Negative Triple Scan question?

Question

I had the triple scan done to test for downs, spina bifida, and something else. It came back negative. I'm just wondering if I should really feel reassured. I know the test is not 100% accurate. I've read a few posts on here where people had negative results on the test but then had a baby with downs. I am 26 and would not abort due to downs.

Answer 1

I'm so glad that abnormalities would not stop you from choosing life for your baby. Since that is the case, you have little to worry about.

At one point, we thought our newborn might have Mosaic Downs (she was born with heart defects and other problems) and so we worried alot, sure, but we prepared ourselves by researching and reading a lot of books just in case.

Pray, too!

Turns out she had a different genetic disorder, but really the best thing to do is just remain open-minded and thank God for the gift of a child.

Answer 2

If you wouldn't abort because of Downs, and you've gotten negatives on all the screening tests, you can sit back and relax.

Sure, no test is perfect. But for you, the reason to know would be so that you could start building a support network and educating yourself before the baby gets here. You could do that anyway, I suppose, but it's not like you WON'T do that if it turns out the tests were wrong, right?

So maybe bookmark a few websites, and stick post-it notes in the relevant sections of your baby books, and then let it go.

If there IS a problem with your baby, the hospital will try to help you get on track.

Answer 3

These tests are not diagnostic - meaning they do not tell you conclusively if your baby has issues or not. They screen for the presence of markers that indicate RISK for those conditions. If the test had come back positive, more tests, like an amniocentesis, would be recommended as a more accurate diagnostic measure.

Despite not being a diagnostic test, you should still feel reassured that your baby is fine. Genetic conditions are not common in young women. And if you would choose not to abort anyway, then there is really nothing to fret over.

Good luck!