Blood test for abnormalities positive

[Angela37firsttimeivf]

I had a screening for risk of Down's Syndrome a few weeks ago, and no problems were detected, but for my age (nearly 40), the risk was calculated as being high. So I was recommended to have a blood test, which came back positive. I spoke to the doctor on the phone about it today, and he said it doesn't necessarily mean that there is something wrong, but that there is a risk. I don't want to have amniocentesis because of the risk of miscarriage. But of course now I'm worried. He offered me more screening, but I turned it down because I'm already worried as it is.
I've been reading up stuff and it seems that these tests can be very inaccurate. I wish I'd never had one now, but the gyno wasn't giving me any choice because of my age.
I definitely want the baby and would never consider an abortion.
Anyone had similar experiences?

[cheryl010120]

Hi Angela,

I'm sorry this is happening. I know how scary and worrisome it is.

With my first child last year (I was 39), we had the risk of Down come back at something like 1:100...enough to scare me to death. We opted not to have additional testing for the same reason as you. Sure enough, our sweet angel was just perfect.

I don't know how they ranked your risk, but all turned out well with us.

Good luck and I'll pray for you and your little angel.

[Tara2009]

Hi Angela,

I am 39 years old and 34 weeks pregnant now with my first. During my first trimester, I also had the Downs Syndrome screening and was given a risk factor of 1:50. My ultrsound was normal, but my blood test showed a low PAP A in my blood which could cause chromosomal disorder. I was very scared and upset. I did not do the amnio because of the risk of miscarriage. Now I am having ultrasound every week with a high risk OB to closely watch the baby. My baby has been growing really well and everything looks very normal so far. The OB is very happy with the baby's growth. Hoping and praying to deliver a healthy baby in December.

Its true that these tests can be inaccurate, but its really your personal decision whether to take them or not.

Tara

[Monkey Girl]

Hi Angela - I was 37 when I had the triple tests done (nuchal translucency, too) -and refused the alpha-beta protein level test (the quadruple part of it, as I understand). We were not going to change any part of our pregnancy and birth plans, regardless of outcome, so we decided against finding out any more information. I understand how unnecessary extra information can be unwelcome and stressful. It is only a risk rating, nothing else. You should know that you should NEVER have to take any test you don't want to, no matter what your gyno or Dr says. I would personally never do an amnio because of the miscarriage risk.... again, it is your choice. Just make sure you don't feel pressure to do testing just because the medical advice is to do it (that may make them feel better, but maybe not you!!). Decide based on whether this would help you to have this information, or not, including considering the miscarriage risk.

Good luck!!!

MG

[Angela37firsttimeivf]

Thank you everyone, you have put my mind at rest! I think it does more harm than good having all these test. I think being pregnant is always a risk, esp if you are slightly older like us, and have had ÍVF treatment. But the tests confirming it just cause unnecessary stress. At the end of the day, what can you do? I can't believe many people would actually opt for an abortion after all this...

[sharishu]

Angela-
I am soooooooooooooooooooo happy to see you on this side of IVF!!!!! I 2ww'd with you about 2 years ago, remember me?? Anyway, I remember how upset you were after all the BFN's, and now I am just super excited for you. Angela, I am telling you, I can't count the number of women on here who freaked out over those blood test results. And they ALL went on to have completely normal babies! All of 'em, so you do the math. Forget it! And yes, they drive you NUTS with all these extra tests. I sometimes felt like a guinea pig, with all the docs trying to stuff the extra special US's and genetic testing down my throat. Ugh! I know for next time to ignore ignore ignore, unless I MYSELF am experiencing some kind of pain, bleeding, high blood pressure, etc. Otherwise, do not look for trouble. That's my advice.

Have a happy, healthy pregnancy. Yayyyyyy!!!!

[fitzjr11]

Being a Special Ed teacher and a Special Olympics coach, we have decided not to do any genetic testing- being 33 our probability for Downs is minimal- i am more concerned about Autism, and developmentally delays that they cant test for

[jennywit]

Angela, just wanted u too know that at 35 my risk was low til after my bloodwork...it showed a chance of downs as 1 in 49!!! I opted for the cvs testing, although after knowing everything I know now I realize I was very lucky and put my baby boy at great risk-I was so scared and didn't know what to do....The end result is that my 7 month old boy is PERFECT and u r right-I think all these tests are put out there to make us CRAZY!!! as if IVF wasn't enuf...Best of luck to you!!!

[riogirl71]

Hope everything turned out well, I too had low PAP or whatever that is and incresed risk of Down's I did the level 2 US and more testing and the baby was fine, those preliminary tests can be wrong but the second set of tests put us at ease and I could relax and enjoy!