2006-08-09 01:23:57 · 19 answers · asked by Archie 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I'm 29 and this is my first.
2006-08-09 01:43:33 · update #1
Don't bother. I had two pregnancies and two false positives. Neither of my children had Down's Syndrome. In addition, if you go for an amnio, you have a high risk of miscarriage.
Do you want a baby, or do you NEED a "perfect" baby?
2006-08-09 01:31:56 · answer #1 · answered by pamspraises 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, I'd be seriously worried if your ob/gyn automatically wanted to do the test without any prior history of birth defects.
Second, if you have no prior history, its really a decision based on whether or not you would terminate the pregnancy. Like in my case, they only offer to do one because of my age 36. But I don't think it will change my mind. This is my first pregnancy, when they told me I'd never conceive. So I'll take my chances.
The test itself, has risks, they are puncturing the sac and it has something like a 15% chance of being wrong. Also it tests for things like spina bifida and other neural tubal defects. And I haven't read anywhere whether or not the test can tell you to what degree the child will be affected. What if the child can lead a normal productive life? and you terminate? Its a tough decision. Good Luck.
crossstitch.... you've got a cousin who lived to be 60 with down syndrome??? And you don't call that a productive life? Severly down syndrome people don't normally live that long at all. In fact 40-45 is considered average. Simply because of other medical issues they are usually suspetable too.
My cousin, was the sweetest woman ever. She passed away 3 years ago, @ 46. I'd say she was medium to severe. She never mentally grew above the age 8. And her motor skills were a little slow and her speech was really bad. But if you were to ask her, she loved her life and everyone in her life. How great to go through life being so accepting of others.
2006-08-09 08:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by gypsy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This test is risky and not as correct as people would like you to think it is. I refused to have the test done and my girls were fine. You could have an U/S and I read that the doctor's can tell by the shape of the nose in a developing baby whether it might have Down's Syndrome and this test is far less invasive and more safe. But it is still your choice. If you would love this child irregardless of it's possible disability then don't get the test.
2006-08-09 08:30:34 · answer #3 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have any risks factors for Down Syndrome then I would suggest being tested so that you can prepare for any complications should there be any but it is a personal choice. Some moms feel that it would not change their plans either way and opt not to have the test done. I was tested because I needed the peace of mind for the rest of the pregnancy.
2006-08-09 08:30:26 · answer #4 · answered by confused by court order 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Search your heart and talk with the father of the child if he is in the picture. Figure out whether or not it would matter to you if your child has Down's Syndrome. If not, there is no need for the testing, as you would love and care for him/her regardless of the outcome of the test. (Unless you just want to know to be prepared). If your decision about continuation of the pregnancy would be affected by the outcome of the test, then go ahead with it. Good luck!
2006-08-09 08:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess a better question would be...what would you do if you found out your unborn baby has Down's Syndrome? If the answer is NOTHING, then why even test?
I chose not to have the test because I would love and care for my child no matter what. If I had tested and it came up positive, all it would do is make me worry for the rest of my pregnancy.
2006-08-09 08:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am ten weeks also, and I've been faced with the same question. the only thing I can advise you is that if there is a chance that you may have a child with down syndrome, and you'd like to prepare yourself, and your spouse, or if you would not be willing to have a child in the future with down syndrome, then you should get the testing. But if not, and you know that you would love your child no matter what, you shouldn't get it done. good luck!
2006-08-09 11:04:11 · answer #7 · answered by jenniklog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Test for it. I was pregnant, and my husband and I found out our baby had severe Down's when I was 3 months along (I was 38, and a high risk pregnancy, so they were watching me closely). After the worst weekend of our lives, we finally agreed that we could not force a child to live like that, not because we didn't love him, but because we did. I'd hate for you to find out too late that you've made the wrong decision. I have a cousin with Down's who is now about 60. She now has severe Alzheimer's, too (it's fairly common in people with Down's), and her parents are unable to care for her. Her father has told us that he wishes they had been able to test, to prevent the heartache for all of them.
2006-08-09 08:40:21 · answer #8 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First make a decision what you'll do if you're baby's at high risk. Then go ahead with the test. If it is a high risk...educate your self and prepare for a baby with dows syndrome
2006-08-09 13:10:17 · answer #9 · answered by hotrod luvin princess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most OB/GYNs will automatically do this test. However if your using a midwife, this is totally up to you. Most likley your baby will be normal, but if you have any doubts, then get the test done.
2006-08-09 08:29:49 · answer #10 · answered by littlebettycrocker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋