Downs syndrome, how likely?

Question

Im 16 weeks pregnant, Im 18 & healthy, there is no one in my family with downs syndrome or in my partners family. How likely is it that our baby will have downs syndrome?..as ive got some blood tests coming up that will check for this as well as spina bifida & im quite worried.

Answer 1

downs syndrome is more likely with older mothers

Answer 2

At 18 you are still growing yourself, But if you are as healthy as you say you are, and nobody has it in your family or your partners family then your baby will probably not have it. The percentage of a baby having downs syndrome is quite low anyway. With spina bifida your risk would have decreased if you had taken alot of 'folic acid' during your pregnancy, from vegetables or from tablets from the doctor especially before conception or the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
You will have a abnormly scan about 20-24 weeks that will test for abnormality problems, and blood tests will give you a better idea, but nobody can really know for sure. Its best not to worry, and just see what happens when your results come through. But its probably very unlikely your baby has either.

Answer 3

the average risk is 1 in 800 but because of your age your chances are lower about 1 in 1500. what they do once they have worked out the risk is that if it falls at a high risk like 1 in 250 then they may offer you amniocentesis. other blood tests they may do will include Full blood count (for anaemia) blood group and rhesus factor (rhesus neg women need injections if their partner is rhesus positive) Rubella, HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphillis. don't worry these test are routine just to ensure your health and that of your baby. I'm sure you'll be fine but i'm surprised the hospital haven't given you any information on all of this. i got handed a load of leaflets when i was booked in with the midwife. i know it all sounds really daunting but i'm sure everything will be fine! spina bifida and downs syndrome will both be looked for in the ultrasound, and downs is also a blood test to ensure an accurate result, this is combined screening.

Answer 4

Those test can be frightening. I was a young mother, 16 when I was pregnant with my first and the test came back that I had the same chance as a 35 year old woman to have a down syndrome baby. They had me go to genetic counciling, a special ultra sound and tried to get me to do an amnio, I refused that one, turns out if the doctor doesnt do the test within a certain time frame than you results can be off, or if your prenant with multiples. My doctor did mine at the wrong time, he wouldnt redo it though, and my baby was perfectly normal and fine. Just try to relax about the testing, its just a normal thing they do for everyone, Im sure your test will turn out fine, and if it doesnt then their are many other test to reassure you that your baby is fine.

Answer 5

those tests are all routine so don't worry. A few things you can do: Don't drink any alcohol (or drugs) since that can cause fetal alcohol syndrome which is similar to Downs AND take prenatal vitamins with folic acid since that prevent spina bifida.

Answer 6

The blood tests are really the only thing that can tell you this. I'm 34 expecting my first but my downs syndrome test came back as "low risk". My mother had two children at 36 and 42 and neither of us have Downs, yet I know women who had Downs children when they were in their teens and twenties, so you can't always say its age related.

I'd say your chances are fairly low, the only thing that might have given cause for concern with me was my age, but it still came back as low risk (I know even then there's stilla chance the baby could have downs), but you will have to wait for your blood tests to be sure.

Answer 7

Hi-congrats on the pregnancy!
You sound very very low risk!
I refused to have the blood tests-my midwife got abit funny about it but like I said its abit too late -once the baby is in there-I could never do anything to hurt my children,I just accept them and cherish them for who they are -a part of me and my husband.
Stop worrying-I am sure you'll be just fine,good luck for the big day and the next 18 years at least!

Answer 8

Very small chance. If you are very concerned, you might get a screening of amneotic fluid, but that can be dangerous to the fetus and is rather unpleasant for the mom. In your case, it is not needed. Rest easy, and trust in good genetics.
BTW, I notice you carefully avoid the word "husband." I know it is unfashionable these days, but consider the impact on your child growing up without a father. A large part of the problems in American society today is caused by the increasing lack of two-parent households.

Answer 9

Every pregnant women has these test. Your chances of your baby having these problems are slim to none. Try and not to worry. All pregnant women do though. Enjoy your pregnancy and have a healthy lovely baby.

Answer 10

I think your speaking of the triple screen test, this will not tell you if your baby has down syndrome, it will only tell you if your at high or low risk, you need an amino to test for down syndrome

Answer 11

These blood tests are standard and given to every mother. They are nothing to worry about.

The chances of your child getting these problems is rare but the test is so simple it is done anyway.

Like I say, nothing to worry about. Just concentrate on looking after yourself and your unborn baby.

And congratulations.