I am almost 20 weeks pregnant....?

Question

When i was 18 and a half weeks i had the quad screen test done. I got the results back today and tested postive for downs syndrome. I showed a 1 in 174 % chance that the baby will have downs. Anyone experience similar results from this test and how reliable is it? I have heard it has a high false positive rate, but I am still freaking out. We wont change anything should the baby have downs and it certainly wouldnt make us love her any less, its just every parent hopes and prays for a healthy child and I just want to know the odds I am up against. I might also mention that I am 23 years old. My doctor said I may have tested positive because my blood pressure has been higher and I had some protein in my urine. Please someone help me, especially if you have had experience with something like this. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

The AFP test is where a blood sample is drawn from the mother to check the levels of AFP. AFP is a protein secreted by the fetal liver and excreted in the mother's blood. It is generally used for detecting neural tube defects, but it can also indicate other various disorders. A low level of AFP could also indicate Down Syndrome.

The triple screen measures not only AFP, but hCG and estriol as well. This test is more accurate and screens for additional genetic problems, and is beginning to replace the standard AFP.

The controversy in these tests lies in many places. One of which is the accuracy of the screenings. While some claim that they have only a 5% "false positive" rate, most research finds that there are 80+% rate of positive tests while the baby is unaffected. The false positive rates depend on many factors, including appropriate gestational age, maternal age, weight and the presence of diabetes.

False positives may not seem like a problem, BUT there are follow up tests that are done that do carry risks, like amniocentesis, which does carry a 1 - 2% rate of fetal loss. The standard is usually to repeat the AFP or triple screen. Another positive screen will then go to the Level II Ultrasound. Ultrasound can even be used to detect some of the anomalies associated with Downs Syndrome. If the ultrasound doesn't find a mix up in gestational age, or a multiple pregnancy, an amniocentesis is generally the next step.

There is a possible benefit of identifying neural tube defects before birth, because that can alter care. Such as the mode of delivery. It is generally considered safer for a baby with spina bifida to have a cesarean delivery. Although this can also be identified by ultrasound alone.

Of the positive test results, 90% of these babies will not have any anomalies. There may be other benign reasons for the elevated or low levels of the hormones, specifically the gestational age, or multiple pregnancies. The AFP test is generally done between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy, while the triple screen can be done a bit earlier. The gestational age is very important, because the amount of hormone in your blood will vary with gestational age.

So, statistically speaking, it's very likely that there is nothing at all wrong with your baby, assuming there is not a genetic history of down's in you or your partner's family.

Answer 2

I'm almost 20 weeks also (22 years old) and am currently awaiting the results (and the big fat bill) for my triple-screen test.

I think there are more tests you can do to determine more solid information (not merely just chances or percentages) about the condition of your baby. "Amnio" something?

You really need to talk to your doctor or maybe some of the nurses there. Nurses are usually more compassionate and take their time with you; they can lead you in the right direction.

Pray and just give this to God because there is nothing you can do regardless of the results. There is no point to stress when there is still a very good chance everything is fine... I know that sounds impossible, but take peace in that those tests are only suggesting you have a slightly higher chance than other women have had... there is nothing concrete in those results!

Please let me know how this turns out for you... I would call the doctor immediately because the worst thing you can do right now is worry. Let that be his job!

Answer 3

I have'nt had any experience w/testing positive for a quad screen test, but i am 19 weeks pregnant with my 4th child and 34 yrs. old. My doc suggested i don't do the quad screen test, because i am not yet 40 yrs. old, and downs syndrome occurs more in mothers who are 40 and over. And yes, my Dr. did say it has a high false positive rate, especially with women who are under 40. He said why stress myself out unnecessarily if i did the test and it turned out positive...or have to go through the reteseting process. Hopefully, you only tested positive because of the high blood pressure and protein in urine. I know either way, you will love your baby unconditionally. I know i would. I hope i have been of some help. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Your answer is in your question. A 1 in 174 % chance is a tiny chance. Less than one percent. The fact is the test is notoriously unreliable, and it's not even testing for downs so much as elements that increase the chances for downs. Especially if your only 23, I don't think you have anything to worry about. It was probably a testing fluke (like having high blood pressure one day when it's normally low).

Answer 5

I'm sure your doctor has set you up for a diagnostic (level 2) ultrasound, so that should help you know better.

At 23, your chances of not having a Down Syndrome baby are good, but with the postive screen, you may want to try an amnio.

Answer 6

firstly 1 in 174 is a VERY low chance. if you knew that before you got pg, you would have still gotten pg, kwim? it surely does have a high positive rate, and you are very young so chances are everything is ok. i just wanted to offer some advice and recommend a very in depth ultrasound vs. an amniocentesis. Being the mom of a preemie, i have met many other moms of preemies or stillborn babies simply b/c they had an amnio. i KNOW its rare, like 1% but someone has to b that 1% and its a lot of guilt to live with if something shuold go wrong b/c of it. My own perinatologist told me that almost everything you need to check for can be seen on a good ultrasound..

Answer 7

if it is only 1 % chance you should be ok. my sister was told a higher percentage and he daughter is a very happy and healthy child as of today and she is going to be 3. do not stress or worry about it because you are only going to hurt you and the baby. think very positive cuz your odds are good that the baby will be fine. either way the baby is a gift from God and you will be the best mom this child could have no matter how she comes out. your love will be so unconditional that you will see yourself looking past any problems and seeing your child to be the perfect baby. congrats on the pregnancy and good luck.
god bless

Answer 8

Those tests are excellent screening tools, but they do have a VERY high false pos. rate. I have had 3 friends get false positives on the Down's test. One friend tested pos with both pregnancies (and neither baby had Down's). Talk to your doctor about your concerns, but know that the test you've taken is NOT a diagnosis.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Get tested again ! Your doctor is wrong to not immediately suggest that. Let me say that with so many people concerned with perfection, I am really pleased with your decision about your results. But, I do think that regardless, you should repeat your test. You are very young to have a Downs baby. Good luck to you... all of you.

Answer 10

If you want to be 100% certain, get an amnio. They can tell you with a very high degree of certainty.

Be careful with worrying about the results though. My aunt was told that my cousin definitely had down's and she's 100% healthy.