I took the normal tests to screen for Down Syndrome, (DS) at 18 weeks gestation. The results came back that he had a 1 in 17 chance. He was perfectly healthy when he was born and we are contemplating having another child. It has been a year and a half since giving birth and I am now 35 years old. Aside from my age being a factor, I want to know if the risk of DS will be the same or higher or if the tests vary every time the same person is pregnant. Thank you!
2007-10-10 06:59:22 · 5 answers · asked by KW 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The risk factor is higher as you get older, but how much higher, I'm not sure. That is something you'd have to discuss with your OBGYN. Genetic risks become higher as you get older, but as you were at a 20% chance before, I don't think it should be too much more of a risk.
2007-10-10 07:03:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tests vary, but your odds will always be higher if you are older or it runs in your family. My tests were slightly different for both my pregnancies, but part of it was my age since I was obviously older the 2nd time.
It sounds like the test you got was the quadruple marker blood test (used to be "triple marker"). There is another test, done earlier called the First Trimester Screening. I had mine done at about 13 weeks with both my pregnancies. It is an ultrasound combined with bloodwork and is more accurate. Since I am also over 35, the test was covered by my insurance.
2007-10-10 14:07:11 · answer #2 · answered by eli_star 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question is...NO, you are not at an increased risk for your DS screen being higher just because it was higher with your first pregnancy. Your age can make it higher with the pregnancy, however.
2007-10-10 17:20:35 · answer #3 · answered by robinandmarty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those tests are ALWAYS a false positive. Theyre useless. I dont even have them done. My friend got smart after her 2nd, and stopped having them done as well. My mom refused them for her third.
Everyone I know has always gotten a result indicating a fair chance of DS, however, I have never known a single person to have a baby that was.
The risk is the same with each woman. DS is caused by poor genetic material in the egg at the time of fertilization. Because women nevermake new eggs, and genetic material can be compromised over time, older women have a higher risk. Especially if it runs in your family.
However, to me, its not worth it to test. Whats it matter anyway? Like you'd kill the baby because it wasnt perfect by your standards or something? lol. Like any medical intervention could change anything?
Make babies, have a family, enjoy life.
2007-10-10 14:04:30 · answer #4 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
OMG! I feel your pain! I had my last child at age 41. My chances for DS were 40% so the entire pregnancy I was worried my baby had DS...and trust me, the doctors prepared me all the time telling me how LIKELY it was that my baby had DS...she doesn't have DS and is perfectly fine. Probably my last good egg! Doctors stressed me out to NO end...and my baby turned out just great!
2007-10-10 14:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by lahockeyg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋