Increased genetic anamoly risk?

[2xCharm]

Does anyone know if there is an increased risk of having a baby with Downs if I lost one last year due to Downs?  I'm 10 wks 1 day pregnant today.  We saw the hb at 6 wks 3 days (I thought it very, very high at 154 but tech said 'was very good').  Since before the u/s up to this past week, I have had really bad headaches and near constant nausea...which I've also heard are good signs, but I am very worried!  I lost a baby last March between 17-19 weeks due to Hydrops (baby had lots of water deposits under skin and in/around organs) caused by Downs...as detected by amnio.  Amnio u/s done between 16-17 weeks and got results and then went for regular u/s with Dr. at 19 weeks and there was no hb.  Had to deliver my dead baby (was my first).  Now I'm beyond terrified that something like this will happen again (I'm 37).  I've had no cramps/spotting etc. but can't help but think something is wrong (missed miscarriage?)- won't go back to Dr. until end of next week:(  Any advice, similar experiences, please respond!  BTW, sorry so very, very long!

[nickieb85]

I am so glad that you heard a heartbeat! I really think that you will be okay this time :) I am hoping the best for you!!!!

[2xCharm]

Hi, nola0805; I did consider the CVS both last pregnancy and this one but just couldn't bring myself to go for the increased risk (even though it's very slight).  I just kept thinking that if something happened, I wouldn't know if it were the procedure or ifI would have m/c naturally anyway since it's before 12 weeks...it just made me to paranoid to think about, so I opted for the Amnio...I hope that your results are all good!  Best luck to you and your wee one:)

I used my doppler last night - not entirely sure I've done it correctly, but I do believe I located the hb - couldn't get the display to really work correctly (everyone complained about that in the reviews) so I don't know the rate; but it made me feel better that it is at least still in there swimming around:)  I'll have the tech use mine after she uses hers next Friday so I know exactly what it should sound like on mine and if it is registering properly or not.  Figured I'd give it a try again Sunday since I'll be a tiny bit further along:)

[nickieb85]

I am hoping the best for you and your baby and if a doppler is going to make you feel better than I say go for it!!! I honestly don't think that you have anything to worry about this time, but the reality of losing a baby is heart wrenching. I know how I felt when they told me to terminate my little boy and I would have refused unless his heart actually stopped. Thank God it didn't. My heart goes out to you and your growing baby and I hope that everything turns out well for both of you :)

[nola0805]

So sorry for your loss last year - that had to be simply heartbreaking.  Congrats on this pregnancy!  I am not a genetic expert but my understanding is that it depends on whether your first baby had translocation Downs Syndrome.  Usually the risk of having another baby with downs is 1 in 100 unless you are over 40 and then it goes more by age.  However, the risk is higher if your first baby had translocation Downs - (your doctors will know).  So, the risk is there but keep in mind that your chances of having a healthy baby are much higher than having a child with downs again.  Also, have you thought of doing a CVS - it tells you similar info than at amnio would but can be done at 11 weeks.  I just had one done last week.  This way you could ease your worries much sooner.  

best of luck.      

[2xCharm]

Thanks, nickieb.  I am not in genetic counseling as I took that last year with my last pregnancy and they consider me too early right now...I am having another amnio done, though; we'll schedule it when I go back to the Dr. next week (3/5) but it will be another four weeks out!  All of this waiting is what kills me.  Gives me too much time to think up all kinds of horrible situations - thus the buying of a fetal doppler.  It arrived today, so will be trying it the minute I get home.  Praying there is a good, strong hb still...I am so happy for you that your baby turned out great last time and hope that everything is going great this time, too!

[nickieb85]

I had a scare too when I was a little under 24 weeks (they told me it was best to terminate before they even did the amnio) due to soft markers. I told them basically to kiss it and regardless I was having the baby. They did the amnio and luckily my baby turned out to be just fine. The backache and nausea are definitely early pregnancy signs. I think your chances are rather low of having another baby diagnosed with Downs but your age (as doctors say) can be a factor also but I still am pretty sure it is 1 in 200. It is normal to have fear about your baby when you have already lost a baby to a horrific situation. Are you going through genetic counciling for this? I think that your doctors would be taking extra precautions because of your past history. I am soooooo sorry for you loss and I am hoping the best for you and your baby!