I had a screening test. Ratio 1:84 for Downs. Should I have an amnio?

Question

I'm 20 years old with no history of Downs in my family same for my husband. The doctor wants me to get an Amnio but I don't like the risks. I really am just thinking this is a false positive. They gave me the test at about 15 weeks so I'm not sure if was the right time period. I just did a repeat of the screen test and won't get the results for a week. The doctor told me it was pointless to do.
The reason the doctor wants me to have an Amnio is because we live in Alaska and no one here can deliever a down syndrome baby so I'd have to go down south. Are the odds in my favor though? Should I even bother. I'm thinking to get a level 2 ultrasound first then see what happens. Please help! I'm so stressed.

Thanks for your answers! I do plan on keeping the baby no matter what. The doctor was really pushing the amnio because I live in Alaska and cannot deliver the baby here. I'd have to fly to Seattle. The doctor told me that I had nothing to worry about, but if I didn't why am does he want me to take the test. I'm thinking I'm just going to wait for the second test results, then if it is still positive I will go ahead and do a Level 2 ultrasound, and then go with the amnio. What do you think?

Answer 1

First of all, Downs is not something that runs in families, it's a chromosomal abnormality that is a fluke of nature. At age 20 you are at very low risk. There runs a chance of miscarriage with the amnio, and I personally wasn't willing to risk it. There is a heart defect that about half of all Downs babies have and it's detected on a sonogram, so they will let you know if your baby has that when they do the sonogram. I'd wait and not get it, but that's just my opinion.

Answer 2

Wait till the second test results come back. The reason the test is done early (ie before 20 wks ) is b/c some parents choose to abort rather than cause their child that burden. Also how far is down south? Like a plane ride? b/c you are ill advised to fly during your 3rd trimester so you may have to temporally relocate if your area can not handle a baby in that situation. I would do what ever is best for the baby if the second test is still showing a huge risk i would take the amnio. Obv if you don't like your DR i would get a second opinion form another Dr.

Good luck

Answer 3

Oh, I'm sorry to hear of your dilemma. You should be at low risk for downs so the result seems odd. What I would do is wait for the result of the second screen test to eliminate the false positive. But if the second test comes out the same, get the amnio. Despite the risks, amnio is much more accurate than ultrasound screens and will put you at ease (and give you options early) if you have definitive answers.

Answer 4

My family and my husband's do not have any DS history but my combine NT and blood test showed odds of 1:297, done at 12 weeks. DS does not runs in family and is regardless of your age.

No tests or scans are more accurate than the amnio or CVS. Yes, the dr is advising you to have an amnio to confirm the situation and his intention is good. But if you are prepare to have the baby even if it has DS and you can't afford a miscarriage, then I would advise not going ahead. If however, you want to abort or to prepare yourself for a DS baby, go for the amnio. There are things to look up and be prepared for a DS baby like future education, special nusery, child care or complications that require surgery or medications that you must be prepare after the baby is born.

As this is very personal, I can't give you a no or go-ahead. Do weigh your pros and cons before reaching a decision.

Answer 5

You do what you need to do in order to be able to sleep at night. If you are worried about an amnio, say no. Wait to see what the level 2 ultrasound says, and then perhaps you can reconsider. That still leaves you plenty of time to make arrangements to go south. And 1:84 are very small odds.

Answer 6

Wait for the repeat test results and if they are still showing a cause for concern, then you can opt for the amnio. Or you can opt not to have an amnio and just make arrangements to have your baby delivered down south, just in case. Best wishes and best of luck to you.

Answer 7

You can get an ultrasound instead to look for signs of Down syndrome, but it won't be 100% accurate, but there's no risk.

As for delivering the baby, delivery shouldn't be any different for a baby that might have Down syndrome. There is a risk that the baby will need special care after delivery though. You can check for those special problems with an ultrasound, though again, they might not be detected. If you do stay in Alaska, maybe you can find a hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with the necessary level of care, and surgeons who can perform any necessary surgery. That's one good reason for getting a prenatal diagnosis.

Answer 8

I can't remember what its called, but my Dr. gave me a blood test that was basically an alternative to amnio for women under 35. Ask your Dr. about it. You know what, im going to quit being lazy ... im going to find the pamphlet.


Ok, its called the AFP4 test. you have to have it taken between 14 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It's a test taken from a blood sample. It was leads to the detection of 81% of Downs cases, 80% OF TRISOMY 18 CASES AND 80% OF OPEN NEUTAL TUBE DEFECTS.

there ya go its a great alternative with virtually no risks. Best wishes

Answer 9

well i dont see the problem with having a baby with downs they are they same as a normal child just need more love so that would seem rather fufilling to me.it wouldnt be hard to go to a hosptitail that can deliver your baby and the doctors test could be wrong and you have a perfectly normal healty baby.there are alot of complications that come with a downs baby that can stressful and heartbreaking but.it just depends on how you feel about the WHOLE situation.no one can tell you whats best for you.

Answer 10

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