pls... I have a very hard time to make my mind , my husband wants me to do so... and I am so scare... pls just tell me abut your good experiences ... and if you did it... I know enought about the bad part of it...
2006-06-27 06:28:33 · 8 answers · asked by Me 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I always have all the tests done, AFP (alpha feta protein) test doesn't just screen for Down's it screens for multiple chromosonal defects and I feel in many cases it is easier to know that things are ok, or worst case that there is a problem, so that you are able to prepare. Everyone is nervous about these tests it is normal and it means you will be a great mom. I have had this test 3 times now, it is a little painful (I hate having blood drawn) but well worth it. I would suggest to err on the side of caution and get the test. It sounds like you have a wonderful husband who wants the best for you and his baby, so I am sure he will be there to support you and help through those scary days of waiting. Let us know, and good luck to you.
2006-06-27 06:36:55 · answer #1 · answered by krzbitch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the Nuchal Translucency test last Friday. I was very glad to do it. This is the test that measures the amount of fluid in the neck of the baby and can use ratios to determine your chances for Down's Syndrome.
I am a high risk pregnancy, so I went into the test with a lot of reserved caution. However, once I was there, it was great to see the baby on the ultrasound again. It was doing all kinds of somersaults and flips. One would think that you would feel all that movement!!! After a few moments, the baby stuck it's thumb in its mouth and went to sleep. It was adorable.
This test is done at 11-13 weeks. In conjunction with the ultrasound, they take a blood sample. The end result is that they give you the chances of you having a baby with Down's syndrome, some heart problems, or other chromosonal abnormalities. For example, let's say that just walking in the door, your risk of having a child with Down's is 1 in 200. After the test, they will give you a revised ratio based on your readings.
It's actually a funny coincedence, as I was typing this, the genetic counselor called to give me my blood test results. I received my nuchal measurement while there on Friday, but the blood was sent out for processing.
My nuchal measurement was 1.44mm, which is very good. Anything under 3mm is good.
My risk for down syndrome has been set at 1 in 9538. I am 32 years old, and that number puts me at lower risk than women in their early 20's.
She also said that my risk for Trisomy 13 and 18 (other fatal disorders) are less than 1 chance in 10,000.
So overall, it was great news. Anything that can keep your stress level down while pregnant, is worth doing. And in this case, I can now rest a little easier. Go get the test!
Hope this helps!!!
2006-06-27 13:43:47 · answer #2 · answered by fubiegirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a blood test. Like any other. If it turns out that you have a certain chromosome, they may suggest they do an amneocentesis, or however that's spelled. That test is when they draw some fluid from your amneotic sack (sp), from the fluid surrounding your baby. That will tell them more about whether or not your baby could have downsyndrome. The test is not as accurate as I would like. If both tests are positive, then you get to decide whether or not you want to abort your baby rather than have a DS baby.
I chose to not have the test. If I was pregnant with a DS baby, I would have the baby anyway, DS or not. Because the test wouldn't change my mind, it was pointless for me, and I didn't bother. I have two beautiful, healthy children.
2006-06-27 13:33:14 · answer #3 · answered by b30954 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im assuming you are speaking about the afp test..the test itself is simply a screening test...should the test come back positive it doesnt mean that the baby has down syndrome..it will simply mean the need for more invasive testing..(amnio)...my numbers are not exactly accurate but about 30% of all AFP tests come back abnormal..of those 30% only about 1% actually have a disorder.
What you and your husband need to decide is...should you be presented with a baby with a disability where you would stand..would you keep the child?
2006-06-27 13:35:22 · answer #4 · answered by Heather 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean the triple screening test they do? If so, then yes, I had it with both of my pregnancies and both babies were fine. It's really more or less to rule out any major problems your baby MIGHT have (the test isn't 100% accurate, and they could tell you your baby might have problems when in fact he doesn't, or vice versa). I had it just to put my mind at ease. If it came back that there was a good chance my baby had a chromosomal defect, then I would have been prepared to take care of a special needs child.
2006-06-27 14:13:37 · answer #5 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cant tell you a good experience. But my best friend is pregnant now and when at the doctor with her the other day the doctor told her she could get the test now if she wants to but that there are ALOT of false positives with the test. He said about 80%. Most mothers choose not to. I would choose not to. I want a 90% or better rate.
2006-06-27 13:34:31 · answer #6 · answered by EB&Js 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hade the blood test done for both of my kids and the results were fine- my kids were perfectly healthy. Would you want to know if something was wrong?? I think I would, it would be really hard to go through labor and delivery and all of a sudden find out my baby is sick. I'd rather be prepared.
2006-06-27 13:38:36 · answer #7 · answered by Heather 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had it done when I was pregnant and the tests came back negative. It was nice to know what to expect. The military base that I'm at it is done along with all the other test that are done. Go ahead and do it, it won't hurt any to know.
2006-06-27 13:33:36 · answer #8 · answered by happy_armywife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋