How far along are you when you get tested to see if you baby has down syndrome or other birth defects?

Question

I am 18.5 weeks and i still dont think they have tested for it...Unless you can test it by a blood sample.

Answer 1

There is a screenign that can be done at abotu 12 weeks. If you are not high risk for it they usually measure teh nuchal fold at your 20 week ultrasound. Many of the trisomys can be detected by one of teh common blood tests done early on-the AFP.

The only way to know 100% is an amniocentesis which carries mcuh risk.

Answer 2

They usually test for that between 18 and 24 weeks. It all depends on your doctor. They do some testing by blood and more extensive testing via amniocentesis. However, all my doctors have said that they would rather me not have one done because the risks are too high. There is a 1% chance of miscarriage. Unless you don't want to keep the baby if it has down syndrome, I recommend just getting the blood test. No point in taking the risk. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you are 35 or over, you would been offered either CVS a lot earlier. There is a triple screen also done, but that should have been offered to you by now. I'd call the doctor's office on Monday and find out what is up. I do know that some doctors who practice at Catholic hospitals will not offer these tests because 95% of women who have positive tests choose abortion and we all know the Catholic response to that. You are still not too late for an amnio, if you should so choose. Recent studies indicate that the risks in amnio are much lower now that ultrasound is used while performing it.

Any testing needs to be done immediately as it takes as much as a week to get test results back.

Answer 4

Ask your doctor right away. I was given my triple screen test at 15 1/2 weeks. I think it is standard to do it between 15-18 weeks - and it is a blood test but my doctor asked me specifically if I wanted to do it - You should do it as soon as you can - then if anything shows up on it, you can pursue it further and have an amnio before it is too late.

Answer 5

They just tested mine when I was 16 weeks. They mailed the results a week later. Yes it is a blood test but you should know when your doing it because with my doc. It was an option to test for it not a requirement. Good luck and congrats.

Answer 6

It is actually tested by blood work. I was 24wks when I tested and the results came back negative - no Down Syndrome (thank God for that!)

Answer 7

Have you asked for those tests? If not and you want them, do it now. I'm sure the latest is about where you are - the idea being you can have a termination if you chose before about 24 weeks.

Good luck

Answer 8

I know the test is done from 17weeks to 24wks
it is a blood test
and if you it was done on you your doc would have told you about it, best to ask on your next visit

Answer 9

You have to request the tests. Pretty sure you can get an amnio at 5 months gestation.

Answer 10

As best as I can remember the nuchal fold scan(which is done by Ultrasound) tests for down syndrome...or at least gives you your chances. I think it was done at my 18 week ultrasound.