did you have the test for down syndrom and trisomy?

Question

I am 32 and 11 weeks , some one told me that it is not a good idea to have this test as the result is not %100 and my Dr has left it on me to take or not? I am a bit scare...what do you think?

Thanks

Answer 1

There is a new test for Downs, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. It's called the first trimester combined screen (or "ultrascreen") and it uses a combination of an ultrasound measurement of the baby's nuchal fold and certain proteins in the mother's blood. It's done between 10 and 12 weeks. This test is about 90% accurate in predicting these abnormalities. This is a good test because it is non-invasive and a reasonably good predictor.

Another early invasive test is CVS (chorionic villi sampling). This is also done around 12 weeks, and it provides a definitive answer about most genetic abnormalities. However, CVS carries with it a risk of miscarriage or damage to the fetus. Unless you have other risk factors, I doubt this is the test you're being offered at age 32.

I would do the utrascreen (if it's available), and if that test turns up any problems, you can then opt to have amniocentesis, which will give you a definitive answer. (Amniocentesis also carries a risk of miscarriage, but it's lower than CVS).

The later screens such as AFP and the quad screen are probably not worth doing because they have a high rate of false positives and are not very accurate.

Answer 2

Here is all the information about tests for down syndrome. Most found in births to older mothers. age 30 probablility is 1/900.

Ultrasound- is a possible test but somewhat unreliable.

Amniocentesis-
aided by sonogram (ultrasound)
cannot be done before 16th week (you would have to wait 5 more weeks)
Culture Cells 2-3 weeks than do a karyotype and other tests.
Risk of miscarriage- .25-.50%

The risk of miscarriage in this test is a little unsettling but the test is very accurate by using the karyotype tests.

Now with this information you need to assess some things within yourself. If the baby is down syndrome how would you handle that. If you can than dont do this test. If you could not handle this maybe you might want to have the test to verify other alternatives. Remember I am not a physician and this medical advice is only opinion and not a substitute for you and your doctors decisions. Consult your doctor and ask questions.

Answer 3

You didn't specified what kind of test you are supposed to do. If it is blood test, it is ok. It is not very accurate, but at least can offer you some peace of mind. You should not agree to prenatal testing unless you are certain that terminating the pg is an option you would consider.There is many tests, fe. Chorionic Villus Sampling(CVS) done between 7-10 weeks of pg, with about 5% false positive results, and the risk that baby may have deformities of the toes and fingers., Amniocentesis - testing of the amniotic fluid from amniotic sac, where about 1-2 % may result in miscarriage , but there is also high resolution ultrasound, safe and accurate.They are measuring thickness of the skin on baby neck, and some measurements on baby nose bones. So you must decide yourself what can you gain from testing. Good luck and best wishes - Robin

Answer 4

I had the tripple screen test done with my last pregnancy. It came back postive for Neural tube defect. When I went in for a level 2 sonogram, they found the baby had no heartbeat.....after having strong and healthy heartbeat just days earlier. Since then (this was just 3 months ago today), I have been tested for chromosonal disorders, and found I have a rare one that can be picked up by any child I carry. We have decided to have a vasectomy done so we dont risk any more pregancies...I couldnt go thru that again.

We have 3 healthy children, though. If I had found out this problem before I had any children, I dont think I would have these children now b/c I wouldnt have risked it.

I would say, dont do it. If its God's will for you to have children, then you will. He has a plan for everything. But, if you will feel more comfortable having it done, or if there is a genetic disorder in your family or your partner's family, then I say yes, you should have it done.

Lots of luck!!

Answer 5

I did not have the test run. I have three healthy children, I was 25, 26, and 28 when I had them. I'm assuming you are talking about the blood test alphafetaprotein (misspelled), it does have a high false positive. When I looked at the statistics and the accuracy of this test I opted not to, why cause undo stress. I know of a couple of people who had the test run and were told they would have downs babies, their babies are perfectly normal today, one is very gifted. It has to be a personal choice, look at your family's and the father's family history, and decided. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Do not bother with the tests unless you are sure that you will choose to abort if they are positive. My friend tested positive for downs. She had the baby anyways. The baby did not have downs but he has had a great many health problems and will never be healthy but he is of normal intelligence.

Answer 7

it really all depends on if you are going to abort if the results show something. the blood test is not very accurate...like 50% not accurate...but, if you need to know for personal reasons do it, but keep in the back of your mind if it comes up a positive....and mine did twice, you will be facing the decision to have an amniocentisis or not. i did both with both of my babies and i personally am glad. i didn't want to abort, but i wanted to know if my baby had problems so i could get all of the books and educational materials set up. good luck and whatever your decision it will be the right one.

Answer 8

I had the tests with my first son, and he tested "positive" for having Spina Bifida. This caused me much stress which lasted until an ultrasound proved he was fine. I decided NOT to have the tests with my next five children. Trust your instincts!

Answer 9

The real question is whether you would still love your child if they had Down's or not. Surely you would. No one likes unpleasant surprises, but Down's isn't the worst thing that could happen. I know this from personal experience, so my advice to you is NOT to have the test, pray over your child and enjoy your pregnancy.

Answer 10

i took the triple screen test when i was prego and it came back high for down's. I had a level 2 ultrasound done and it showed no abnormalities. When my daughter was born she was fine. Triple screens are not a dianosis for downs, trisomy or other defects it checks for. Triple screens have a high rate for false positives. I had talked to other moms on webmd.com that said that they have done it and theirs came back positive and their children were fine. In my honest opion i wouldn't do it cause it casues more stress on you then you need. if i were prego and it was offered to me i wouldn't do it.