Amnio questions

[tmarie]

My OB recommended to Dh and I we have an amnio because I am well over 35. He said he knows we are not considering termination, but if there is a problem we are more able to deal with it now, such as Downs Syndrome, it would give us a chance to become familiar with the disease so we are not blindsided right after delivery or if it something else where a specialist would be needed in delivery, it could be arranged ahead of time instead of rushing around. I have mixed feelings because I am scared of miscarriage. I have until Monday to decide and would just like some feedback from those of you who have had one or decided not to and why?

[daisy]

Hi. Have you looked into any non-invasive procedures first? I am going to be 35 at the time of delivery so my doctor and I discussed some of the options for those of advanced maternal age (hate that term!). I declined CVS b/c I felt that had a much too high risk of loss (I was quoted 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 patients have a m/c as a result). Instead I had the quad screen blood test at 16 weeks and then a level II ultrasound a week later. The blood test came back good and the u/s looked great, to quote the doctor, so I am not having amnio, although I was offered it. But, in any case, although the ultrasound is not a perfect tool for detection it has no side effects and if something looks amiss you can always have the amnio to make a firm diagnosis. I do have a friend who had amnio b/c her blood test and u/s indicated Downs. She described the amnio as uncomfortable but not painful. Good luck with your decision. I agree that if there is a problem it is helpful to know about it ahead of time so you can be prepared. Hope I helped a little bit.

[mistygrl70]

My dr recommended amnio too. (I turn 35 Nov. 18th)

Due to the high risk involved we've opted not to have it done.

I am 13.2 weeks.. through u/s a week ago they checked the thickness of the back of baby's neck.. said "I can comfortably reassure you with 80% certainty your baby doesn't have down syndrome.

Like you.. we agreed that it wouldnt change nething. Already being paranoid about losing the baby.. we decided since it wouldn't change anything..we'd rather not put that extra risk against us.

Good Luck w/whatever you decide.

Praying for the best for you,

*hugz*

Darlene

[debbie516]

I will be 40 in january and am due at the end of Jan. I was 37 when i had my son Lucas. I declined the amnio both times, b/c for me, after 3 losses, ANY risk of m/c is not acceptable. I opted for non-invasive testing and had the level 2 u/s. Both times it showed NO markers for down syndrome (my girl i m/c'd in March had Down). I know the level 2 is not 100%, but there are usually some kind of soft markers you can see on it and if there are none, i am confident that baby is healthy (and so is my doctor). Good luck with your decision.

[LauraBeth]

Tmarie...

I had an amnio with both of my DDs... without hesitation. I was 38 (or just a few days shy) when I had my amnio with DD#1... Fast forward through 4 consecutive m/c and I was 40 when I had my amnio with DD#2.

We also opted for amnio for the reasons your OB stated: you can be prepared, you can have done your research, you can have any necessary specialists lined up, etc....

My first amnio was done by my regular OB... no problems... The second one was done through my RE by their genetics guy! (Talk about having the expert!) Also no problems....

The sono is on the whole time so the needle is not "blindly" going in... I read somewhere that the risks associated with amnio have actually gone down as technology has improved. (also, there was - or at least for me - very little discomfort... maybe because I was fixated on the sono screen watching my little one in utero!)

Follow your heart, do your research, ask your questions... know that we are here to support you in whatever you decide, and through whatever outcome.

In Him,
Laura