I am terrified

[scaredshtless22]

I am 40 years old and I am 13 weeks pregnant.  I just had my nuchal translucency test come back.  Although it was negative, my dr. is concerned about the down syndrome numbers.  Age related it 1:46 but with screening it came back 1:510.  She wants me to have an amnio so I have scheduled it but have also scheduled an appointment with a geneteic counselor.  Any advise or words of encouragement would be helpful.

[Pearl99]

popeyesgirl's comment is what I have heard too. Since the m/c rate from amnio is about 1 in 100 or at best 1 in 200, you might want to consider that your odds of NOT having DS are much better than that. You can do more non-invasive u/s at 16-18 wks, a Level II u/s, that will show if you have any soft markers for DS or other trisomies. That will cut your odds by a lot too. Maybe even earlier.

If you must know (and only you know if you must), and would definitely take action if positive, you should opt for amnio. Do be aware though it has risks. I think your risk of defects right now is of someone in early 30's.

I am 45 y.o. and currently at about 1:750 risk after normal NT, normal blood (HCG and PAPP-A) and normal 18 wks u/s LevII. I get a 28 wk u/s tomorrow (cardio) which should give me even better odds (fingers crossed). I had similar odds with DD born when I was 43 and she was fine (i.e. high due to age, but numbers themselves were "normal" range).

Good luck!

[popeyesgirl06]

We all make choices based on our own needs and desires. If it will ease your mind to have the test and "know" then test. I am 39 years old having my fourth after many many years of having my last child. My OB gave me the quick lodown on my "odds". Even at my age I figured the odds of miscarrying due to the procedure was about the same as my odds of having a baby with Downs. I opted out and the doctor checked other things more closely.
So far my pregnancy has been fine and healthy just harder on me this time around, more  physically than anything. The baby is great and I am due in a couple days.

Do what you feel is right for you. You will worry yourself sick til the end or till the end of the testing procedure.

Good Luck and Congratulations!

[debdawn1027]

I understand your concern, and I am right there with you. Even though I am not as knowledgeable as others on this site, it sounds like your #'s look good. I will be 39 in 3 weeks, and hopefully about 5 weeks. I will know for sure later this week. My husband was born with SED, so there is a 50% of that to be passed on as well. This will be my first baby, so I am concerned across the board...

If I were you, I would try to relax, you do not need stress with this pregnancy. Take care and enjoy this time. Best wishes to you !

[way2me]

I had the AFP test come back showing possible Trisomy 18 when I was 24.  They sent us for genetic counseling, and they wanted to do an amnio.  We decided that we didn't want to risk it with the amnio, and the results would not matter...we were keeping the baby no matter what.  I went on to have a very healthy daughter, and she's now almost 15.  

Just try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.  Easier said than done, but I wish you lots of luck.

[SamLB]

Hi there - yes, your odds certainly do seem good...although I'm sure you're fine, I would certainly at least consider having an amnio (I only say this as I may well be very close to having to make the same decision-I'm having my nuchal tomorrow- so I'm already thinking about what I'd do....). Remember that there is a 2% risk...I really don't know what I'd do...what does your DH think? Good luck with any decision you make - let us know!

[Mochica]

Congratulations on the 13 weeks. I sure hope to reach that time frame :)! I would expect some risk at our age but like all the women are saying ... your odds seem very good. I would have the amnio though I know it sounds scary. I've read a lot about them b/c of my age and most all women say that it wasn't 1/2 as bad as they thought it would be and it was over quickly. All worth the peace-of-mind is what I've read. I'm so happy for you in your pregnancy.

BEST OF LUCK, Monica

[pcarsey]

Congrats to you! I too would not worry, I had 2 afp tests come back positive for spina bifida and my son is a healthy 4 1/2 month old now! The genetic counselor told me that age is a huge factor in the tests giving bad results and also they could have your due date off! Please try to relax and please feel free to vent to us if need be!!

Patty (CL)

[azqtpies]

Congrats on the pg! and the hurdle of the first trimester! I just had my last baby this past March and I was 39 he was 5 weeks early weighing 6.2 and healthy!!! age is just a number I had a healthy pg as well. I am sure all will be just fine! the amnio will certainly ease your mind, but know they are all just risk factors and  they dont mean you have any problem... many 20 yr old get the same results in the afp test as well! your baby will ne great, try and relax dont worry too much as it just puts stress on your lil bean! keep us posted and we are here if you need us =)

kelly

[Helen72]

Looks like your NT scan put you into the low risk category.  Amnio can put your mind at ease but I think you have nothing to worry about.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

[PamelaBee]

Congratulations for getting through your first trimester!!  That is a huge relief in itself!!  I had my son at 43, and I chose not to have any genetic testing done.  However, I did get the non-invasive first trimester screening for the nuchal testing.  My odds came back 1:27 with age and everything else factored in, and my son is perfectly healthy and normal.  Believe me I was a wreck on the drive home with my husband that day!!!  I worried myself sick---then after I got home, I went on line the remainder of the night reading and searching everything on the statistics!!  Do not let all the statistics and numbers scare you!!  It can be terrifying to think that YOU will be that 1 in 46, but truly  you have pretty great odds.  Ultimately, the choice to have an amnio is yours, and you have some time to think about it, but I'm hopeful that all will be just fine, and you will have a healthy, normal baby!  Relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

[alikat1205]

based on afp testing, i had a chance of downs 1:39 in my last term pregnancy.  my baby is a healthy first grader now! so those odds are still in your favor.  also, based on the nuchal transclucency test, your odds dropped down considerably, so wow, even more in your favor.  you are in good shape for now.

[adgal]

First off, welcome and congratulations to you!!!  I haven't had amnio or nuchal testing, but I fully intend to when I get to that point.  There are many many women on here our age and older who have had healthy pregnancies.  Even if you go with the 1:46 number, those are great odds.  I have no doubt all will be fine.  I wish you well and a healthy remainder of your pregnancy.