio they found out there were no problems. That's why I always hear there are a lot of false positives. I hope I haven't confused you and everyone too bad (I'm confused :)
Your family friend will have my prayers.

[Avas Mom]

Yes i think trisomy 18 is down syndrome. i know when pregnant my daughter had cysts on her brain and they said it could be trisomy 18 or 21...i fogot the name of the 21 but it was where the babies all died before a yr old. SO im pretty sure it has to do with down syndrome.

[Avas Mom]

forgot*

[dainsey]

Trisomy 18 is Edwards syndrome and when you read about it online, the prognosis isn't very good     :-(    Since she hadn't had an amnio yet, then maybe they are wrong!  That would be so great...I'll say a prayer for her!

[kellym]

Once again there are no positive or negative results. Only ODDS.  If the odds are increased by a certain percent it is called positive. Just because my Dr. said I was negative only means I have good odds not to have a child with a trisomy. I certainly hope that this is the case with your friend. Please keep us updated!!

[kimdreed]

The only way you know for sure if your child has a trisomy(there are many different kinds) is by having an amnio then a blood test on both parents. I was told at 24 weeks that my baby has trisomy 6q distal. These are all very rare and have a wide range of problems w/ baby. If you are interested in good info about these go to www.rarechromo.org.