2nd trimester blood test is positive for Down's Syndrome

[mommyin10]

Hi. First things first, I'm not freaking out or anything, but my ob/gyn called to let me know the bloodwork I did last week came back positive for Down's Syndrome... I'm 19 weeks pregnant with twins & have posted this question on the multiples forum as well. I realize a positive doesn't mean one or both babies will have it, but just that I'm at a higher risk. My results came back as 1/54. At my age & the stage in my pregnancy, my results should be 1/150 or higher. So, we scheduled an amnio for our appt next Wed.  We'll meet with the genetic counselor, do the anatomy scan & the amnio. It'll be a long day, hopefully not too emotional... I'm wondering if my testing was done with knowledge I'm having twins or if that even makes a difference. Has anyone else tested positive & did your amnio and/or anatomy scan help with your concerns? Thanks, ladies! ;)

[mommyin10]

Thanks :) I have read there can be more false positives with twins, so it's good to hear that from you. I'm glad to hear your follow-up bloodwork alleviated your concerns :) I admit I'm a bit nervous for our appt on Wednesday, but I'm also excited to see our babies again & to get some answers :) Definitely staying positive! :)

[kbrad11]

I had a high risk level for down's after my first trimester scan and was really freaked out about those results.  I then had the followup bloodwork and everything came back fine.  With both the scan and the bloodwork there is quite a high chance for false positives.  I also read that the results can be skewed if you are carrying twins.  I hope everything comes back okay.  Great to see that you are staying positive!

[mommyin10]

Thank you so much for your comments :) Yes, I was worried at first that something could be wrong with my baby(ies), but you're so right. My dh & I are ok with DS if that's our result. Our main concern is that something more severe could be wrong due to a single embryo transfer resulting in possible boy/girl twins. That's why we did the bloodwork. We have an amnio & anatomy scan (detailed ultrasound) scheduled for next week, so we should get answers then. Hey, it's possible our anatomy scan can clear up the confusion right then & there :) Maybe our last u/s was just too early. So, we'll see! I've gotten a lot of positive responses on the different forums I posted my concerns on & I truly appreciate it!  I am staying positive :)

[tobbeyj]

I am sorry you are going through this. I cannot understand what you are going through but am happy that you are not stressing. I have heard a million and one times that these tests come  back with some kind of scary result and in the end most are fine. A 1/54 chance is on your side :)  Do you know anything about Downs?? It would be one of the things I would be the least afraid of to be honest. Children with Downs grow up to be some wonderful citizens in society. My hubby and I chose not to have this testing as it costs $400 here for just that test alone, and no matter what, we would be ok with a Downs child. I hope the next tests come out to be perfectly the way you want it. I wish all the best for you and your baby twins :) Staying strong and non stressed is what your babies need.  Keep up the great work :)