Question about Down Syndrome: Unborn child?

Question

The father of my undorn child has a brother who has down syndrome. I know that it can be genetic. I'm pregnant and I haven't had an ultrasound yet, because I didn't find out until recently that I'm pregnant. We think I'm 20 weeks, but not 100% sure. I had blood work done last week, and the tests came back today and they said my baby has an increased risk for down syndrome. They said if I'm farther along that 20 weeks though, the testing could be wrong. What are the chances that testing was wrong even if I was in the time frame for this test? Anyone here had to deal with this? Serious answers only please, I'm very upset.

Answer 1

I certainly understand your being upset... I suspect an amnio is tho only way you will get a definitive answer.

As the mom of a beautiful little boy with Down syndrome, let me just say that, while it's not always easy and perfect, I cannot imagine not having him around. He is the brightest thing in my life. I am so proud of him. Children with Down syndrome have so many more opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential these days. There are waiting lists for people who want to adopt children with Down syndrome. These kids will do just about anything any other child will do, it might just take a bit longer.

Good luck

Answer 2

I don't know the percentage of the test being wrong. I do know that it can be wrong. Just because your baby has an increase risk, doesn't mean that it will have down syndrome. My daughter went to daycare with this little girl, whose tests showed that she would be born with down's syndrome and she ended up being perfectly healthy.
It probably showed an increased risk because of the father's genetic make up. They probably also have to word it this way, so you can't go back and sue them if the baby is born with DS. I know it' s upsetting to hear that your baby may not be born healthy, but realize chances are that he or she will be. Talk to your doctor about it, ask questions until you fully understand what is going on. God Bless.

Answer 3

Most Downs is do to damaged eggs from the mother. That is why older women tend to have them. I have a son with downs and we don’t have any higher chance to have another one then anybody else. As we all know women do not produce new eggs so the older they get the older the eggs are and the higher the chance of downs or other problems. There is a small chance it could be genetic but that is usually not trisomony 21 (common form of downs)

We have a daughter that is 8 (she does not have downs) and a son that is 6 with downs and a FYI if I could make him “normal” as society states it I wouldn’t. He is who he is a great lil boy who loves life. I am not a religious person but I do believe they are here for a reason.. I swear he can make that grumpy old man across the store light up and make funny faces. They defiantly have some energy that affect people… why I don’t know.

Answer 4

I am 18 pregnant w/twins and I just had blood work done becuz my fiancees brother also has down syndrome! the test came back the same as yours! now in about 2 months they have to stick a needle or something in my uterus to make sure everything is OK! I am very upset also and I am soo sorry to hear about this! if you ever wanna talk you can just E-mail me @ [e-mail]
♥Haley♥

Answer 5

My suggestion would be to ask them to do the test again or ask them to do an amiosentisis. That's when they take some embryonic fluid and analyze it for genetic disorders. It's a lot more painful but it has more conclusive results.

Answer 6

just ask for the test that detects downs

Answer 7

yes your risks are higher but, have them do another test. Just remember..god will not give you anything you cannot handle..god bless..good luck..