First Trimester Screen...what to expect?

I am going for a first trimester screen on Wednesday and was wondering what they were going to look for? Is it like a 16-20 week u/s? If anyone has any info on this it would be greatly appreciated. I am so nervous about the whole thing and still might back out. I want to know, but I dont and i know the rate of false positives is pretty high, so i dont need no more stress. Just need some info...do they check for the sex too? Just curious. Thanks!  

[Cheyenne_08]

Everyone has a misconception that this test gives false positives!!! I had a graet specialist who explained that this test simply tells the doctors that there is an increased chance that something is wrong, or could be wrong. Mine came back very high, and after ruling out spina bifida, the doctor said there was decreased vascularization of the placenta and that I would go into preterm labor due to it....I went into preterm labor twice, and had him 9 weeks early. The tests tell you a LOT of different things, and I would definatly have it done.

[mlb1234]

this test measures the nuchal fold and then they run two blood tests for hcg and papp-a.  It will give you a risk factor for down syndrome and trisomy 13/18.  They also look at various structures during the  ultrasound.  At 22y unless you have something in your history that warrants it I wouldn't think you would really have to worry about this test - in general they recommend it if you are 35y or older but I understand getting it earlier too if you are worried.  I do not believe that this test gives "a lot" of false positives but they can occur.   They can check for sex.  I had a 1:80 chance of an abnormality before the screen.  After, I have a 1:3200 chance of Downs and 1:6001 chance for other trisomies.  They also think we are having a girl  It will be confirmed in the second trimester.  Best of luck with your pregnancy and screen.

[kjbutcher]

i was actually really happy that i did it.  the tech showed me every part of the baby.  the test itself is not for the same thing as the 16-20 week u/s as it does what the person above explained, however on your end it is basically the same.  you get to sit there for an hour and look at your baby.  the tech will show you his fingers and toes and most of the other organs and you leave feeling good about what you saw.  there are false positives however the afp that you get a few weeks later will clear up any confusion.  also, they can look at some of the features of the baby right there and tell you what they think, like the length of the fingers and how the nose looks.  the lady told me that it is a formula with the blood and fold length, but the fingers and nose look good so chances are he is fine.  just to let you know, about the sex thing, my tech at GBMC would not tell me the sex even though i clearly told her i saw a penis.  i had the same tech at the 18 week u/s and she told me she did know it was a boy but could not tell me because if i didnt want a boy i could "change my mind still."  i dont know if it is a GBMC thing, a Maryland thing, or just the opinion of that tech.  i'd go for it.  chances are you will be really happy you did it.

[kierstynsmommy]

Thank you! I dont have a family history of anything like that happening, but with my past, i just would like to know. Its not like i would not keep the baby or anything like that, i will still carry it and love it. Just wanted a little info on everything and hear from other peoples experiences! Thanks a lot~
Amber

[kjbutcher]

i remember being really scared before i had it done but i really had such a great time during the test and was happy to get the results when it was over.  do you know where you are having the test done?  or where you are delivering?  any chance you had your last child at GBMC or Sinai? i dont know if you got my message last time, but i am from middle river...pretty close to APG.

[kierstynsmommy]

since my hubby is in the army, we have tricare insurance, so there are only a few places i can go. They are sending me to John Hopkins in baltimore...i think its close to the inner harbor...I am delivering at upperchesapeake in belair. My last child I had a Franklin Square and will NEVER go back there! They are terrible there. You are pretty close! I do remember talkin to you about it...how are you doin?

[kjbutcher]

exhausted!!!!!!!!!!  Have you lived in Maryland or are you here due to the military?

[kierstynsmommy]

we are here only because the army! We are actually leaving at the end of this month though! We are headed back to Arkansas! Thank Goodness!  I meant to say, we WERE going to deliver at upper cheasapeake...but ill deliver somewhere in AR. I bet you are...how much longer do you have to go?