Down syndrome and hydrocodone?

[gina1978]

Hi.The results from my triple quad test came back positive for DS.I went to see a genetics counselor and was told my chances are 1-126 and I am 30 years old.What exactly does that mean? I was such a mess while talking to her,I missed alot of what she said.I am having the amniocentesis next friday and by then I will be 20 weeks.I have been taking hydrocodone for 2 years. I went from 2 10-325 norcos to 1 and a half.Is it my fault my baby may have ds? Will tapering off of hydro harm my baby?How safe is the amnio test?Thankyou for any help you can give me.

[gina1978]

Thankyou so much for answering my question :)

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

The hydrocodone is unlikely to related to Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21, or three copies of chromosome 21): it has not been reported to cause chromosomal abnormalities.  It is not certain at this point that your baby has Trisomy 21.  That is the reason you are having the amniocentesis, which will test for the number of chromosomes directly.

You should continue discussing your use of hydrocodone with your Obstetrician.  The highest risk for continued use is that your baby may have withdrawal symptoms after birth, but these can usually be easily treated.  Decreasing the amount of hydrocodone during the pregnancy should not cause your baby any problems.