Downs syndrome

I have had a disagreement with my husband over my refusal to be screened for downs syndrome.
He says I am selfish but I have been told that though I am in a higher risk age group ie 40 that these tests are not 100% accurate anyway.
He finds it hard to accept that if I was given a high risk result that I would not consider a termination as that goes against my beliefs.
Any body else in this situation?
Any advice please?
Thanks

[Poohbear03]

Okay, this is just my 2 cents worth, so please don't take offense to it:

How are you being selfish by refusing to be tested? I think it is selfish for one to consider termination for such a low-risk birth defect. Many people with Downs go on to lead successful lifes. Just because the test may come up ++ for Downs, it doesn't determine to what degree your child will have the disease. And you are right - those tests are not 100% accurate.

[nurse12hr]

One advantage for testing is that if your result is positive for Down's, you can prepare yourselves mentally and physically for the challanges ahead.  You can also tell your family ahead of time, and start educating them.

If the result is negative, you can relax for the rest of the pregnancy.

I for one, have been in the delivery room with parents who had a surprise in the form of a child affected by Down's syndrome.  While eventually I will agree that these children can and do grow into adults with a wide range of capabilities, those first few minutes/hours/days are heartbreaking to witness.  

This is quite a personal decision for you. No one can tell you what the right or wrong answer is.  Its all about you two as a couple, and what you want to deal with, and when.  

Let us know.

[msklar]

i agree , ive heard many instances where downs babies are far more a joy then a burden.

[mammamoose]

Hello again
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow for ante natal and routine blood tests.
I have decided to  have the AFP test and see what result I get.
However even if I am high risk  I feel that the  Amniocentesis test is one I will not have as it is too intrusive, could  cause miscarriage and if not performed correctly can cause physical defects in the baby.
I am not a stranger to people with Downs syndrome and Learning difficulties. I have been involved in working with these people on a voluntary basis.
The center where I worked had less people with Downs syndrome but more people with Cerebral Palsy due to accidents at birth (oxygen starvation) or accidents as children.
I know that there are a lot  of  things which cannot be tested for such as Autism and  Aspergers .
So, I am staying positive.
Thanks for the advice.
I'll let you know the AFP result. Fingers crossed it will be ok.

[nurse12hr]

If the AFP is elevated, you will be offered a high risk consult for a detailed ultrasound.  Often times they can look for Markers of Downs, and can reassure you even without the amnio, which does carry a slight risk on its own.

[gracy]

Hello, I hope you are keeping a positive attitude.  You said that you work with disabled individuals, that should give you some idea of how you would react to your child having a disability, to some degree.  I have a nine year old little boy with Down syndrome.  I was 24 when he was born.  He was my third child, and I refused the AFP testing because I always figured that I wouldn't terminate at that point of a pregnancy anyway...well, to everyone's suprise, Zak was born.  At first terror ran through me, for about a month, then I realized that he was the same as any of my other children, just a little more special, and I loved him just the same.  Probably more protective, but at the same time being a more relaxed mom, this being number three.  He is perfectly healthy, but I'm sure you're aware that it isn't the "norm" for a down's child to be 100% healthy, there are a lot of risks.  I too work with the disabled.  I have for 8 years.  I've seen every degree of downs there is.  There is no guarantee that anyone can even slightly predict the level of MR, but early detection can prepare you for heart defects, intestinal defects, and alot of the things these babies used to suffer from before they realized how high functioning they can become, and now they recieve top notch health care, just like anyone else.  Don't read any articles that are dated before the nineties.  They don't represent the true thoughts about down syndrome.  Good luck and keep us updated.  If you need any info, just let me know.  Realisticly, more babies with downs are born to mothers under 35, because more women under 35 give birth.  It can happen at any age.  I know.:) And I'm glad that if Zak had to have downs, that he came to me.  He is a blessing.

[happydays]

I'm pregnant with my 3rd child at 39.  I chose not to have CVS or amnio because of the risks involved.  I probably will have the blood test and Level II ultrasound.  I know there are is a higher risk for problems at my age, but I don't feel that I should make the decision to terminate a pregnancy.  I feel that it is in God's hands.  Try to remain positive.

[happydays]

I'm pregnant with my 3rd child at 39.  I chose not to have CVS or amnio because of the risks involved.  I probably will have the blood test and Level II ultrasound.  I know there are is a higher risk for problems at my age, but I don't feel that I should make the decision to terminate a pregnancy.  I feel that it is in God's hands.  Try to remain positive.

[wilus]

Hello. I have a little brother with downs syndrome who is now 14 going to be 15 on July 1. My mom was 41 when she had him but also had 5 other children before him.  The doctor told her it probably happened that way because of her age. Back then they didn't test for downs syndrome. Not trying to scare you or nothing. There are many older woman who go on having children without birth defects. I love my little brother to death and even though he has downs syndrome that doesn't change a thing. I don't think your selfish if you don't test. Personally I woudn't test either. Tracy