I'm 41 y/o and 14 weeks pregnant and Amniocentosis has been bought up what are the real risk?

Question

I'm of course at the age where they want to test for down syndrome and other factors which makes me nervous. Isn't there any other test that can be performed that don't cost an arm and a leg to determine any deformations in my baby?

Answer 1

Go ahead and get the amnio, it'll ease your mind. Don't put a price on your sanity. My wife had an amnio as well, we were nervous about it, but we're glad we did. As I understand it, the risks associated with the amnio are very rare, but your doctor can let you know more.

Answer 2

An amniocentisis is the best option. You can determine abnormalities early. Some abnormalities like spina bifida can be fixed while the baby is in the womb!
However, if you are really against an amniocentisis, then some physical abnormalities will show up on your ultrasound closer to the delivery date.
Other abnormalities such as gastroschisis (intestines on the outside), herniation of the umbilicus, and urinary system complications will be seen on the ultrasound and you will actually have symptoms as well such as decreased or increased amniotic fluid.
Nevertheless, your biggest risk is down syndrome and the ONLY way to know about that EARLY is via amniocentisis because this abnormality is due to an excess of chromosomes and cannot be determined through an ultrasound.
However, there are risks of having an amniocentisis, the amniotic sac may continue to leak after the procedure and you will need bedrest to ensure that it closes.
My mother had an amnio. for her 3rd child when she was 36. The procedure caused some leakage and she went on bedrest. The baby came out fine.
If you are considering aborting the fetus if it has any abnormalities, then get the amnio. is the only way to go.
However, being a maternity nurse, women who are in their 40's deliver everyday, usually their babies are just fine, and almost all of them have had an amnio.
Good luck!

Answer 3

I am not sure I know there is something called "vili sampling" they stick a needle in the embriotic sac, but I mean even though it might cost an arm and a leg, it's worth it. I would want to be prepared for what is coming and what is the baby's health and your health too. Women over 40 are at a high risk of having a baby born with Down Syndrome, I think I read somewhere you actually have 20 times more chance than someone who is 20 years younger than you. Good luck, and try to put the nervousness aside and take one of these tests. I know that if there was something that might be wrong I would want to take care of it now, then find out later.

Answer 4

I would first ask myself "what would I do if I found out that the baby had Down Syndrome"....

Almost 13 years ago I gave birth (at the age of 21) to a beautiful daughter with Mosaic Down Syndrome. She is honestly the must wonderful child...Several years later I gave birth to twin girls (at the age of 26)...during my pregnancy I was faced with the amnio question...I turned down the amnio because it didnt matter if the baby/s had Down Syndrome or not (they didnt)...Now another almost 8 years later my husband and I are planning on having another baby..and again the topic of amnio/genetic testing has come up.....we already have 5 kids between us (his & hers, we'd like one together)...we have decided to start off with the NT test at 12 weeks and take it from there..We may or may not have the amnio or not..with the children we have and the things we want to do having another child with Down Syndrome MIGHT not be the best thing for our family..It would be a hard decision to make either way ....but I know now I would want to know so that I could make an informed decision and have a stressfree pregnancy.

Answer 5

I was 41 with my twins (now 8 mo old). I had an NT scan, which measure the nuchal fold, and that will tell you whether or not you really need to have the amnio. If the fold measures under 2.6, then you're probably okay, but anything over that indicates a high chance of downs. Ask your peri for the scan. It MUST be done soon--I think 14 weeks may be too late. Seems like the latest is 13w6d. Call today to ask your peri, and do a search for nuchal fold scan range.

Answer 6

I agree with everyone else.

DON'T do the amnio and risk miscarriage unless you think you'll give up the baby if it does have "deformities." But I hope you do NOT want to do that. It's your child! Even if something is (God forbid) really really wrong and it doesn't make full gestation or doesn't live past age 2, do you want to lose that experience and determine for yourself that it should end now??

:-(

Good luck to you, Sister of Advanced Maternal Age. ;-)

Answer 7

Are you going to throw it away if its not perfect? I ask that because that is truly what you have to think about. My sister was 40 when she had amnio with her second child....she started leaking fluid two weeks later, spent 30 days in the hospital, then started bleeding. Tyler was born at 24 weeks! Don't risk it if its only going to prepare you, trust what god has given you. If you won't be able to handle a gift that needs special care than I would suggest you do it as early as possible if you would be terminating...think hard, both decisions have the potential to haunt you.

Answer 8

no ma'am they pretty much always cost an arm a leg and maybe a torso...but honestly I am living by this book cuz it really does address a lot of the questions and or complications new moms and older moms such as yourself...(dont stress too much my mom just had a baby four months ago...beatiful baby boy perfectly normal and she is forty three) heehee..and now I am 4 months pregnant and am 18 years older than my lil bro funny right but..the book I am SURE you have heard of it is called what to expect when you are expecting its like 11 bucks at walmart..get it and read through to your month..gives you Great advice on what to expect or what you are feeling...and The reason I actually clicked on this question is cuz I had read about amniocentosis in my book last night.

Answer 9

First of all, WHY, oh why do these doctors do this test? It is SO dangerous! I would refuse it.
If you are going to have a child with Downs, you are very blessed.
Downs children are closer to God. Think about it, they are pure minded and joyful, have wonderful spirit and the families with Downs children are so blessed to have these beautiful children in their lives.
DO NOT let anyone tell you your child is not "perfect", God does not make mistakes.

visit

http://www.benotafraid.net
http://www.friends-support.org

Best Wishes to you and your new baby!!!

Answer 10

I think it is a wonderful test, ask your doctor about costs if it is out of pocket, and what they can do to lower it. if anything, or if there are other tests available to get the same results.

Or ask for state assistance, most states have programs avaialbe to middle income familys to help cover some pregnancy expenses.