Thank you so much ladies for your swift responses. It is so reasuring to read all your messages. The above website looks really helpful and I think I shall try to chat to someone there. A friend also said that she had heard that the bloods were the least accurate part of the triple or combined test...not sure if anyone has actually read this documented anywhere?
x

Hi, Cith, sorry you are having to go through this.

Do look at the website linked to above; it is very good at talking you through the advantages and pitfalls of various antenatal tests.

The screening tests only give you odds for something to be wrong, ie 1 in 29 risk of Downs also means 28 in 29 chance of NO Downs.

I had one amnio and CVS x3, no miscarriages due to the tests (had 4 MMCs before). CVS is IME more sore than amnio which I thought was no worse than having your blood taken for instance .

I opted for CVS because it can be done earlier, I had a high (1:4) risk of Patau Syndrome due to a genetic problem I carry, and I would have opted for termination if I had carried an affected baby. And if it had ocme to that sad option I would have wanted to have it done as soon as possible.
So, there is my train of thought.

As others have said, there is no right or wrong. You do not have to have diagnostic tests. Think carefully about what you will do with the information provided.

I do hope everything will go well for you, whatever you decide.
Good luck .

Hi hon, know what you are going through, had cvs following nuchal scan and was absolutely terrified for the time it took from having scan to receiving cvs results. Got all clear. Thinking about you x for what its worth, think it is worth finding out whether you think it make a difference to your decision to keep the baby or not because it gives you time to prepare yourself and to deal with any shock you might feel before hand.

I had an amnio 6 weeks ago as I had the triple test and that came back at 1:55 risk (I'm 35) from my understanding the scan is more accurate than blood tests. The triple test is notoriously inaccurate ! I called the ARC phoneline and spoke to a lovely lady. It is entirely natural for you to feel shell shocked. I was very teary when I got my initial results. Glad to say I got the all clear from my amnio. For me I wanted to know what we were facing. I know it is a personal choice but the risk of mc is very, very low

I had a cvs a couple of weeks ago after 1 in 46 risk from the combined test (was 1 in 9 after the nuchal scan alone). It was a bit uncomfortable but over quickly and I got the all clear for the main 3 trisomies 2 days later and full results after 2 weeks. I felt a bit dizzy afterwards but had no bleeding or anything. I am 17 weeks now
Good luck. The odds are still stacked in your favour. 1 in 46 means that 45 out of 46 babies will be normal

Cith - I had a 1:12 risk at my combined nt test/scan and went on to have a CVS. The CVS was not painful just a little uncomfy but over very quickly. I got initial all clear results 2 days later and final results two weeks later. I'm glad to say all was fine and I'm 17 weeks pregnant with a little girl.

Hope this helps.

I think the most pressing question is do you want a CVS test? The way you say you 'have been booked' for it just makes me wonder a bit how much you've bought in to that decision or if it feels a bit like something that is expected of you?

I think feeling shocked and sad at the moment is very, very valid - whatever the outcome, this level of concern and scrutiny wasn't what you expected and nobody wants to be facing it.

Fantastic support website. Good luck.

I had a risk when I was 29 of 1:9 (I want to say) or 1:52 I know these two figures are far apart but I really can't remember. Anyway it was nuchal thickness that made the risk high, I had my CVS and the nuchal was still measuring twice what it should have been. CVS wasn't nice but bearable and the results two weeks later were negative for any trisomies (If that's how you describe them). They could also tell me the sex of the baby.

I don't know what the implications of the bloods making you have a higher risk of a baby with Downs.

The very best of luck.xx

If you would keep the baby regardless of any difficulties I would question whether you should have the CVS tbh.