35 and Older pregnancy

[hancer1124]

I am 35, just turned 35 in November, actually got pregnant on my birthday.  The baby is due Aug. 16, so I'm like 12 weeks and 3 days now.  My doctor wanted to know if I wanted a amino test done to see if my baby has down syndrome.  He said the only reason behind this is my age, there is no other evidence of anything wrong.  I have already had 2 beautiful and healthy babies, one at 23 and one at 27.  He says I'm at risk because of my age.  I don't know what to do, any advice.  They also said that this might could cause a miscarriage.  What if I do it and nothing is wrong and then miscarry.  I would like to know but I think the chances outway my want.  Any help or advice is welcome.

[saj39]

I agree it is a person choice. I can tell you that I am 39 and am having my 4th girl. I opted to have the N scan and decided that if it showed anyting out of the ordinary than I would have the amino. As it turned out my scores were a good as a 20 yr olds. It is again your choice. And let me not forget to say congrats!!!! Welcome to the club!!!!

[Tanker Chic]

It is a person choice.. I didn't do it.. I did an NT scan at the end of my first trimester instead.. i wasn't even going to do that, but changed my mind at the last minute.  At 35 your chances are still very good for having a baby without ds.  

Good luck.. Hannah

[marie1210]

I have a chromosome issue so with all my pregnancies there is a risk of some type of problem.  I'm 27 years old.  I asked myself what I would do if I found out the baby had a defect.  I knew that I would not terminate so for me, I said no to the amnio.  Ask yourself this question first.  If you feel that you would not want the baby or anything else, then you have answered the question.  If the results don't matter, then you know what you want to do.

[Violetasmom]

First Congratulations!!! Second, this is a very personal choice...we are not at that time yet...I pray I get there(still young in pregnancy and parying everyday this one takes) but we have already decided that we will not test. We are going to do the nuchal measurements but not the amnio...we will keep the baby regardless and if this baby makes it I /we are trying everything we can to keep it so that is our choice but i have heard it is much less riskier than before and rarely leads to problems. Discuss it frankly with your doctor. Ask him if he ever lost any children due to the procedure? THey always say over 35 is higher risk and they are infact right but it is still avery personal choice at 20 or 35! Good luck and our thoughts are with you...