Would you get this test?

Question

I went to my OB/GYN on Friday and he said the next test I would have is between 11 and 13 weeks (I just turned 10 weeks on Saturday) and it's completely elective. It's called an ultrascreen. It's just like an ultrasound, but they would measure the fat around the baby's neck (I didn't even know they could do that so soon), to test for Down's syndrome. I guess a thicker neck is a sign. The doctor said that all the women that go to that office are given that option (I'm 25 years old and don't have anyone in mine or my husband's family that have Down's syndrome, so I'm not really at risk for it). My husband said if the insurance covers it, to do it, and if it's positive, we can prepare ourselves better before the baby's born. I never was asked if I wanted it done with my first pregnancy and I wondered how many mothers out there would want to have this scan done or who have had it done and what the outcomes were.

Answer 1

I was asked if i wanted to have a blood test to see if there was a higher risk of my baby having Down's Syndrome or not. This is my first child and I am already anxious about what to expect!! I spoke with my husband and asked for his views on the situation. We both decided that we would like the test done - only so if there was a higher risk then we could research and be prepared for what we could expect. We have been blessed with this child whether boy or girl, healthy or with problems!!

Answer 2

Yes I had this test done as well. Its very common these days, they try to get every one to have one. Its called a Nuchal Translucency test. The sonographer measures the fluid filled sac at the back of the baby's neck. A blood test is also usually done as well as it increases the accuracy of the scan to 85%. Generally the larger the measurement, or depth of the fluid, than the greater the chance the baby may have a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome. The NT measurement, blood test results, woman's age and estimated age of the baby are combined to calculate a risk estimation. If your risk is high you will then be offered the option of having a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis. Some woman though get a high risk result but go on to have a perfectly healthy baby where as others get a low result but can end up having a child with a disorder. So the test is not entirely accurate.
To the woman that said she would have an abortion if the test was positive, that's just selfish!. All children are beautiful and perfect no matter what!.

Answer 3

I am also 25 and pregnant with baby number two. I was also given the choice to go for it and when I was 13 weeks me and my boyfriend decided to go for the test.

Everything turned out normal. They just do a quick scan of your baby. measuring it's neck and does some blood tests. It is nothing scary to go through, now I can relax and enjoy my pregnancy. There isn't down sydrome in my family or in his.

I promise you everything will be okay. It is your choice at the end of the day, but I went for mine and now I know. I also found out that day that I am having a boy, so I do not regret going.

Good luck and congrats.

Answer 4

There is also a blood test that they can do to see if you are at higher risk of having a baby with downs and other problems. it is called a triple screen. I was offered it, but I am not having it done, if the test came out that i was at risk then i would have to have an amniocentesis done, and they have a 1 in 200 chance of miscarriage. I decided that for me, I wouldn't abort my baby if if had downs, and I would just worry while I was waiting to find out. but If you would terminate because you were going to have a handicap baby, then take the test and find out, if its not going to make a difference to you, then dont. You will love your baby no matter how it comes out. You will worry about your baby for the next 50 years, why start the worry early?

Answer 5

I've never even heard of this test and I have a daughter that's only 2....Anyway though personally I wouldn't have it done for a couple of reasons. First of all if either of my kids had had down's syndrome I still would've had them. Second I know a lady that has a daughter that is now 8. When she was pregnant the dr kept insisting that the baby had down's syndrome because of measurements done when she had ultrasounds. They almost aborted this little girl and the only thing wrong with her is a little hearing loss in one ear. If it was me I'd skip it because you can't always trust test results.

Answer 6

There is also a blood test that can be done to test for down syndrome. Usually most blood work is covered by insurance. I plan on having the blood work done. It is always good to prepare yourself mentally if something were wrong before hand. Im sure your baby is fine and it is just a pre-caution. Best of luck!

Answer 7

Yes i had it done a few weeks ago it is called a nucal skin fold test, they measure the skin flods between the babies chin & chest. It somehow accuratly tells if baby will have downs with out a amnio. I am not at high risk & my test came out fine. My hubby & I would not have aborted just wanted to know so if there was ahigh chance for downs we could join a support group & become as ready as possible to care for the child. It is easy, non invassive & they wil tell you your resluts same day!

Answer 8

I don't recall them telling me about this particular test.I do know they did a series of tests on me but they were all done at the same time and I was not 11 weeks. I was a little further along. I do think that you should take the test. There is no harm in finding out more info about your babys health before it gets here. If there is no family link, then the odds are you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 9

I have never heard it called that, but I know they recently found that by measuring the nuchal (spelling?) fold, which is the curvature behind the neck, they can determine risk for Down's. I know they looked at this on my 18 week anatomy scan, but I had no special test just for it.

But if insurance pays for it - I would do it. Especially if you get to see the baby :). Congrats!

Answer 10

I have never heard of that test before myself. SOrry i cant help you there... but this is something that i want you to think about. No matter what the result, if you are keeping the baby, why would you want to risk losing it if something goes wrong during the testing? There are always risk things like this can happen. Sorry i couldnt be much help but good luck.... it;s yours and your hubby's decision. No doctors can tell you otherwise.