Who here has taken that blood test that shows you if your baby/fetus has down syndrome?

[faye83]

It's the one that they take your blood during your first trimester. I know its not obligatory, but my doc told me that now they offer it to everybody, not only to women older than 35. I'm asking because I want to take it but on the other hand I'm super nervous about the results... especially since I read that there are a lot of false positives with this test. I'm 25 and the doctor told me I'm very healthy...but I don't know if I should take it or not :S

[martikadragoon]

Faye~ if it's the NT scan then it has to be done between 11-13 weeks (so 12w mark). If it's the blood test, you have to have an ultrasound first to see how far along you are because the blood test is meant to be done at a certain gestational age and if it's done at the wrong time (too early) then it's easy to get a false positive.

My first son DOES have down syndrome, all screenings were normal as far as I know except my amnio. I had the amnio for other reasons since I carry a genetic condition that's hereditary. We were suprised to find out he had it. I'm 22 yrs old and he was born when I was 21.

I do NOT believe in abortion whatsoever for stuff like T21. When TJ was 6 months old we decided to TTC #2 and I'm currently 6 1/2mo with baby #2. He tested completely typical and healthy!

Feel free to ask me any questions, and if they are too personal for you to post here on the public forum send me a private message k?

Go onto my profile and look at my journals. I have a journal with info specifically for parents worried about DS and the testing and all.


Cindie

[JoyRenee]

I would never abort if I had a baby with Down so there would be no reason for me to have the tests done- which is the main reason they even check for it in the first place. To give you the option to terminate.

So I opted out of it all 3 of my [full term] pregnancies.

[lmc2132]

For me, the risk of miscarriage from an amnio (the next step after a positive screen) was greater than the risk of genetic abnormality in my age group.  Also, they can never be 100% sure either way. So I did not have any tests.  But it is a personal decision for sure.

[ernie13]

i am scheduled to have the blood test done this Wed at 10 weeks 5 days. i will have the ultrasound done the 28th at 12 weeks 3 days. i am nervous for the results but would also like to know if there are any problems.

[akl_cdl]

I had the first trimester testing done. It took about a week to get back and everything was fine. You should do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I wanted to have it done because if our baby did happen to have it I could prepare myself for a special needs child. Good luck!

[Quinns momma]

I did the first trimester NT scan and blood work. All came back fine. I then opted to do the second trimester quad screen blood work and that came back as an increased risk for downs syndrome. Then did the dreaded amnio which said baby boy is perfectly healthy. If I could do it again I would do the first trimester screening but not the 2nd trimester ones which is notorious for false positives.

Both set of labs I had the results w/in a week.

[happy_mommy]

i didn't take it because it would just make me worry the entire pregnancy and my doctors told m they can get false positives.

[faye83]

Thank you Laura for your sincere answer! I don't  know what my stand with that is but my bf says "we can always have another!". Men always so insensible hehe! Can you tell me more about your experience? During what week they took your  blood, and how long did it take for them to give you the results?

[LauraB78]

I did have the testing done. Would it change your decision if you were to learn that you were possibly having a down syndrome baby? It is ultimately up to YOU and only YOU! I had the testing done because I personally am not financially or emotional equipt to deal with a speacial needs child. Many women wouldnt care either way. I think it is a very personal decision and you should do what YOU feel is best. No one should judge you if you want to know in advance, whether it be to prepare for the extra needs your child may have or if you wish to terminate based on results.

I wish you luck and i PERSONALLY would have the testing done, but that is just me. Best wishes is whatever route you decide to take!