I have just been told my chances of carrying a baby with Down Syndrome is 1 in 98,?

Question

I am scheduled for an amnio tomorrow, has anyone else gone through this?

Answer 1

That's pretty much anyone over 35. 1 in 98 is not that great a chance, it's just over 1%.
I'm in the same risk category and the way I see it is as long as the organs are functioning and there's a low risk of things like Spinabifida, it's ok.
I'm not having the amnio because of the 2% risk of miscarriage. Weigh that against the 1% chance of Down Syndrome, and remember that an amnio is only 80% right.
I know it's hard not to worry when you're pregnant, and God knows that I'm the worst offender, but I have to say it...Don't worry.

Answer 2

My AFP came back 1 in 141 chance of DS. I was so scared. I had a Level II ultrasound and the specialist said he looked perfect. I choose not to have an amnio. I know someone personally that lost a baby after doing an amnio and the baby ended up not even having DS. I also asked the perinatologist if anyone she did an amnio ended up losing their baby and she said yes last week. It's very real and happens. I was not willing to take that chance. I'm 33 weeks and have had two 4D ultrasounds and my baby is perfect. Good luck.

Answer 3

I waived the AFP screening test for this since there are so many false posiitves, and I wouldn't follow up with an amnio and risk a miscarriage. There is a heart defect that often accompanies downs syndrome and it can be seen on a sonogram. There are a few other indicators that can be seen on a sonogram so I personally would just go that route, since it's safer. I had a co-worker who miscarried when she had an amnio (it happens in 1 out of 100 cases). She was so upset that she chose to do the amnio and waived the test with her next pregnancy.

Answer 4

hi...I was in your situation a little over 4 yrs ago. my chances were about the same as yours. what I did before the amnio was a level 2 ultra-sound which is done by a perinatologist. they look for markers of DS, though not 100% it is still pretty reliable. they measure the long bones of the baby's arms and legs (kids with DS have shorter long bones), they will also measure the fungal fold on the back of the neck (kids with DS have a thicker fungal fold) and look for congenital heart defects and intestinal defects which are associated with DS. in my case they found 3 markers, heart defect called av-canal, shorter long bones, and thicker fungal fold. the perinatoligist then asked if I wanted an amnio done. I took it...I wanted to know for sure if he has DS to prepare ahead of time. someone said on here that an amnio isn't 100%, they are misinformed it is accurate because it looks at the chromosomes of the baby.....chromosomes don't lie. I waited 2 very long days to find out the results of the amnio. I was terrified, anxious ...you name the emotion and I went through it. yes, my son did indeed have down syndrome. today I have a wonderful, if not mischievious, little boy who is the light of my heart..he has down syndrome...no big deal. he still learns, laughs, loves, plays and can throw some totally awesome tempertantrums...lol I mourned the loss of my ''perfect'' child in the begining...it's only natural, but you know something? I do have a perfect child!...he is the son of my soul and I wouldn't change a thing about him...ok...maybe the naughty part...lol the best advice I could give you is not to worry about what your baby may or may not have...he/she is still your child and you will love them more with each passing day. if your child does have DS you will be going down a different path than most new moms, but believe me when I tell you...it is a fun path to be on....filled with daily adventures and accomplishments good luck sweetie...I hope everything works out for you and most importantly...congrats on the upcoming birth of your baby!!!!

Answer 5

My genetic screening came back pos for Down Syndrome and so I scheduled an appt for amnio. I researched and researched and when we went to the hopsital for the procedure and the lady was marking my belly, I just had to tell them to stop. The only reason for an amnio is to give you info that you will find out when the baby is born anyway. The risk of hurting your baby like possibly having his/her foot hit by the needle (causing club foot) is 1 in about 200 and there are even greater risks like miscarriage. I just couldn't risk hurting my baby in return for info I would receive naturally when she was born anyway. I know the wait would be hard... it was for me. You will love your baby no matter what she has and as for preparing for the baby to have a condition as DS and learning to cope with it before it's born?... you can't. Even amnio isn't 100% so the truth will have to wait anyway until she's born and until that moment, you will be hoping he or she turns out with no defect. It was an agonizing wait for me but I think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I shudder recalling how close I was to having it done. My daughter was born with no defect. I had them do a level 2 ultrasound at the hospital instead of the amnio. It's a much clearer ultrasound that gives them the opportunity to check for markers for DS such as extra fluid behind the neck, etc.. They gave me a 96% chance she was fine after the ultrasound. I feel for you and I'm so sorry you have to go through this, as I totally understand. But remember you are a mother right now and decisions that you will make the rest of the baby's life in his/her best interest start now. It will do nothing for the baby for you to know and as I said, there is a risk of harming it. Good luck =)

Answer 6

I read some really good stuff about this on a board and basically do not be worried. Many of the people opted not to do amnio because of the risk of miscarriage and apparently there are tons and tons of false positives. Do more research before you commit to anything. If you don't know enough about this than find out. I will try to find the link for that board.

Answer 7

I know this is probably a scary time for you. I agree with what others said - an amnio may not be worth it because of the risk of miscarriage and the risk of a false positive. Are you going to abort your baby if they say it might have Down Syndrome? I hope not. People with this disease live perfectly happy lives and bring joy to the people around them. My husband's cousin has it and she is so wonderful. It would be a challenge to raise a baby with this illness, but can you really look at someone with it and say that it would be better if they'd never been born?

Answer 8

IMO, the only reason to do the amnio is if you are planning to terminate your pregnancy if it come out positive. Even then, the results of the amnio are so inconclusive that all it can really do is make you worry yourself sick.

The best thing you can do for both yourself and the baby is to pray and hope for the best. The reality is that 1 in 98 is still pretty safe odds.

Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 9

These chances can be either wrong or right.

Doing one of those tests to the baby can be very dangerous and can harm the baby.

Remember if your baby does have down sindrome, you will grow with the baby and its adaptations.
Remember it's not like someones dumping you with a 10 year old and a lot of work to do, babies grow and you'll grow with the illness day by day.

My auntie is down syndrome and is very talented, very sweet and generous. They're the kindest people ever and will always protect you. She's 45 now and still going strong.

Goodluck x

Answer 10

I decided not to have the amnio because of how dangerous it could be since I was already having a difficult pregnancy. Make sure you have researched it before you make your decision good luck.