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Abnormal quad screen with correct gestational dates

I'm 34 years old and 17 wks pregnant. I just received news of an abnormal quad screen with  a risk of 1/35 for down's syndrome. Everything else was normal. From what I was told, the main reasons for false positives are incorrect gestational dating and unexpected twins. I am certain that the dates are right, (I'm a clock when it comes to period and ovulation, plus we only had unprotected intercourse for the four days of peak fertility). And I'm certain that there is only one fetus. Has anyone had this experience and still found a false positive? Please help. I know what ever will be, will be. I also know that once I get over my shock and grief--I will love this baby regardless of its health. But I would like to be able to have some hope while I wait for my ultrasound and other tests.
11 Responses
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377493 tn?1356502149
I too had a situation like yours. My first trimester risk factor came back 1:13.  I opted for amnio to find out for certain, and all was fine.  I am looking at my healthy, perfect little boy laying in the basinette next to me as we speak.  I was keeping my baby no matter what, but opted for amnio as I had to know for certain..for me it was about being prepared.  Jen is right, there is an increased risk of loss with amnio. and if you are thinking of this choice, ensure you do your homework and are comfortable with the risk factor.  It is a personal decision and not one that should be taken lightly.  I personally had no problems with it.

Keep in mind that first trimester screens are NOT diagnostic. They are simply used to determine your risk factor and false positives are exceedingly common.  
Helpful - 0
1008869 tn?1283961257
the above should read 1:2...not 1/2
Helpful - 0
1008869 tn?1283961257
Jessica.

I had a 1/2 of downs for my boy ...a whopping 50% "chance"..

.I opted for amnio (would not have made a difference but wanted time to be educated for his arrival)...the amnio showed he is 100% fine. No chromosonal or genetic anything!  The DR's put me through agony all to come out fine!

They are only numbers and 1/35 is actually great!

How is it at 17 weeks they cannot see twins during an u/s if that is a question?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hello i am 23 years old and they did my quad testing at 15weeks i recieved my results just yesterday and was told that i had the risk of a 30 year old towards my baby being born with down syndrome.They also told me the testing was done to eary and that sometimes positive testing is not correct so they did another test to be sure .Should i be worried?
Helpful - 0
167 tn?1374173817
You could speak with adgal. She has a 1/13 chance and I think she has opted for an amnio. But, if it were me and I knew I would keep the baby no matter what, I would not take the added risk of amnio. That's just me. Your level 2 ultrasound should help out a lot. Good luck, and I will pray with you that you are able to handle whatever news you get. The fact that you are questioning it and praying to handle things well is a good indicator that you will be a great mom no matter what.
Helpful - 0
667409 tn?1309152183
False positives happen all the time! If you must know for sure, go ahead with the amnio. It doesn't hurt, and the risk of miscarriage is very low. If your plans would remain the same regardless of the outcome of the test, then just enjoy your pregnancy and place to outcome in God's hands. Either way, you will have a beautiful baby to love. Good luck - and keep us updated!

Tricia
Helpful - 0
296340 tn?1336164001
When we are 35+ and pregnant, the result always come out high risk down symdrome... I am 17 weeks and high risk down symdrome.. i do not concern about that... don't let that scare you and worry you..

If everything tests came back normal.. don't worry about the other result...

I am not going to do amnio... of course it's personal choice..

Good luck..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you all for the support. I'm debating on the amnio. Part of me thinks that knowing is so much better than this agonizing without being able to eat or sleep. But then I worry that the amnio will put my baby at risk--a baby that I'll be delivering no matter what news I get. I can't tell you how much it means to have your support and encouragement. I go for my level 2 u/s tomorrow morning. Pray for me that everything is okay...and that if it's not, I'm a big enough person to be a good mother despite what I hear.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have heard of many false positives.  I have had several friends whose first test showed positive, only to have another test done or an amnio and find out that the baby didn't have downs syndrome.  Good luck to you and your baby.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi - this does not at all mean you are going to have a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.  As scary as all this sounds, the risks of you having a DS child is so minimal, and this quad screen is only a risk indicator, and there are many false positives!  I had the first trimester screen and am now doing a combo screen (modified sequential screen), because my trisomy 13/18 results were on the low end of normal, and I don't want an amnio - my level 2 u/s is next week.  Basically, whatever will be will be, and yes, I'm nervous, but I hear so many things about these tests not really being predictive of anything, and really we girls should just ban together and stop taking them.  Waiting is the worst part, and I am there with you, as I have until Tuesday to wait, too.  Let's hang in there together.
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Avatar universal
Hi Jessicatlc - Right now, your risk is higher than normal. If 35 babies were born with the exact same characteristics as your baby's (right now) then 1 of them would have DS. That is less than a 3% chance. When my friend was pregnant, all of her chromosome screening came out to 1/5 (about 20%) and her baby girl was born without any chromosomal abnormality. Are you getting an amnio?  Then you will know for sure. Good luck - the waiting is the worst part.
Helpful - 0
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