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Category: Prenatal Testing

Asked by marney529

Q: Screening for Down Syndrome and spinal defects

I had my 4 month apt. yesterday and scheduled my anatomy ultrasound for next sat.(yay!!) and my Dr. asked me if I wanted to get the blood test done that screens for Down syndrome and spinal defects on the same day. I said yes. He said if it comes back abnormal they would do an amnio and there is a 1 in 200 chance of a miscarriage.I dont want to do the amnio if it comes back abnormal, but my DH does. I just dont want to run the risk of a miscarriage,but he said he would want to know what is wrong. Has anyone had an abnormal screening blood test and had the amnio done or not done? Should I just skip the blood test all together?I am 29 and my Dr. said the chances are low because of my age, but he said it is all up to me.Any advice would be great.

This question was asked Oct. 23, 2012 3:55pm
Category: Prenatal Testing

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Answers (13)

Answered by LalaRiley - Oct. 23, 2012 4:31pm
I just signed paperwork to have my blood test done yesterday. I've read online that there are other things that can be done besides the amnio, with lower risk of miscarriage. I'm not 100% sure what they're called but I was just looking into them last night. The What to Expect website has a lot of information on prenatal testing. Like you said, the chances are low since you are young, but it would probably be more reassuring to get the blood test back all clear than to wonder about it through the rest of the pregnancy. Good luck.

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Answered by LalaRiley - Oct. 23, 2012 4:31pm
I just signed paperwork to have my blood test done yesterday. I've read online that there are other things that can be done besides the amnio, with lower risk of miscarriage. I'm not 100% sure what they're called but I was just looking into them last night. The What to Expect website has a lot of information on prenatal testing. Like you said, the chances are low since you are young, but it would probably be more reassuring to get the blood test back all clear than to wonder about it through the rest of the pregnancy. Good luck.

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Answered by a member - Oct. 23, 2012 4:08pm
I have had this screening done with all my pregnancies. Unfortunately for us we had abnormal results, but we decided not to have the amnio. It is up to you if you want an amnio even with abnormal results. Don't let the doctor talk you into it if you don't want it. They can do an advanced ultrasound also to see if they can see the defect.

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