Triple Screen/AFP & Downs Syndrome?

Question

Hi Everyone,

I just got my triple screen results and they came back that my baby is at risk for Downs Syndrome. The nurse said however, that the "positive" result may be due to an incorrect calculation of my due date. My ultrasound is scheduled for tuesday.

Here's my question. How many of you have been through this or know someone who has? What happened?

I'm not a big fan of the test, but I did it because my Dr is. In my opinion ALL people are special and I wouldn't terminate the pregnancy if I were having a child with special needs. I won't do amnio because of the risks to the baby & after losing a pregnancy eariler this year I won't take that chance.

I'm looking for validation and support for myself and for anyone else who is going through this! Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi...I went through what you and "Giles" are going through all three times with my boys....don't take the screening to heart...it is after all just a screening. there are so many factors that can give you a positive result. when in reality there is a very good chance nothing is wrong. when I was pregnant with my first two sons, I had the level 2 ultra-sound done to further look for potential markers of DS and each of them had nothing. however with my youngest son, we discovered during the level 2 that he had 3 markers for DS...a congenital heart defect called av-canal (large hole in the chambers of his heart), shorter long bones, and a thicker fungal fold. I was offered an amnio...not to discover if he had DS and terminate...but rather to prepare myself emotionally and learn more about it and find out all the programs that are available to him. On Dec 10th of 2003 I gave birth to a wonderful little boy who happens to have an extra chromosome....he is the joy in my heart and the son of my soul. Our family is going down a different road than what we expected at first....but it has been an experience that I wouldn't change for the world. I wish you and "giles" the lady who answered first, the best of luck...and most importantly...congratulations on the upcoming birth of your babies.

Answer 2

A triple screening attempt does not have a great or destructive answer. It measures the likelyhood that an unborn infant would be born with downs by checking for the presence of particular proteins. in case you and your spouse have not have been given any historic previous of downs in the two of your families, then you definitely are probable ok. in many circumstances this attempt is helpful in mothers who're having their first infant after the age of 35 or for people who've a historic previous of downs of their families. loosen up and tell your spouse to loosen up. See a perinatologist and characteristic an amnio finished in case you prefer. that is amazingly precise at detecting problems in the infant. The surgeon will additionally seem at different issues like sonogram photographs to be sure if there are structural characteristics of downs present day. Downs little ones have very distinctive advantageous properties. The flat face, extreme foreheadand rounded jaw are basically a number of the advantageous properties. With the hot 3-D ultrasounds they could have an quite precise image of your infant. whether you do have a infant with downs, it isn't the top of the worldwide. they are this type of blessing and no be counted what, your infant isn't something wanting a miracle.

Answer 3

Educate yourself on Downs symdrome and other genetic abnormalities that could be possible.

Understand that your baby could be 100% fine...those tests are notoriously wrong or inconclusive.

Also know that at 20-weeks, they'll do another ultrasound and show all the anatomical structures of the baby..if that ultrasound doesnt show any other markers...chalkk it up to an error in test.

If another marker is present, small nasal bone..etc, then continue to educate yourself on the syndrome and know that its not the end of the world, its the beginning of a new life. Unique and speical in its own right.

Congrats on the baby...wishing and hoping all is well with your little one.

Answer 4

I just found out today that I have the same issue. I go in two weeks for genetic counseling and to do an amnio test (if I want to) I am very nervous and I know what you are going through. Best of luck to you and your baby!!!

Answer 5

this test in notoriously wrong. I don't remember the exact numbers, but its less than 20% accurate in detecting ANY abnormality, much less being accurate for downs. I denied all testing, knowing that, for one, I would never abort, and two, I have enough to worry about without having a false positive.

The odds are in your favor, so stay strong!!!!