I'm 18 yrs old, the doctors just called and told me there was an abnormalty withthe downsyndrom test?

Question

okay I'm new with this; I'm 18 years old and 18 weeks pregnant; I have not yet gotten a ultra sound but going by the dates of my last period thats how far i am Lat week i went in for that test that checks to see i the baby has downsyndrom and they called me today and said there was an abnormalty with the test and that it could be just that the dates are wrong; what do you guys think?

Answer 1

hunny this is very important you need not listen to anyone on here just listen to your doctor tell them you are extremely concerned and need in asap i think now they do an amniocentesis good luck

Answer 2

Well sweetie, all that matters really is what you think. What an upsetting thing to be told. I have two babies and I was so lucky both times, but that's all it is. Luck. Down's Syndrome children are very special individuals, and so long as they are cared for and secure in the knowledge that they are loved, can grow into a healthy loving person. However, some women don't feel they are able to deal with abnormalities of any kind, and we obv have no way of knowing whether ou are or not! There is a lot of help available for mothers of Down's Syndrome babies. Go back to the hospital and ask them to re run the test for you. Think carefully babes, and don't do something you might regret. I hope you make the right decision for you. Be happy

Answer 3

I think you are talking about the triple screen test which tests for appropriate levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). It is the used to screen for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and neural tube defect such as spina bifida. If it is high it could indicate an increased risk of the neural tube defect and if it is low it can mean an increased risk for Down syndrome. THAT DOES NOT MEAN the baby has any of those things but further testing should be done if you want to know for sure. An amniocentesis can be done at the appropriate time as well as a 3-D ultrasound in some facilities. Don't be alarmed until you know for sure but do go back to your doctor and ask what this means for you and what further tests need to be done.
Congratulations on your new baby. Take care of yourself!

Answer 4

The maternal serum test aka the triple screen or quad screen are known for being wrong. Also the fact that you don't know your dates, just adds to the idea that it's a simple miscalculation of dates. Don't worry about this result. It's really not accurate. Wait for your ultrasound and if there are any questions then have an amnio done and they can do a chromosomal test to see if indeed your baby has downs. I have to say though at age 18, your chances of having a downs baby are pretty slim although not impossible. Good luck and again try not to worry about it.

Answer 5

The test you had was probably the Quad Screen blood test, which tests for Downs and other specific birth defects. These tests do NOT diagnose Downs Syndrome, they evaluate your risk of carrying a child with the condition. They have a high rate of false positives, and often cause women to worry over nothing. You will simply need further tests to rule out Downs Syndrome, including an ultrasound which will verify your dates once and for all. I have read here that many women were given the option to refuse the test...I was not. For now try to stay positive and don't worry too much. Downs Syndrome is usually more prevalent in older mothers, so you have age as a beneficial factor for you. Good luck, congrats, and please let us know how everything turns out.

Answer 6

I think I know what test it is. The results are determined based on how many weeks pregnant you are. If they aren't sure how many weeks you are or it could be incorrect then the test can be wrong. I actually refused this test all 3 times, because of the number of false positives. To make sure you, I would recommend talking to your doctor about an amniocentesis test and more ultrasounds.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 7

Sweety, Some people want to be mean about you being pregnant at 18 but you are of age so do not pay them any mind. I was pregnant with my son at 19. I am now 28 and he is 7. Just go back to your doctor tell him that you are very worried and concerned and that you want more tests done. If they try to discourage you, push the issue with them or go to someone else that will listen to you. I wish you the best of luck with you and your little angel. God bless you both honey.

Answer 8

I think you should stay calm. A friend of mine had an abnormal down syndrome result and the baby is HEALTHY and completely normal today. Since you don't know when the baby was conceived exactly, it could be that the dates were wrong. Why haven't they done an ultrasound to determine how far along the baby is? Also, an ultrasound can help rule out Downs as well. Talk to your doctor, but don't get scared. Get information.

Answer 9

That doesn't always mean that there is something wrong. The book that I read said that when that blood test comes back abnormal only, I believe, 15% actually have down syndrome. They will probably want to do an amniocentesis. Don't worry yet. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 10

those tests are more likely to give a false positive seriously dont sweat it. I think the docs probably messed up. Your chances for having a kid with DS is low. Dont worry seriously I know of 5 people off the top of my head who had the same reasults and it came out to be a false positive

Answer 11

Well, I would talk to the doctor and get more information, perhaps a second opinion, before you do anything with the information. You might also want to find out what the accuracy rate of the test is.

Good luck,
Dana