Wife pregnant with twins..Dr says to do the AMNIO

we are so nervous my wife is 4 months pregnant with twins..she did 2 blood tests to determine how the babies are and one is 1:116 and the other one is 1:500. we are very nervous and the dr said that we should do the amnio and if anything is wrong with the babies, that this test is accurate..

can anyone help us on this. what does that ratio mean, is this an accurate tool. what about amnio i hear there is a very small risk of a side effect. thanks

[valleybabes]

I had the Amnio test done not too long ago and let me tell you I do not regret it at all.  It gave me the reassurance I needed.  My age was the main factor and so I went ahead and had it done. It was quick and easy with no side affects at all.  There was an after care of resting for a few days and that was all.  I am all clear of downs and other abnormalities thank god.  I am sure if your wife has an amnio done she will do fine. Best of luck on your decision.

[melimeli]

the blood test is not very accurate.. the nuchal translucency test is much more accurate but she is too far along for that...  you  need to decide what you would do if your baby had downs... would you terminate and what if only one had it would you terminate and loose both.. if the answer is no than I wouldn't risk it.. they say not to do the amnio unless your numbers are less than 1:200 so one of your babies falls into that and one doesn't 1:200 is the risk of losing your baby during the amnio...  there is one gal on here that had a m/c due to an amnio...  so you have to do some soul searching... just know that the blood test results in many false positives... we have had women on here that were 1:10 and their babies are fine... also remember that 1:116 means that you have less than 1% chance of a problems... you have a 115 out of 116 chance of having a healthy baby... good luck

[adgal]

Your odds are excellent.  Same thing these ladies said, you need to decide why you are having the amnio done.  I personally am going to, mainly because I am the sort of person who needs information.  I either need to know everything is fine, or I worry, and if downs is present, I want to know to be able to prepare myself emotionally and mentally.  I'm not big on surprises.  But it is true, the bloodtests are pretty inaccurate.  My sister in law came out with odds that concerned her, but my new nephew is healthy and fine.  She told me the test itself was relatively painless, but there is some risk of miscarriage associated with it. Whatever you decide, I wish you well, and congratulations on your twins.

[babyprayers]

I heard that the blood test is off when you have a twin pregnancy. how old is your wife??

[Tennesseegirl]

the amnio.. is 99.9% accurate.. and with her being so far along.. there is like no risk factors... If your ob wants it done... I would do so.. there are alot of factors needed for delivery reasons for an high risk ob...etc... and there are reasons for them to want it due to they can fix the issue ahead of delervery... not to mention peace of mind for mother. with twins..... there are so many factors.. is she older then 35?

with twins... the blood work is already... thrown off... never even should of done one... I would get the amnio... you may not have a highrisk ob.. and he will need all information he can have on them.. good luck and congradulations !!

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

yeah the blood test can't be taking to heart with twins my OB told me that when we had our triple marker done......so if you want to be more sure then I'd say if you OB thinks an amnio is safe then do what you feel is best.

[bread43]

My wife is actually 30 years old...we are just nervous and hope that the tests comes out to be fine. i thank you all for your support and your advice...

when the blood tests came back for some reason even though shes 30yrs old they put her in the 35 yr old category...

we have been through so much, we did the invitro, she got severe hyperstimulation now she better after a long 4 months, and shes 4 months pregnant and to get these results right now with the abnormal blood work worries us even more.

we want to do the amnio to make sure that both babies are fine, but the dr said for us to do it on both babies even though one of them is 1:116 and the other one is like 1:500.

[Tennesseegirl]

they would need to do on both.. because how would they know which one to do on due to blood work?..
that bloodwork... just them listing her in the 35 age bracket... see.. throws the test.. why they stress us like that.... Im surpirsed she got that high of a score.. to be truthful...I dont know!... my numbers were 1/10 so needless to say... I freaked and had to deal with that for.... felt like forever!! I think just the stress does more harm on the baby then anything, AND MOM & DAD... when you hear this information from a dr.?.... you just asume... omg... these drs.. are humans like us.. and just go by the results of the bloodwork...

It was this forum that helped me get threw the rough times of such test!! and I hope you too will get some peice out of it... I wish you and your wife the best of care and hope for a wonderful out come...

oh.. the amnio is really nothing like you read on the net.. was really smooth and relaxing... you get a long visit to watch the baby... smile in your case babies... while they measure. It is actually amazing to see.

[AshleysMom]

Hi:

I've had two amnios both no problem.  It does give you peace of mind, and the risk of miscarriage is much lower than they originally thought, like 1 in 1600.  An article about it ran in Newsweek lately and my doctor's claim similar risk.  

That said, there is always that tiny chance that something COULD go wrong.  I likely had a miscarriage after a CVS test and still decided on the amnios. We wanted to know for sure.

Good luck to you.

[bread43]

thanks! hope all works out! but not sure why others do this blood test and others dont you know. others get the ratio and others dont. we got a ratio and the dr told us to do the amnio, now we are just nervous on what the outcome would be due to the ratio they gave us for both babies and also the risk of having the amnio. Some say you dont feel anything others feel severe pain. not sure what to expect. but thank you ladies for your advice and support

[pat4rod]

When I was pregnant at 33 my doctor told me that my blood work showed that of a 38 yr, so I had the amnio done and know she is 4 yrs old and healthy as can be.

Good Luck!!!!!!

[bread43]

thank you does anyonen know anything about the genetic couseling..the dr told us to go there b4 we do the amnio the next day whats that about and is it mandatory

[melimeli]

go.. they can answer all of your questions.. they are really there to tell you your options as far as testing and answer all of your questions...

Also know that you don't have to do the amnio it is a personal choice... many do and many don't the blood test the gave you is really very poor... they should have done the nuchal translucency test that is much more accurate...

[bread43]

how would i know if they did the NT test or not? as far as i know they did some kind of blood test on my wife twice. combined the results and gave us a ration 1:116 for one baby and 1:500 for the other baby! the dr tells us to do the amnio which is more accurate to find out is that baby is ok..

we are very nervous with these results, why give us these results when its not accurate in the first place....i have done research on the internet and know alot i guess do we even need to go to genetic counseling

[Tennesseegirl]

they will give you all information you need to know... and answer any question you may have... I sugest.. you make a list...
one of the main questions I had... were how many m/c that she has had personaly. she told me 0... which thats what I was looking for ... smile
I asked if my insurance will cover the FHS testing...  it is a test that you get the results back in 2-3 days vs.. 2 weeks. which my insurance did cover it so I didnt have to wait that long for the resluts..
and if she felt it was even needed concidering the numbers of the bloodwork? which.. she told me with my age and all.. actually wasnt bad numbers..
there are so many reasons the ob.. request it to be done.. were there other markers... perhaps on an u/s?.. with her only being 30? they really dont even concider... the amnio till in the 35th year of age...maybe because of twins...??

[melimeli]

the NT test is an ultrasound where the measure the thickness of the fluid behind the neck... this is a huge marker for down.. but has to be done between 12 and 14w I believe...  The amnio is completely accurate.. the NT is not invasive just an u/s.  

internet research is not the same as going to the genetic counselor.. just like your didn't know to do the NT test there may be other things that you don't know that you can do...  It is just a very good idea to be informed by a professional that specializes in these tests.  

They give you the results (even though they are not accurate many times) because that is the test they have to go on and it is better than nothing at letting parents decide to terminate before they are too far along.  

There are risks for the amnio...  people do m/c after amnios... it differs depending on who you ask but it does happen.  

[bread43]

i hear there is a very slight chance of a m/c for doing amnios and since my wife is 4months pregnant that the risk is low is that correct. yes the dr did do the nt test of the basis and found out that the fluid was within normal range i think one of them was like 1.3 and the other was like 2.1 and the cuttoff was like 2.5.

but then the ratio and the blood work came back abnormal. i dont know what to think anymore and if the amnio is even worth doing knowing the risk of both babies

[Tennesseegirl]

I would stick with the genetic counseling ... there you will get all your information.. just make a list of what your concerns are and they will work out a factor with you guys.

I do understand what you are going threw now.. and I fill for you. Its not an easy thing to decide. the counseling will make you fill so much better on what ever you decide to do. oh... try to relax and not look on the net!! will even add to the stress.!!  They will have answers for you and give you guys peice of mind.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I personally think the risk is to high and that's why I won't do it....but I have not plan on terminating my pregnancy even if there was something wrong....the way I look at it if I'm meant to have a special child or if both of my twins are then so be it.....but I think it just depends on your plans....and if termination is an option to you then I would do some soul searching and talk to my OB and see what his opinion on the risk factor would be.

[bread43]

i hear that the risk for amnio is very low is that correct? and most of the people that do it have no side effects and problems? is it true that is the NT test is done and it comes back within normal range that this test is more accurate than the blood tests that are done to determine the ratios for each baby!?

since the NT test is within normal range and the bood test came back abnormal do you think that the amnio would be worth doing even though the NT came back normal?

[AshleysMom]

The risk is a lot lower than they thought.  I can probably dig up that Newsweek article if you're interested, and my doctor confirmed 1 in 1600 or so.  That said, there is still a risk.  The amnio is the only way you can know for sure (well, 99.9 sure).  As some of the ladies mentioned, if you would never terminate, it might not be work the risk. Plus, even with your numbers the odds really are in your favor.  

Neither of my amnios were painful at all.  No worse than having a blood test.  

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I am not sure the exact risk # for the amnio I just know any risk to me is to much but I've suffered reoccurrent MC's so I don't want to take any risk....but have heard the NT testing is more accurate that the triple marker blood work.....so I mean it's just up to you your Dr should be able to give you statistics but IMO if the NT came back good I'd probably go with that since the blood work with twins is not very accurate at all.....

[melimeli]

my dr told me the risk of m/c was 1 in 200... everyone will say something different based on what they believe...  there is a gal on here that m/c due to her amnio so it does happen.  It may be low but if it happens to you the fact that it doesn't happen super often wont matter...

As far as the NT test and blood work those are all questions that the genetic counselor can tell you.  It is not counseling like for your feeling and stuff it is counseling to tell you your options as far as testing is concerned...

The other thing is what would you do.. if you would abort for downs are you even able to abort one baby or would it have to be both... things you need to think about.  For me personally I wouldn't abort so there is no reason to take the risk of having an amnio... If I did an amnio and the baby didn't have downs and then I m/c I would die...

[Tennesseegirl]

with her age...30... I wouldnt think so...
the only thing I would ask is why your ob is even concidering it?... this is a test for 35 years + because of the high risk of DS.

with her being already 4 months into pregancy.. the risk are even lower,  with the amnio.. the reason there even is a risk is because of the fact the earlyer the preganacy (pregnancy) the higher chance of m/s.. and that is  even for natural causes.

has your ob done u/s and has he found any other markers? or other reason to want the amnio done?  If its just because of the bloodwork numbers? wow.. I would ask him!!!
like I said... I dont think they even offer it to anyone under 35 without cause. I would get more informations from your ob.. the afp bloodwork that I have read... isnt even done with a preganancy with twins. and why it was even taken has got me baffled. so if the reason is only because of the bloodwork.. I wouldnt do it.

[Tennesseegirl]

oh... I did have the amnio done... NOT to teminate.. there are so many other reason to have it done. you need a high risk dr to do any delivery. just for the safety  reasons.. I would think twins is a or should be delivered by an high risk ob.
advantages of amnio done are......
for exampel.. there is a heart condition?.. while the mother is still pregnant.. they can fix it without hurting the baby. and the baby has a higher chance of healing while in the womb.

gives your ob an eye of weather there needs a high risk delivery done.

and if bloodwork..u/s markers are present... will give mother peice of mind without stressing the whole 9 months.

and if DS is present.. will give parents time to adjust... and learn how to deal with the issue.

the amnio... is not done just to decide weather  to teminate!!! was not even a thought of my mind.
I wouldnt think any dr would terminate a 4 month old anyway!! atleast I would hope not. so that with me wouldnt even be a factor.

[bread43]

well we havent dont the markers test yet. since the 2nd blood test came back abnormal they want us to do the genetic counseling/testing first and then the day after we are doing the amnio..and then a week later we are having the markers test.

should the markers test be done first then the amnio? im confused..well the dr said u have i think up to 20 weeks to terminate if it really comes down to that!! i really dont know what to do.

what happens are a genetic counseling/testing session anyway and how long does it take

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

yes you should get the triple marker done first that can save you alot of worry ....and I didn't know you could still abort at 20 weeks....that's sounds in humane since your baby is almost fully devleoped just tiny......a genetic couselor will tell you what kinds of tests there are to be done what the risks are and if there is even a need for certain tests....if it were me I think I'd get another OB's opinion before just doing the amnio.......

[bread43]

so you think the markers test would be able to detect the DS disease or would an amnio be better

[melimeli]

“Non-viable” Baby Girl Survives Birth at 21 Weeks, Weighing Under 10oz

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/feb/07022003.html

my last post on the situation but all these questions would be good for the genetic counselor.. we are just people... not dr...

[Tennesseegirl]

mine took an hour... I had alot of questions and they had their comments on the matter... so I would think an hour at the most.
mine was right befor the amnio scheduling...so I had the choice to change my mind if needed.

I wouldnt think your ob would refer her to one if it were only the bloodwork at concideration. and if so? I woud get a new ob... asap ..there has to be more to it? maybe he saw something in one of the ultrasounds they have done. and maybe just not telling you.. there are markers... thick neck... red spot on heart.. short arms..wow.. quite a few.. they can see just on an ultrosound and for that reason..... to want to do an amnio. you really need to get answers from your OB.

geez... I would hate to know that anyone could ever termiate because of such reason. and wow...20w is just down right sinful!!!! just my thought though.

mel.. is right.. you really need to talk with the dr and get some answers...

[Tennesseegirl]

ok.. now I see... HIV?  that explain why maybe ob wants an amnio done? geez... guy.. be alittle more up front and try to respect our time! Im sorry your wife and now babies have to pay for the price you have done... I refuse to read anymore and would love it if you would get your information somewhere else.
I relize shi t may happen but this is not the place to get that kind of information. sry for you luck!!!

[AshleysMom]

HIV, did I miss something?  

[HeathJo]

I am 37 and 14 1/2 weeks pregnant with twins. I have opted to have an amnio, and it is sceduled for May 12th. The perinatologist told me that the NT test can identify about 40%-50% of abnormalities. The laws may be different depending on the state, but here in Texas the very latest one can terminate a pregnancy is 16 weeks, if that's an option you would take.

It seems that you guys are pretty stressed, and understandably so. My advice would be to see the genetic counselor, and if you still have this much anxiety do the amnio. The risk is there but minimal, and I believe the relief of having a normal amnio (and saving you guys 5 more months of stress) outweighs the risk of being perpetually stressed out.

Finally, I am not sure about this HIV issue either, I missed it also. But, if your wife is HIV positive then I would do whatever the doctor recommends.

[bread43]

wait what are u talking ab out no one mentioned anything about hiv...what do u mean.

do u really think the dr saw something else and thats why we need to do the amnio and if the dr did why not say anything

[maybebaby29]

They are referring to your "hey I cheated and I may have HIV" posts. And the fact that you posted on 2 separate occassions meaning you cheated twice. Was it worth it? We just don't sympathize with the amnio concern when your prior posts point to you cheating on your wife twice and possibly being exposed (and in turn your wife and the babies). We're all for people posting questions of concern, no matter the gender, but you won't get a serious discussion/answers if your cheating post is indeed true.

------------------------------------------------------------

Possible exposure!! please help!!!!!
by bread43

, Dec 12, 2007 09:45AM
Hi doctor,

Please help. 2 weeks ago I had an encounter with a female of unknown status. I had a canker sore if my mouth but I was making out with her anyway. Then I had a pimple in my groin area but I had protected sex with her anyway. We have protected sex and oral sex that day. I’m hoping she was clean. But can someone get infected while having protected sex, like with HIV? The condom did not break and I was probably in her around 1-2 mins with a condom before I pulled out and came.

[melimeli]

yucky... and um... 2 minutes??

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

sounds like a wham bam thank you mam

[melimeli]

ouggghhhh gross!!! he is a big time cheater if you look at his posts!!!  I hope you change your ways now that you will be a dad.. poor wife!

[Tennesseegirl]

you gals... alittle slow.. but it just goes to show you the power of WOMEN... I just hope your wife finds out! and not the hard way!



I have read your past post.. and saw that you were questioning hiv? ... Only bloodwork can determin if you have it.. no one in medhelp... even the experts forum can tell you any diffrent. then read more and saw that you did have the u/s done on the twins and one has a thick neck... that is why the ob is wanting the amnio!! doesnt really mean for sure.. but is a red flag for DS. and any red flag.. they sugest an amnio done to find out.
I would go and do the amnio... just for peice of mind... or if it is the case.. you can learn how to raise a child with ds. sign language.. etc.. its a special gift from God.. accept it as you are special. my baby had a spot on her heart.. another red flag.. and after the amnio.... all was fine!
I also would think you would need to get some help with your flings you are having... sounds like the both of you went threw alot to have these children and it would be a shame to mess it up befor they are even in your home.
I would hope you also go get yourself tested... its a simple bloodtest that will determin if you have caught aids. you wife being pregnant and all... Im sure already got tested. although... they didnt test me??? so really no telling.
I wish you the best of luck with your twins... and your family.. You have a wonderful start to prove yourself as a man and right from wrong.. please make good decisions... in this life and make your father proud.

[Tennesseegirl]

oops... TRY to make your father proud from now on.

[maybebaby29]

2 minutes. hahahah.

[AshleysMom]

Yeah, I almost feel more sorry for the woman he cheated with:)  Two minutes LOL.

I bet this guy is a fake.  

[maybebaby29]

Maybe he was looking for his next date?

[Tennesseegirl]

Hey... minute man...

there are a few women here.. without thier wedding rings on!!!!

sorry... guys.. I couldnt resist... LMAO

[lisafrans]

I am refusing to have amnio done on me, it dosn't matter if the child has down syndrome cause i will still love him or her as i would with a normal child.  I know a couple friends that had amnio done and showed down syndrome but the child was born normal and to this date, everything is fine