I was told that i tested positive for having a 1 in 300 chance of having a baby with down syndrome.?

Question

Has anyone been told this before and the baby didn't come out with it. How can they tell on the 3-D ultrasound that will tell you without having diagnostic testing done. If your baby did have it was your pregnancy different did you feel that something is wrong with the pregnancy. Worried mother of 2 and one on the way.

i'm only 22

Answer 1

With my first one they told me that we had a 1 in 20 chance, with it being my first baby I flipped out and I cried and cried, but never thought of ending the pregnancy though they gave us that option. My daughter is now in kindergarten and at the top of her class and even scored the highest grade on comprehensive testing done a few weeks ago, she has no signs of down syndrome. Please don't panic, the tests are wrong all the time and on 3D ultrasounds they can tell physical attribeauts that are typically related to downs. Try to stay calm, our odds were higher and our daughter is 5 1/2 and perfect. Good luck and you will be in our prayers.

Answer 2

I'm 21 and I have been through the same thing as you. I know it's a very scary and stressful situation.

They did the screening and they told me that my baby had a 1/160 chance that it could have down syndrome (That's a really high chance!) It also was really scary for me, because my fiance's brother has DS, so there was more of a chance that our baby could have it.

So they had me go to a UC Hospital and they did a level 2 ultrasound (a lot more clear than a regualr one). They told me that my due date was off, and that the test wouldn't be correct then. The re did the test (going with the new due date) and that the baby didn't have DS. They could also tell from the ultrasound (by measuring the legs, head, and arms) that the baby was fine also.

Those screening tests are only 55% accurate, and the only way they can really tell is by doing an ultrasound or an amniocentisis (sticking a needle through the uterus and taking some of the amniotic fluid out to test it) It is your choice though, if you want to have that test done or not. I personally wasn't going to have it done (both my choice and my fiances) because no matter what, we would love the child no different!

Like I told you, my fiance's brother has DS, and he can still do most things anyone else can do (he just learns slower). He graduated high school, has a job, and has fun just like anyone else!

I wish you the best of luck and if you would like to know anything more, just message me :)

Congrats on the little one ;)

Answer 3

Of course you're worried. The more information you can get, the better you will be able to handle whatever comes. The numbers mean that it's like having a stack of 298 playing cards, including just one ace of spades. Having your third child is closing your eyes and picking one card. The chances of having a Down's baby are still quite low.

There are 3 women I know well who each have a child with Down syndrome. Their pregnancies felt completely normal.

This web page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome shows the different non-invasive tests you can take early in your pregnancy to see if the baby has the extra of chromosome 21. It tells when the test is given, and how reliable the results are. This is just to give you an idea -- there may be better information elsewhere, and your obstetrician will know.

I really wish you well.

Answer 4

If you already have 2 healthy babies and you are just 22 years old (which is very very young for Down's) your risks are relatively slim. During a 3-d ultrasound, they can measure the size of the fetal neck and also look at the fetal nose, both of which can indicate the possibility of Down's.

If you are really concerned, you can have Amnio to rule it out. But 1 in 200 to 1 in 400 amnios cause accidental miscarriage/death of healthy fetuses. You are probably fine, and 1 in 300 is still a long shot.

Look at it this way: you have a 299 to 1 chance that your baby will be perfectly healthy. When I deliver my baby in May, I was told that I have a 1 in 75 chance that the baby will have a genetic defect resulting in retardation, such as Down's, because I will be 39 years old.

good luck. don't do anything rash.

Answer 5

I would not let the doctors do these test on me for the very reason that no matter what it is still my baby. If for some reason God felt that it was in His will to give you a baby with Down's then he must have thought that you would be a good parent. I know that things like that are hard on the parent, but it takes a very special kind of person to deal with special children. Don't stress about it. Either way the baby is still your child and you should love it unconditionally. I wish you the best and I will pray for you.

Answer 6

I was told my baby might have Downs because of something they saw on the ultrasound (not 3-D though). She does not have it,she's now 3 and in perfect health. They have to tell you if it's a possibility, but I think 1 in 300 is pretty good odds. Good luck!

Answer 7

My child too was born with a defect. I had an awesome pregnancy and I would never have guessed it. My baby turned out fine. Sometimes they can't even see it on an ultrasound. I would stop worrying. Its not good to worry. You will love your baby no matter what because I know I do and nothing can change that.

Answer 8

you should have the AFP test done again and also amniocentesis will tell you. the 3D ultrasounds i am not sure how they know but they told me my little girl had a head full of hair even though i didn't see it and they were right. Keep in mind that nothing is a 100% and if your other children are OK this 1 probably is too Good luck and best wishes!!!!

Answer 9

I have a cousin and a close friend who have Down syndrome children. One knew before the birth and one did not. They both believe it is better to know as early as you can. Knowing for sure is a lot better than worrying. Also, if a woman knows ahead of time, she can talk with other parents, read about it, do a lot of psychological adjusting. It gives both parents time to prepare together, and to decide what to tell the children they already have.

So what I'm saying is: there is no bad aspect of having a test.

Answer 10

They measure a fold in their neck for Down Syndrome.
I have heard about a lot of people where the blood test shows possibility of Downs and then the baby is fine. Good luck
PS: You also get a 4D Sonar now, which would most probably be the best for you