Triple Screen

I recently had my triple screen done and my test for down syndrome came back positive with a 1 in 15 chance....which I believe the positive cutoff is 1 in 270.  My Dr. wanted to do an amnio right away..but I'm still thinking about it.  I am almost 18 weeks (monday) and I will not terminate.  The purpose would serve to inform me so I could prepare for raising a child with special needs.  I am 30 years old, this is my first pregnancy and frankly the test results really surprised me.  My identical twin sister had a baby a year and a half ago and did not have any issues.  So..I know there are false positives...and you hope for that...but you can't help wonder ..do I have a higher chance since my numbers (AFP) and risk factor were so low/high?  I have absolutely no clue.  What I do know is that I could never live with myself if something happened because I "HAD" to know ...I suppose I can prepare on my own with or without being certain.  The uncertainty is tough though.  THe dr. performed an ultrasound and although it wasn't a level two, I've had a level two before and nothing has been said.  There is a small cyst on top of the baby's head of which the dr. claims does not worry him.  Ya leave the office full of anxiety and not knowing anything.  Has anyone had such a reading on their triple screen and come out ok?

[Cheyenne_08]

I had a high result but for spina bifida. My chances were one in 24. There was no spina bifida and I did not have an amnio, just a level two ultrasound.

[Van73]

Those test are just stating your Chances of having a baby with downs.  Since you will not terminate and the outcome will not effect you, then you do with what you feel comfortable with.  Some people do the amnio to be prepared just in case.  I can't imagine what you are going through, see if the dr will give you a level 2 ultrasound.

[Mom2be530]

I was speaking to a friend of my mother's the other day.  She and my mom had gone to lunch- this was the same day I was told I would have to have surgery and I had called my doula just to talk for "support".  She basically told me I was going to hurt the baby and I should abort.  I was very upset and they rushed home to be with me.  She was telling me her story about one of her pregnancy to help me understand that not always are "birth professionals" and doctors correct.  When she was pregnant with her secound child they did the same tests, (I don't remeber the exact chances), and they told her that she had an extreemly high chance of having a down syndrome child and instructed her to aport.  It was to the point that the doctor wanted them to have councling on raising a handicapped child before the baby came.  They told her this the entire pregnancy and the doctor constantly pushed termination.  She decided to follow her heart and not terminate.  Her daughter is now 13 and just won the talant contest at school this weekend.  She is healthy and beautiful, there is nothing wrong with her.  I know it won't take all of your worry away, but keep your chin up and I will be praying for you and your baby.

[2ndBaby]

Are you sure this is the triple screen you had done?  When I had the triple screen, there were no numbers...but the numbers you suggested (1 in 270) are the numbers used in the first trimester screen, where they measure the nuchal translucency via ultrasound, do bloodwork, and factor in your age.  That test is much more reliable in determining a risk factor.  My first trimester screen results for my secodn baby came back with increased risk for Down's, as did my triple screen with my first baby.  In both cases I opted for the level 2 u/s.  And, in both cases, the perinatologist believed my babies to be 'normal' based on their measurements, and they were just fine.

Your level 2 u/s should happen at 20-21 weeks.  Ask your doctor about scheduling one with a perinatologist.  The peri will be able to tell you whether or not they believe, based on measurements of baby's parts, whether or not  baby is at a greater risk.  Then you decide on amnio after that, if necessary.  Just remember that they cannot be 100% sure without the amnio.

Best wishes to you-I know this is very worrisome to you.

[teacher77]

Hi!
I just read your comment from Nov.  and I am in the exact same boat.  I am 30, just recieved my triple screen results for downs and the test came back 1/15.  This is my 3rd pregnancy, I didn't have any problems w/ my other two.  I had the triple screen w/ my 1st, but not my 2nd.  I am scheduled for a level II ultrasound in 10 days...(seems like forever to wait!).  I am nervous b/c the numbers seem so low. I have friends who were given results like 1 in 150 or 1 in 85, but 1 in 15 seems scary.  How did everything turn out for you???  What did you decide to do???  I hope everything turned out well for you.  Good Luck!  I look forward to hearing from you!

[anunomus]

I had the triple screen come out positive, but the amnio came out fine and so did my child.