Questions & Answers

(Part 3)
Family history is not that significant; almost all cases of Down Syndrome are spontaneous.
Even if you would not choose to terminate the pregnancy, I believe that the screen is worthwhile because it may detect problems or conditions for which treatment or other intervention may save or improve a pregnancy (e.g. this test can detect ventral wall defects, for which intervention is important). The only possible down side to this test is the anxiety if you screen positive, and if you remember that even if you sceren positive, you risk of being affected is still pretty low in absolute terms, but your medical team now has valuable new information to help you through your pregnancy.

(Part 2)
People who tell you not to have the screening test because you might end up with a false positive result haven't been very well counselled. It is the nature of screening that a subset will be screened 'positive', and almost most of those will not be affected. Screening is a process that allows scarce medical resources to focus on those who need them most; those at higher risk, even though the risk in this group is fractional.
Also, don't allow your age to determine your choice. Age is a virtually useless predictor. Once it was the only marker for Down Syndrome; it is now the weakest marker. Any one of the multiple biochemical tests they run as part of this screen is a better predictor of risk than your age. Besides, age is not a factor in some of the other conditions being screened for.

Those prices seem way out of line; you should check around.
First of all, these screening tests are not just for Down Syndrome; they will also (in most cases) calculate risks for Neural Tube Defects, other Trisomies (13 and 18), and sometimes a rare condition called SLOS. These tests are always being improved, and soon (possilbly now, depending on the lab you choose) they may also be able to screen for pre-eclampsia. As well, the pathologist or biochemist who interprets the result can spot other issues that may need intervention because of the biochemistry results.
It is not a diagnostic test; it is a screening test, meaning that it divides those being tested into groups with low risk and high risk. Those at high risk will usually be offered diagnostic testing.

I did the testing, which its actually more of a chromosome test. They give you results of Downs, Spinal issues and Trisomy 18. I am 27 and this is my first and my doctor said I really didn't need to do it, but its just blood work and my insurance covered it so I thought why not. BIG MISTAKE! My results came back 1/23 (95% that baby is okay) for T18 and I've been a nervous stressball since. I went in Monday to do a long 2 hour ultrasound where they looked at every ounce of the baby to only find nothing. Babies with chromosome disorders usually have distint markers. They even talked me out of the amino because it would just be for my assurance. I did do a further blood test that now I am waiting to hear the results from. Everyone has told me to not do that test UNLESS there is something in your family history or previous issues that you need to do this. You can get very very stressful false positives, like how hopefully will end, and your baby will end up just fine.

Thank u Ladies for your comments....they all were really helpful to me !!

You are only 26, the chance of down syndrome is 1 in 1270. It's a .08% of happening, basically slim to none. I am 27 and chose not to have it, the risk is SOOOOO low I didn't see a point.

As the initial test is non-invasive, I chose to have it. It was the first time I got to see my little one, and the moment was priceless. Check out my 12 week scan if you'd like.

everyone is offered this screening. I have no family history of downs syndrome, and no personal cause for concer, so i opted out of the test. This test doesn't say that your baby has downs syndrome it will merely give you a "its possible" answer, which i felt would be more stressful. Its a personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer as to whether you should have it done or not.

We chose not to have the tests, since it wouldn't make a difference on how we went foward with the pregnancy. My doctor also said that there is alot of false positves with these tests. It is a personal choice and you just have to decide whats right for you. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Hiya,
I am in the UK and am nearly 9 weeks and have had my first booking in appointment with my midwife. She too talked about a Downs Syndrome test. This surprised me as I am 29 and healthy, I said I was worried because cant an amnio cause miscarriage. Anyway she said at this point in my pregnacy it would be a scan and a blood test. They scan so they can measure the amount of fluid in the back of the babies neck - the more fluid the greater the risk of downs, this together with a blood test puts you on a scale. The m/w said that it is after this test and scan that they may advise you to have further tests to confirm or rule out downs or if you dont fall into the risk category that is as far as it will go.
At the end of the day I thought that as it is just a scan I would end up with an extra picture of beanie. Being in the UK I dont have to worry about the cost, but the decision is up to you. Hope this helps at all.