Spotting before Amnio

Hi, I'm 16 weeks today & am scheduled for an Amnio on Monday.  I've been having some light brown spotting since yesterday, very light.  Should I cancel my amnio ?

Thanks !!!

Sue

[LisaRG]

I think you should contact your Doctors office and ask them what they think.
Spotting is normal for many woman, but it cant hurt to check in and see what they think since tomorrow is only Friday.
Lisa.

[smr08]

I agree with Lisa, you can never be to safe.

[ssfmom]

thank you - i called my doc & was told to observe & call back tomorrow morning.

[ssfmom]

thank you !

[PamelaBee]

As the others said, just call your Dr and let them know.  Do this sooner than later, as your amnio is on Monday!  Good luck, and keep us posted!

[7preg3b]

whay are you an amnio,  from personnal experience  I lost my child at 18 weeks after an amnio.  It was said that the true reason could not be determined but it could of been caused by the amnio.  my baby was healthy..  I can;t go back...  make sure the benefits outweigh the risk..  good luck..    

[VASusan]

Sue,
I lost my baby too, but not from an amnio. We were afraid to do any invasive procedures because I was pregnant at at 51 and we do not believe in abortion. This was the last baby I will ever have.  If you don't believe in abortion think twice about an amnio. There are risks to your baby and it is so tragic to lose a child. A lady here had another invasive procedure called CVS, that tests the placenta villi for genetic problems. The amniotic fluid is now gone and her baby could die. He's a healthy baby and they're going to try to do an amniofusion to save his life. Pray about it. Is the information gained from the test worth putting your baby's life in danger?
~Susan

[PamelaBee]

As you can see, women have very strong opinions on whether to have an amniocentisis or cvs test.  This is probably the hardest decision a women in our age group faces when pregnant.  But, if you are determined to get the test for peace of mind, know the risks involved, after that it's in Gods hands.  And, I don't mean to preach or cause "scare", just informing you as Susan said "Is the information gained from the test worth putting your baby's life in danger?"  Best of luck to you!  

[Suzie0224]

What can an amnio tell you that a cvs test can not?  I don't know and I know I will be facing the same dilemma in a few weeks.  

[adgal]

Amnio is chosen by many, even those who would not abort their baby for any reason.  It is a highly personal decision, and should be respected that way.  I know I will have one.  For the simple reason that I am a worrier by nature, and need the peace of mind.  This has been well thought out and discussed between DH and I.  If something is wrong, I want to be prepared.  Right now Amnio is the only test that can tell you for absolute certainty, and that is the information I know I will need.  Yes, its true there are some risks involved, although they are relatively small.  This is not to encourage you in any way to have an amnio if thats not what you want.  I am just explaining another perspective.  I also cannot imagine any circumstance in that I would willingly terminate a pregnancy.  But I do believe, for me and my husband, that knowledge is power, and I want the information.  If that makes me a bad person, then so be it.  Please let us know how you are doing.

[SoCalTricia]

I'm having the amnio dilemma, too, and I'm ten weeks or so away from having to make that choice! After discussing it with DH, I'm thinking that I will have all the "routine" tests, i.e. sonograms and AFP tests. If something is amiss, maybe I will test further. I'm hoping that the basic tests will look healthy and further testing won't be necessary. The fact is, nothing is fail-proof, and everything is a slight risk. Even a test that comes back showing an abnormality can be wrong, many times.

Anyway, as the others said, I would just watch the spotting and see how it goes. Is there any indication that you "need" the amnio?

[VASusan]

Amanda,
I don't think it makes someone a bad person to have the amnio, but I do think some doctors are way too pushy about it at least that was my own experience. One of the blood tests (triple screen) they do for screening has a high rate of false positives for older women and then if something shows up, they advocate doing the amnio. I'd encourage anyone to do their own research about it and draw your own conclusions. I don't want to bind another's conscience.  

[adgal]

Perfectly said Susan.  I think I get a bit frustrated because so many seem to think that those of us who will choose amnio are doing in order to terminate if something is not quite right.  Everytime it comes up here I feel a bit like that is the automatic conclusion. That is just not the case at all.  It is always a difficult decision I think, and should certainly not be taken lightly.  One of my cousins had decided on amnio, and was quite literally talked out of it by a nurse who basically scared her to death.  I think the decision needs to be made between the women, her husband and her Dr.  The pros and cons should be clearly layed out, and the risks explained.  I also think so much depends on the Dr. performing the procedure.  I know I will want those Dr.'s stats and level of experience.  Its a tough decision.  I agree with you completely, everyone should do their own research and put a lot of thought into it.

[IsabelleCanada]

Well, I see that I'm not alone in my predicament.... here in Canada, after 35 years old, the amnio is recommended and free! People bypass the triple-sceen u/s and bloodwork and go directly to the amnio.

All of my friends have had it, it's normal. Like Amanda, I want to know to prepare and such and I've always believed that I would get one if I every did get pregnant later in life... but now that I am, I struggle with this decision daily. I mean to do something that might cause a miscarriage would be devastating because it was your choice, you didn't have to do it.

A girl I know got an amnio at 18 weeks and miscarried 3 days later. It was attributed to the amnio and her not resting properly afterwards. Turns out her baby didn't have any anomalies.

I also admire all of you for saying that abortion would not be an option. I cannot claim such nobility as in truth, I would get an abortion if my baby had Trisomy. I'm not proud of it but it would be a no-brainer for us.

My good friend has a 9 year old mentally handicapped boy who's mental age is about 3 years old, is partially blind and deaf... he will never live on his own or work.  She was in contact with rubella when she was in her 1st trimester and did not get an amnio (she was young and her doctor thought that she had been immunized as a child). She still feels cheated out of that decision and although she loves her boy, she says that she would have aborted had she known. She's had 2 pregnancies since and always gets an amnio. Her 2 other kids are healthy.

[PamelaBee]

Poor ssfmom is probably thinking "Gees, I only wanted you women to know I was having some brown spotting...!!?"  : )   You're right Amanda, everytime the subject of an Amnio comes up...out come the finger pointers...It is as you and others stated, a personal choice, let's all agree to disagree.

[7preg3b]

I honestly would never terminate due to downs or somthing else.  I would consider terminating if the baby would suffer..  I personally felt that knowledge was power and if it came back that something was wrong with Cooper I could get the best care.  I can't go back and he passed away..  It is a risk and I have to live with my decision everyday..  Best wishes on whatever you decide to do..  I just wanted to share my story.  I'm not saying that amnios are bad. I have friends that have had them with no problems .  I found it to be a relatively easy test..  

[VASusan]

I know my emotions are still raw after losing my baby.I hope and pray that you and your baby will do well whatever you decide to do.
~Susan

[LisaRG]

I did not read all the comments so maybe I will be repeating someone, here it goes.

Just because a woman wants amnio does not mean she will terminate if the baby is not healthy.  I would have the amnio if I was pregnant again, just as I did with my healthy DD because I would want to be prepared just in case I was going to have a special needs baby.
It would be difficult to hear that the baby was going to be special needs, but I would have many months to prepare for that baby, in which time I could join a support group, speak to pediatricians who are qualified with special needs children ,and read, read, read, thus making his/her arrival less difficult and more joyous.  Knowledge = strength and power..
Lisa

[ssfmom]

thanks to all for your comments.  the spotting went away & i will have my amnio tomorrow.  appreciate all your thoughts, i will keep you guys posted.


ssf mom

[smr08]

I just read all the post again.And all I want to say is that I wish you the best tomorrow. I will keep you in my thought and prayers. I'm sure that everything is going to be just fine.

                                                    Lori

[ssfmom]

Just an update.  My doc saw me couple hours before my scheduled Amnio.  She did a pelvic exam & suspects I may have a polyp (of which I have a history) other than that she says everything looks normal.  She did however, instructed me to let the Amnio people about my spotting & to measure the cervix.  

Flash forward to the Amnio, during the ultrasound, technician said cervix measures norman & the only thing that he can see is the placenta seems to be a little low.  He said he will pass this information along to my doc.  He mentioned too "its not a concern at this stage".  When is it a concern then ?  Oh well, I am scheduled to see my doc on the 22nd, maybe she can shed some light on this.

Went home after the amnio & rested per instructions.  I've been back to work & so far, no spotting.  Since this is my first time to have an amnio, when am I out of the woods though ? I'm a little weary, hearing all kinds of amnio stories.  

Anway, thank you everyone for all your thoughts & prayers.  

Oh, btw, its a girl ! :)

My 7 yr old daughter & DH are both ecstatic !!!

[adgal]

I am so glad to hear that the spotting was nothing overly serious.  Its always so scary to see, even though it is not uncommon.  I don't think its uncommon to have a low placenta at all, just something they may keep an eye on.  They always seem to be very straight forward, so I have no doubt they would have let you know if it was a problem.  Seem to hear a lot about low placenta's around here, and I have never heard it become a real issue.

As for the rest period, as long as you followed instructions, I am sure all is fine.  Yes, you do hear the odd negative story about amnio, but in reality the stats are excellent.  Definately strongly in favour of all being well.  If you have had no problems yet, I doubt you will.  Congrats on your girl!!  Great news.  Take care, and all the best to you!!

[7preg3b]

several weeks.  Thats how long it will take for the hole in the sac to completely reseal..  I'm glad everything went okay but complications from the amnio usually are not seen for up to 5 weeks later..  According to my Perinatologist..  Most likely you will not be the 1 in 300  whom ahve have a complication.  So relax and take it easy and if any wetness or spotting see your dr..  

[BabyJazz2010]

I am responding to an old post.  Knowing some women may be reading it now just as I am, I could not resist responding.  First of all, the decision to have Amnio or CVS does not simply come down to whether or not you would terminate.  How about being more accepting and prepared for any challenges to come.  Some women feel SO strongly about THEIR decision NOT to terminate and they express it so strongly and sternly (also seem to wear it like a badge of honor), I am sometimes tempted to ask "who are you trying to convince?  Us or yourself?". Secondly, the risk of m/c, at least with Amnio is more like 1 in 350 to 500.  The 1 in 100 or 1 in 200 risks are based on old data when just about any OBGYN could/would perform them. If you are going to have the procedure, you should go to a specialist and they should perform the procedure under continuous u/s.   The fact of the matter is, you are going to hear more about the fears, stresses, and problems on Internet message boards because women that have things go smoothly are not up here looking for other women that have things going smoothly.  Therefore, the boards can be a little scary.  Well, I am one person that had Amnio just yesterday.  I haven't even gotten my results and some would say I'm not passed the risk of m/c, but I think my pocedure went beautifully and  I am feeling no anxiety.  By the way, I skipped all the first and second trimester screens.  THAT would have caused more anxiety for me.  Bottom line, to each's own.  I just wanted to give my less common perspective...less common on these boards anyway.