when they do the testing on the baby to check for birth defects how do they do it?? is it true that there is something about a big needle?? I want to have to 1 thats done at 18wks bc we didnt have the 1 at 12 wks....any info would be great!! Thanks!
2007-09-23 18:30:06 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
ok the doc asked if we wanted it done and we do...its an option that we want to take!
2007-09-23 18:43:38 · update #1
we are 17 wks today also
2007-09-23 18:46:05 · update #2
You must be referring to the test call amniocentesis. It is usually done at week18. No, it is not done on older woman as some of them said. It is RECOMMENDED for this test to be perform on pregnant women age 35 and above and those who and has a high risk of baby with down syndrome when the NT and/ or blood tests are perform (whether you are young or not)
I had mine done at 18week as my bb has a high risk of 1:296 of down syndrome when I did the NT and blood test. On that day, you might be advise to take some panadol and the gynae will then sterilize your tummy and draw out amniotic fluid, from your amniotic sac, with a syringe to test if the chromosomes are normal. After that, they will put a bandage on your injection and you will be advise to rest for 1-2day and not carry heavy load. They might have this FISH result where you will know if your baby has downs in 3-4day which might cost a bit more than the standard waiting time for the result of 2week.
Most important is to monitor for any leak in amniotic fluid or a fever that would indicate infection. I was fine and now in my 36week. Don't worry too much and hope your baby will be well and enjoy your pregnancy.
2007-09-23 22:28:14 · answer #1 · answered by Miyuki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The big needle test you are referring to is an amnioscentesis which is only performed if it was found that you have an increased risk of downs syndrome. My blood test showed a 1 in 26000 chance of downs but my fetus had a few not quite normal features so the doctor asked me if I wanted the amnio. I turned it down because there is a small risk of miscarriage and I am terrifed of needles, my daughter is 19 months now and is absolutely perfect : ) Even if I had found she was disabled before having her I still would have kept her so there was no point of having the procedure for me although my mother and grandma were pushing it.
2007-09-23 18:36:32 · answer #2 · answered by Tamara M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, docs have come up with a safer way of testing for possible downs syndrome, they sent me for a scan at 8 weeks for a nucal fold test (which measured the width of the foetus' neck) and if it is a normal size then your are unlikely to have a baby with downs. My cousin on the other hand (16 years ago) had the amniocentetis (hope spelling ok). I hope that helps a wee bit, that's just what my doctor told me at the time.
2007-09-23 21:35:00 · answer #3 · answered by Tash K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't HAVE to have the test done. I refused. They can usually tell with ultra sound if the baby has downs or not. It has something to do with the baby's neck. I would not abort a baby with downs either, so that is another reason I refused. I met a family on Sat with an 18 month old boy that has downs and he is the cutest, happiest baby.
2007-09-23 18:34:52 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is called an amniocentisis (I don't think I spelled that right). Either way, this is done to a lady who is older and pregnant (normally). what they did with me was just check by ultrasound at 16 weeks. If you are younger you do not have to get this procedure done.
2007-09-23 18:33:37 · answer #5 · answered by Brooke S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first poster is correct, amnioce..whatever haha.. is usually only performed in older women.
i am 9 weeks pregnant and today i had my full blood screening...aids, hep c etc and downs syndrome test was also included. it shows in your blood i was told by the pathologist.
2007-09-23 18:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ мυм 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋