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Quad Screen results
Test came back positive for downs syndrome. Having an amnio done tomorrow. I am devistated and have not stopped crying.
I will be thinking of you from now til Tuesday. Thank goodness it is not too long although it can seem like forever. Keep us posted.
Kelly, I am so happy that you were able to get another full scan! I am so confident that this is going to turn out to be a false positive! I'm sorry that the amnio itself was such an uncomfortable experience, but I think that the baby measuring ahead could be a very good explanation of the AFP results!
Take it easy...put your feet up...listen to some calming music and read a book to your baby (both of them)!
Prayers are STILL going your way!!
Take it easy...put your feet up...listen to some calming music and read a book to your baby (both of them)!
Prayers are STILL going your way!!
It is a very good sign that they found no marker's on the ultrasound :-) Will be waiting patiently until Tuesday to find out the results. Try to relax and think happy thoughts :-)
I am home. The amnio went as well as could be expected. It was slightly painful with quite a bit of cramping after the needle was removed. They also did another complete u/s scan and the baby has NO markers/indications for downs. Doc is hopeful that it was a false positive. Baby is also measuring a few days ahead. The little one had a heartbeat of 153 and kept waving. :)
I did the FISH so I can have the results quickly. I should know by Tues at the latest.
Keep them prayers coming.
I did the FISH so I can have the results quickly. I should know by Tues at the latest.
Keep them prayers coming.
Actually, you can have the screening bloodwork done between 15-20 weeks with out the NT scan. I am having the bloodwork done next week and didn't do the NT scan. The reason for this is the bloodwork is more of a definite result than the NT scan. Some tests use the NT scan to determine results, while other tests don't need the NT scan. So since you didn't get the NT scan, you still are able to get blood work done....although, I live in California which tends to be on the up and up in science and medicine so it might not be available in other places but it doesn't hurt to ask.
My doctor actually gave me a booklet at my first appt. detailing on the tests, including the one I listed above.
My doctor actually gave me a booklet at my first appt. detailing on the tests, including the one I listed above.
The NT test is done typically around 11-13 weeks (it can't be done later than 14, I don't think). It is an ultrasound combined with bloodwork to give you markers for chromosomal defects for Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13. It is a screening test, not a diagnostic.
I know that it is 'standard' protocol for women over 35, but I don't know if they do that genetic testing on just every woman, so that could be why you didn't get it.
The quad-screen is a series of bloodwork tests that (for my doctor's anyway) is only done IF you had the NT scan. It is straight b/w, but since it is done between 15-20 weeks, has a higher sensitivity for Down's, Trisomy 18 and can also detect Open Spina Bifada. However, it can also have a high rate of false positives. But again, it is only a screening test. Only a diagnostic (like amnio or CVS) can tell you if you have chromosomal abnormalities
Hope this helps!
I know that it is 'standard' protocol for women over 35, but I don't know if they do that genetic testing on just every woman, so that could be why you didn't get it.
The quad-screen is a series of bloodwork tests that (for my doctor's anyway) is only done IF you had the NT scan. It is straight b/w, but since it is done between 15-20 weeks, has a higher sensitivity for Down's, Trisomy 18 and can also detect Open Spina Bifada. However, it can also have a high rate of false positives. But again, it is only a screening test. Only a diagnostic (like amnio or CVS) can tell you if you have chromosomal abnormalities
Hope this helps!
I am so sorry your feeling the way you do. Can I ask a question when is the 1st test done or a NT Scan? I had some blood work done in my 2nd month for Diabetes but that came out fine. My doctor didnt say anything to me about any tests. Although I am about 16-weeks so just curious to know when will I have the test done? Again I am sorry your feeling this way and I hope the tests are so inaccurate and come out to be just fine. God Bless you!
Kelly,
I just want to quote what I just happened to read in the "The Joy of Pregnancy" book....
"False positive results are common with quad screed testing. Approximately 6 percent of women who take the test get a positive result, and only a very small fraction of these will have a baby with a defect. The accuracy of the test depends partly on timing. The majority of false positive results occur either because the pregnancy is further along, or less so, than the mother and her practitioner thought or because the mother is pregnant with twins, triplets or more.
....The quad test cannot diagnose a birth defect; it just indactes that more testing is needed.
...In approximately 97 percent of abnormal quad screen test results, the baby turns out to be normal."
I am so praying for you, Kelly...
I just want to quote what I just happened to read in the "The Joy of Pregnancy" book....
"False positive results are common with quad screed testing. Approximately 6 percent of women who take the test get a positive result, and only a very small fraction of these will have a baby with a defect. The accuracy of the test depends partly on timing. The majority of false positive results occur either because the pregnancy is further along, or less so, than the mother and her practitioner thought or because the mother is pregnant with twins, triplets or more.
....The quad test cannot diagnose a birth defect; it just indactes that more testing is needed.
...In approximately 97 percent of abnormal quad screen test results, the baby turns out to be normal."
I am so praying for you, Kelly...
adgal had something like a 1:31 chance after her NT screen and her amnio turned out just fine. I bet you will get good news. Thinking about you! I also could place a bet that you are having a little boy. Those dreams tend to be pretty accurate! Keep us posted.
I had one done when my tests came back funny. I WAS 19 with DD! The amount of false positives on these tests are OUTRAGOUS! y DD was fine, they had me scared to death for no reason. The doc told me that if you are off of your conception date as little as 2-3 days, the numbers can come back funny. Don't stress. If the other tests showed nothing abnormal - I am sure this is just reassurance. You will be fine and that baby (boy?) will be perfect. Watch, you will see :)
PS: With the amnio, you get to know the sex based on the chromosomes. This is a MAJOR bonus to this test because these are genes, no mistaking or "maybe it is a boy" or "maybe it is a girl". The genes are DEFINATE! So, you will know for sure what sex the baby is (if you want to!).
Hugs - Jen
PS: With the amnio, you get to know the sex based on the chromosomes. This is a MAJOR bonus to this test because these are genes, no mistaking or "maybe it is a boy" or "maybe it is a girl". The genes are DEFINATE! So, you will know for sure what sex the baby is (if you want to!).
Hugs - Jen
Thanks so much for all the comments ladies. Needless to say every time I woke up last night I was crying. However I had 2 dreams that brought me peace and in both I had a very healthy baby boy. Now I have no clue yet of the sex of this baby but it did give me some joy that the baby was fine.
I am still baffled why the NT labs and scan came back normal and this came back as a positive screening. Ugh..... But I do find comfort that it did come back normal and like u all said this test is notorious for false positive.
My amnio is @ 9:00 this morning. I will keep u posted on how it goes. I also am going to request the rapid test to be performed that give u an answer in a matter of days as well as the one that takes 2 weeks.
I am still baffled why the NT labs and scan came back normal and this came back as a positive screening. Ugh..... But I do find comfort that it did come back normal and like u all said this test is notorious for false positive.
My amnio is @ 9:00 this morning. I will keep u posted on how it goes. I also am going to request the rapid test to be performed that give u an answer in a matter of days as well as the one that takes 2 weeks.
I'd have to say don't worry too much about it. Yes, have the amnio, but be aware that these quad screens come back positive all the time when nothing is really wrong.
Get that amnio, and hopefully everything will be fine.
Get that amnio, and hopefully everything will be fine.
When I was pregnant, my quad scan came back so high, I had a 1 in 24 chance that Ashtyn had spina bifida....the test was wrong. But I remember the wait for the high resolution ultrasound was a NIGHTMARE. All I did was cry, so I completely understand what you are going through. Try to take it a day at a time, and look at all the positives so far. They have found no sign of down syndrome on the ultrasounds and that is a great sign :-) Try to keep your head up!
Quinns: I'm so sorry - but like some others have said - I've heard of so many people have the same results and everything turned out A-okay. They told my sisters brother that thay were almost 100% sure their DS would have down's - he was born healthy as ever! Just don't freak out! I'm sure everything will be fine :-) ((HUGS))
Kelly, I am just so sorry....please try to rest and be calm tonight (I know that's completely impossible), but please try. There are still so many things in your favor and I am sure that the amnio tomorrow will yield you wonderful news! Big hugs to you....
I had thought the quad screen results would take a week but doc said 2-3 days. the NT scan was something like 1 in 261. So I am not sure why these are so different.
i know it must seem like the scariest thing, but those results have false positives often. it will be a beautiful and loved baby no matter what right? hang in there! ;)
Why did you get them so fast, too? I thought you said that they took a week...is there any chance that there is a lab mixup?
I am sorry if I am adding to your worry, but I am grasping for things of comfort for you ....
I am sorry if I am adding to your worry, but I am grasping for things of comfort for you ....
Oh, my gosh, Kelly...I just saw this! I am sooooo sorry!!! I do know that Amanda did something where she got initial results back in 2-3 days and then the complete ones later. Be sure to ask about this!
I am so sorry...I really can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. When you say that your NT was negative, though...I am a bit confused. My NT gave me a ratio not a positive or negative. Did you get a number for the ratio with your NT?
Also, please remember that 1 in 181 also means that you have 180 chances of having a perfectly healthy child! My Dad told me to think about it like this...ask your DH to think of a number between 1 and 181 and then you need to guess it on the first try....those are the same chances that you have right now to have a child with Down's.
I don't know if that brings any comfort, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!
I am so sorry...I really can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. When you say that your NT was negative, though...I am a bit confused. My NT gave me a ratio not a positive or negative. Did you get a number for the ratio with your NT?
Also, please remember that 1 in 181 also means that you have 180 chances of having a perfectly healthy child! My Dad told me to think about it like this...ask your DH to think of a number between 1 and 181 and then you need to guess it on the first try....those are the same chances that you have right now to have a child with Down's.
I don't know if that brings any comfort, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!
They should be able to give you a preliminary in 2 days, isn't that the norm these days? Ask them tomorrow. Don't be sad, I'm hearing that more and more from friends and family and everything turns out just fine... I'm sure you will be just fine, easier said than done but try not to worry that much :(
I am so sorry you're having to deal with this. It's so difficult. I want to share with you that I had an amnio 2 years ago and it didn't hurt at all. In fact, I didn't feel anything. I'm not going to lie, the 2 weeks it takes to get results is very difficult and feels like a friggin' lifetime. My dh and I both felt like we couldn't breathe the whole 2 weeks. I guess I just want you to know that I know how you're feeling because I've been there. I take issue with people who say, "Everything will be fine. Don't worry. Just relax." I feel like those people don't understand what you're going through and are in essence dismissing your feelings of sadness and fear. You have every right to feel what you're feeling. If you need to cry, then cry. If you need a supportive shoulder, then come here. And you said it yourself, the quad screens are not 100% so please keep your chin up as much as you possibly can. There is a strong chance that your baby is perfectly healthy. And if not, you will love your baby, and care for your baby, and ultimately everything WILL be okay.
Big Hugs,
Sue
Big Hugs,
Sue
My NT scan came back as negative for downs and the u/s also showed no areas of concern. The quad screen was positive with a 1 in 181 level where with my age it should have been 1 in 352 or above for a normal reading.
doc thinks it is a false positive reading but the amnio will give us a definite yes or no. So yes Brooke it can be wrong. I sure hope it is.
Stinks results take 2-3 weeks tho. Ugh....
doc thinks it is a false positive reading but the amnio will give us a definite yes or no. So yes Brooke it can be wrong. I sure hope it is.
Stinks results take 2-3 weeks tho. Ugh....
Oh, honey, how can this be? Is there a possibility the amnio will say something different? I will say that our neighbor's son has Downs and he is a really handsome and sweet kid, so it is not the end of the world if so, but it is such a surprise that you would have this reading! Can it be wrong?
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