Those 40 and over...down's screening question

[cheryl010120]

Hi!

I'm 40 and expecting our second IVF blessing in May. The first part of our Down's screening came back at 1:69. Yikes!

They said it's still within normal range; they don't suggest an amnio unless you are 1:50 or less.

The NT screen on the neck was fine, but they said age plays a great factor in the risk. I take the second half of the down's bloodwork in a few weeks, and will have a more definitive ratio then.

I'm just wondering what all the other mom's 40 and over came back as.

Thanks! Happy Pregnancy to all!

[Tara2009]

I am 39 years old now and 38 weeks pregnant. I was in the same situation as you are now, when I was 12 weeks pregnant. My NT scan results came out normal. When I got the blood test results, they said a protein calle PAP-A was very low in my blood which could cause downs syndrome or chromosomal disability. My risk factor was 1:50. The doctor strongly suggested amnio test. After a long thought I decided not to take the test because of the risk of miscarriage. I held my foot. I was monitored by ultrasound every month.and now after 34 weeks, they are monitoring me every week. The baby's growth looks great and everything looks very normal. My risk factor was lowered to 1:300. I will be delivering any time now.

As everybody says, taking the amnio test is your personal decision.

Tara.

[cheryl010120]

Thanks Tara! Like you, my DH and I would not do anything even if the results came back positive. I guess I'm just looking to see if my numbers fall within the range of other moms our age.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

[sharishu]

Cheryl-

I feel fairly strongly about the whole Down's Testing craze. Chances are the baby does NOT have Down's. No matter your age. If you are over 40, the results WILL show a higher risk of Down's, which of course will cause anxiety. What's the point really, especially if you are not going to do anything but keep the baby no matter what? It's the same principle as POAS before the beta test- it will inevitably lead to WORRY. So why bother with the extra test? It all boils down to 'unnecessary' in my book. I'd say enjoy your pregnancy and don't worry! All is fine!

[sharishu]

Cheryl-

My strong feelings come from high risk doctors driving me BANANAS during my pregnancy. During my 33rd week of pregnancy, I had an US to test for baby's weight, during which the doctor told me he has a shortened femur, which 'could be' a soft marker for Down's. I was so stressed for 6 more weeks, till I delivered! When the baby came out, my first tearful question was "Is he normal???" He was just fine! I decided that next time, I will be smarter, and avoid all tests others than the required blood tests and standard US's.

If you do take the follow-up blood tests, take the results with a huge grain of salt if the risk seems high.

Enjoy your pregnancy!

Shari