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Genetics (Expert Forum)
First Trimester Screening Results
Answered by
Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC - Hereditary Disorders, hemochromatosis, Patient Outreach
DNA Direct
This forum is for questions and support regarding Genetics.
This forum is for questions and support regarding a person’s predisposition to a variety of medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Blood-clotting Disorders, Breast Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, etc.
First Trimester Screening Results
by Mel1212, Oct 23, 2007 03:45PM
Hello,
I have just started my 14th week of pregnancy and have recently gotten my results for my First Trimester screening which came back with increased risk for Down Syndrome. I am curious about my numbers and in finding out more what they mean, etc.. My Free Beta HCG (MOM) is 2.68; PAPP-A MOM is .55; NT(mm) 1.9
I am scheduled for an amnio on Nov. 8th as after the screening my risk of having a child with Down's is 1/184. I know that is still in my favor but it is hard not to be concerned. I'm just searching for some more information or advice. Would it make sense to have my HCG levels tested through my urine to confirm that they are in fact high?
Also, I've tested positive as a carrier for Canavan and Cystic Fibrosis but my husband is not. Could these test results have anything to do with me being a carrier.
Thanks so much in advance for any advice!!
I have just started my 14th week of pregnancy and have recently gotten my results for my First Trimester screening which came back with increased risk for Down Syndrome. I am curious about my numbers and in finding out more what they mean, etc.. My Free Beta HCG (MOM) is 2.68; PAPP-A MOM is .55; NT(mm) 1.9
I am scheduled for an amnio on Nov. 8th as after the screening my risk of having a child with Down's is 1/184. I know that is still in my favor but it is hard not to be concerned. I'm just searching for some more information or advice. Would it make sense to have my HCG levels tested through my urine to confirm that they are in fact high?
Also, I've tested positive as a carrier for Canavan and Cystic Fibrosis but my husband is not. Could these test results have anything to do with me being a carrier.
Thanks so much in advance for any advice!!
Doctor's Answer
by Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC, Oct 24, 2007 12:23PM
, Oct 24, 2007 12:23PM
It is natural to be concerned after learning results from a screening test that show an increased risk for a chromosomal problem such as Down syndrome. You are correct in that the odds are in your favor for the pregnancy not to be affected with Down syndrome.
As you know, first trimester screening is an early screening option for a few of the most common chromosome abnormalities seen at birth including Down syndrome. The screening involves a blood test and an early ultrasound (about 9.5-13.9 weeks). The results of this screening test can help some women decide if they would like to go on to further diagnostic testing such as CVS or amniocentesis. An amniocentesis can provide a yes or no answer to whether your pregnancy has chromosome problem such as Down syndrome. Amniocentesis has a risk for miscarriage that ranges from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500.
Looking at the HCG levels in your urine would not help provide information about the chances that the pregnancy is affected with Down syndrome.
Regarding your carrier tests for Cystic fibrosis (CF) and Canavan disease, these are not related to your first trimester screening results. Since you are a carrier of CF and Canavan and your husband is not, your chance to have a child with CF or Canavan disease is greatly lowered but not to zero.
Although first-trimester screening results may vary in subsequent pregnancies, the results from your carrier screening for Canavan and CF do not change over time because they are DNA based.
Prenatal testing for birth defects is complex and quite personal. Women have many options and should think all of them through considering the medical facts and their own personal/family values. I am not sure if you are scheduled to meet with a genetic counselor before your amniocentesis, but you may benefit from discussing your options with a genetic counselor. You can locate a genetic counselor through the NSGC website. Best wishes to you.
As you know, first trimester screening is an early screening option for a few of the most common chromosome abnormalities seen at birth including Down syndrome. The screening involves a blood test and an early ultrasound (about 9.5-13.9 weeks). The results of this screening test can help some women decide if they would like to go on to further diagnostic testing such as CVS or amniocentesis. An amniocentesis can provide a yes or no answer to whether your pregnancy has chromosome problem such as Down syndrome. Amniocentesis has a risk for miscarriage that ranges from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500.
Looking at the HCG levels in your urine would not help provide information about the chances that the pregnancy is affected with Down syndrome.
Regarding your carrier tests for Cystic fibrosis (CF) and Canavan disease, these are not related to your first trimester screening results. Since you are a carrier of CF and Canavan and your husband is not, your chance to have a child with CF or Canavan disease is greatly lowered but not to zero.
Although first-trimester screening results may vary in subsequent pregnancies, the results from your carrier screening for Canavan and CF do not change over time because they are DNA based.
Prenatal testing for birth defects is complex and quite personal. Women have many options and should think all of them through considering the medical facts and their own personal/family values. I am not sure if you are scheduled to meet with a genetic counselor before your amniocentesis, but you may benefit from discussing your options with a genetic counselor. You can locate a genetic counselor through the NSGC website. Best wishes to you.
