Pregnancy blood work question? nervous!?

Question

I am 17 weeks pregnant and had the blood work done to test for down syndrome, spina bifida, etc. The results should be available today or tommorow, and I am really nervous. I know this test is not always right because it was wrong with my niece, yet I am still nervous. I think I just need some reassurance and encouragement. Has anybody else had this bloodwork, and how did it turn out? Thanks.

OMG, you all are awesome! I appreciate each and every response, and I do feel better now. I am a special needs teacher, so that will definately be a plus if something were wrong. I would never abort my pregnancy because of this test because I love this baby no matter what. I will just try not to worry until I have a reason too. Thanks for all the responces. There is no way I will be able to pick a best answer from these responses unless I could pick all of you. So forgive me if I let this one go into voting!! Thanks again! :)

Everything came back perfectly normal. I am so thrilled. Thanks for all the support!

Answer 1

Mine turned out fine.... 1 in 10000 chance for Down Syndrome... which the doctor said is really good....

Answer 2

Well, I actually had an amniocentesis because I was 35. My results did show that my daughter had Down's Syndrome, but a rare type called Mosaic Down's Syndrome - which means that not all of her cells have the extra chromosome. My OB made an appointment for my husband and I to meet with a genetics specialist immediately following our discussion so she could inform us all about MDS. The reason was we needed to make a decision within a week to decide whether to continue the pregnancy. The truth is, we never even considered terminating. Instead, we educated ourselves so that we could be prepared for everything and anything. When my daughter was born, another test confirmed the MDS. However, had we never had the tests, we would've never known. Even the doctors were amazed.

I don't mean to scare you. The point of my story is to let you know that whatever news you get from the doctor, it's best to know before the baby comes because you have a chance to prepare. Having a baby can be overwhelming enough without adding the shock of learning your baby has a birth defect too.

Best of luck to you for a happy and healthy baby!

BTW - there are support groups for parents and early intervention programs for infants with special needs. My daughter started at age 2 months. She's now 14 months and tomorrow is the first day of school for her second year. The earlier you start a child in a program, the better chance they have at their physical and mental development.

Answer 3

I know the test isn't 100% guaranteed, but I had it done anyway. Why? Because if there was going to be some sort of birth defect I wanted to know so that I could read up on it and be prepared. Join some support groups, attend some classes. I just like to be prepared. Maybe I was a boy scout in a former life. ;) My doc didn't call me either. Mainly because he said that if there was something wrong, then he'd call. If he didn't, the test came back negative.

So don't stress out too much, having a child with special needs might be a bit more difficult than having one without, but what can you do? Nothing, there's no cure. If for some reason the test comes back positive (and that can happen and there will still be nothing wrong with your baby) just read up on Downs and Neural Tube defects, join some support groups, etc. That way you can be better prepared for your baby. Good luck!! =)

Answer 4

My bloodwork came out fine. I am 20 weeks, and I had it done a few weeks ago. I was nervous too. The tests came back negative and boy was I relieved. You are correct about them not being accurate occasionally. My friend had the test done and it came back positive for spina bifida. She was so scared. She had to have an amnio I believe. But she is due in October and everything is fine. So, don't worry, I am sure everything is ok.

Answer 5

I waived the test since I work with infants with special needs and the test isn't too accurate. I have parents where the test was normal, and they had a child with Downs anyways, and I've seen the reverse where the test is poitive and everyhthng is fine. The sonogram will tell you about spinabifida, and will be able to see if the baby has the heart defect that sometimes goes along with Downs. Don't worry though, 97% of all babies born are perfect!

Answer 6

I have 7 children and when asked if I desire to take these tests I usually respond, "Why? Is there a cure for these problems?" The usual answer is, "No."

I then say, "Well then, no matter what, I will love the child and do not need the stress of hearing you tell me that there is a problem when there is a chance that your test is wrong."

They usually understand.

The first 2 children, I was a wreck with worry. After that, I stopped having the test done.

Answer 7

I had this test done in the beginning too! I was worried everyday... You know my doctor didn't even call me and tell me the results? The next month when I came in she says "Oh! All your bloodwork for the baby was GREAT, she's healthy" SO I'm sure yours is too! Good Luck with your little miracle!

Answer 8

I had mine done and i was also nervous. Because i was on birth control for the first three mons of my pregnancy, i did not know i was, i got my period and never had an sickness from the pregnancy. And my son is normal, healthy ans smart. DO NOT worry about it, it is not good for your baby. he was born fine 9lbs and 47cm long. enjoy the days you have left yo sleep.

BE HAPPY

Answer 9

every 1 most likely who is pregnant takes this test youll be fine and your kid will to theres a very slight chance there would be something wrong so stop worring everything will be okay