Amnio post NT scan

Hi All,

Had NT screen yesterday 1t 13 weeks.  Results came back at 1/1400 for DS.  I am 40, so this is a great statistic (they factor age into the calculation).  We had thought from the beginning that we would do an amnio, but I am one of the 1% of women with recurrent pregnancy loss and have already lost 3 pregnancies in the first trimester, so am more anxious and reluctant than most to go through the amnio... Basically, I fear that I will be that 1 woman in 300 who will have a m/c as a result.  So with these numbers, I am feeling much better about the decision to possibly forgo it.  The reality is though that we don't have the means to deal with a downs baby.  Not sure what to do.  Any thoughts?

[melimeli]

well aminio is only recommended for 1/200 result.. there is always adoption if you really can't commit to your child after birth... but there are so many worse things than downs that your baby could be born with and you not even know... so there is really no promises on anything

[PamelaBee]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  Well your results are terrific!  Personally, I would pass on the amnio as well...and I do understand your hesitancy based on your history of losses.  You were very brave to mention what you said about having a downs baby.  Not many women would admit to that.  Life is hard enough, without having a child with special needs...although having an amnio would be able to let you know that for sure.  Best of luck to you!

[cadrmr]

I also had 3 mc in 2007 not due to amnio, but when I got pg in 2008 I decided I would probably be one of those 1 in 300 to mc so I did not get the amnio.  I already knew the risks of ds before ttc because I am also 40.  My son was born at 36 wks gest, he was 5 lbs 15 oz, 19 inches.  Had to have emergency c-section because my water broke and he was breech. When he was born he wasn't breathing.  The docs were able to revive him and he ended up having to stay in the NICU for 10 days.  Needless to say, my son had all the tests done and does have ds.  After everything that had happened with mc's and my boy going through so much when he was born, ds is nothing.  There is so much help for children with ds and for their parents.  I thank god every day I have him.  He is 5 months old now, and is just like any other baby.  No one knows he has ds unless I tell them.  Try not to think about what might happen, and enjoy your pg.  I also have 3 other children ages 21, 18, and 10 and they all love him to pieces.  Best of luck to you!!!

[adgal]

I have had 5 m/c in a 2 year time frame, so I understand your fears.  If my NT/bloodwork had come back 1:400 I would not have had the amnio myself.  I did have amnio based on 1:13 odds, and baby is just fine.  It's really up to you.  You need to feel comfortable with your results, and/or comfortable with the risk factor involved in the amnio.  Unfortunately that is the only way to know for 100% certain.  Good luck in whatever you decide.

[rubyinparadise]

Hi there!
I am 39 in two weeks, m/c in April of this year, and my Downs risk is 1:1500, so very similar situation. It's an incredibly personal decision but I have chosen to forego amnio.

However, I am also further along, so I had my Level II Ultrasound at 20 wks already, with no physical markers. If I had had any red flags at that u/s, I would have had 1 week to get amnio, and I would have strongly considered it.

I don't think there is any easy answer here, but consider this. Your risk factor means you have a 99.928% chance that your baby is chromosomally perfect. :)

[rubyinparadise]

Hi there,

I am curious as to what odds they gave you for Down's, assuming you had the screening(s) done. Thanks.

[cadrmr]

Hi Ruby.  I never had the screening done due to the fact I had 3 mc's prior.  The stats on amnio had me too scared, so I left it all in Gods hands.  Sorry I couldn't be more help!!

[rubyinparadise]

no worries, thanks for responding!

[Ecologic]

I am in the exact same situation: pregnant at 40 of my 1st child with 3 miscarriages in the 1st trimester, and my down syndrome factor is 1/2000. Before getting the results I was sure I would have an amnio (we would not keep a fetus with chromosome abnormalities), but now I have decided to wait.

I think they're going to do a second blood test to check for abnormalities at 15-20 weeks and I plan on making sure they also carefully check the baby at the 18-20 week ultrasound for bone abnormalities, I have read you need to ask them to measure everything to make sure the fetus does not have an abnormal morphology.