I just wanna know how the test is done? My doc. is giving me a choice to do it or not, and im not to sure, i wanna know how it is done first. Im suppose to go wednesday and im 17 weeks pregnant!
2006-09-25 14:47:56 · 9 answers · asked by xxlilmekristyrae32xx 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I think you're talking about what is called a "Quad screen". It is a blood test that can only be done between 12 - 18 weeks.
They draw blood, do four tests and the results tell you if there is a possibilty of a defect.
So, a negative results means there haven't found anything to indicate a birth defect.
A positive result means that there MAY BE a birth defect. The positive result doesn't tell you for sure yes or for sure no, just that it's possible.
Ok, so if you have a positive result then it would be recommended that you have an amniocentisis done. That is when some of the fluid around the baby is extracted with a very long needle through the abdomen. This procedure carries a 1 in 100 risk of miscarriage, in other words a 1% risk.
What you have to ask yourself is, do you need to know?
If the quad screen comes back positive will you have the amniocentisis done?
If you will not have an amniocentisis done under any circumstances, then do not have the quad screen. It will only make you worry during the rest of your pregnancy.
Do you have the need to know if this child has any birth defects? If you do need to know so that you can prepare yourself mentally, then yes, do the test, do the amnio.
If you do not need to know or if you would do nothing differently, then do not do the test.
It is a very personal choice that each woman needs to decide for herself. I chose not to, my dearest friend did.
Who was right? We both were!!
Best of luck to you!!
2006-09-25 15:45:37 · answer #1 · answered by seaelen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A simple blood test. It's a good idea to have the test, you can decide what to do later if there is a problem. Just be careful, my test came out with a problem and they then sent me for an ultrasound where the doctor said I wasn't as far along as they thought and changed my due date. They did another test and it came out fine, but I was pretty sure about my dates, and sure enough, my daughter came on the original due date, three weeks "early". She is fine, no birth defects, but it worries me, what would have happened if they had not changed the dates and the test showed a problem..... Just be careful and get all the facts.
Congrats, by the way!
Having read all the posts that appeared while I was writing, I see that there are several tests that are being discussed. The one I wrote about is standard with all pregnancies. An ultrasound is also fairly standard, but usually not too early in the pregnancy and the amnio is used only for high risk pregnancies where either the mother is older, or there is a risk of a specific defect (usually because someone else in the family has the problem). It does carry some risk to the baby.
Best of luck to you and your family!
2006-09-25 21:52:27 · answer #2 · answered by Rox 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually by inserting a needle and taking some of the amniotic fluid (fliud surrounding the the baby in the womb)
1) There have been cases where one slip of the needle hurt the baby
2) Are you seriously going to abort if there's problems? If not then the test is irrelevant.
We elected not to have it done.
2006-09-25 21:51:24 · answer #3 · answered by teef_au 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a blood test and an amniocentesis.
Just be aware that blood test have been known to have
false positives. We opted for no testing.
Is it really going to make a difference? Will you abort if
you find out negative news? Talk with your OB.
Age is a factor also.
2006-09-25 21:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by Ontario_Mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to explain the name of the test you're talking about. Is it Ultrasound?
Don't read any of the messages posted by men they don't go through these things and always tend to give bad news.
2006-09-25 21:50:23 · answer #5 · answered by LVieau 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its the same one i had they use a very long needle to extract some amniotic fluid. it is painful and as with any invasive procedure, it has its risks. i had my last child at 37 so i was high risk. i wanted to be prepared for anything that might be wrong so i went ahead with it. you must decide for yourself, so good luck.
2006-09-25 21:53:40 · answer #6 · answered by rebecca_sld 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they take amiotic fluid to check back in the 80's they will put a needle threw your stomach to get the fluid out now i dont know how its done my mom didnt do it for me for fear that the needle will hit my brain
2006-09-25 21:55:55 · answer #7 · answered by jettalady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is called a amino and that is where they will put a needle through your uterus and then they will draw some amino fluid. They will also be doing a ultrasound durning that time also. Goodluck and CONGRATS
2006-09-25 21:50:14 · answer #8 · answered by embsmg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's the amniocentesis test it carries a risk of miscarriage.
2006-09-25 21:50:30 · answer #9 · answered by Fun2010 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋