Downs screening high risk

[babynugget]

Hi folks. Looking for some advice and support. I'm 34 and almost 17 weeks pregnant with my first. I had my first scan at 13 weeks and all seemed well. In our area they do the NT screening for abnormalities at this scan however baby was lying awkwardly so the sonographer couldn't get a clear measurement. She was confident that the measurements he got was well within normal range (it was1.5mm) but just wasn't accurate enough for audit purposes. Because of this I requested the bloodwork be done ( I think it's the quad test) This was done last week and I got a phone call today to say I'm in the high risk category (1 in 6) which is pretty high. I'm driving myself crazy here reading up about this and am fairly certain an amnio is the only way to go. But can I take any comfort from the NT measurement ? Even though it's not official or recorded in my notes? Is it meaningful on its own? Can't stop crying and my mind is working overtime.

[clairemiss79]

Hi I was in your position only a few weeks ago. My baby was .1 mm too small for a nuchal measurement to be taken so I had the quadruple bloods and they came back as 1 in 5. I was frantic. I can totally understand how you feel. I opted for nifty because I was a bit scared of an amnio and I had a detailed scan looking for markers for downs at a private clinic. There were no markers and the doc says this reduces your risk by 50%.
I had an agonising 2ww for the results and luckily they were negative. During that time I have realised that the quadruple blood test is unreliable especially if no other markers have been found. My advice is to have an amnio - if you're not too scared- as it will put your mind at rest quickly. But remember there is 5 out of 6 chances your baby is ok - prob more cos your nt was ok. There is a raised nt in nearly all cases of downs. The doc at the private clinic I went to who specialises just in screening told me a lot of women just have that type of blood. X

[babynugget]

Thank you so much for your response it's reassured me a bit. Been speaking to my DP all evening and I think we are agreed that the amnio is the way to go. The two week wait must have been terrible and I just don't think I can face people for that long with all the uncertainty hanging over us. I am so pleased that you got a good result. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is worry free. X

[clairemiss79]

I hope your amnio goes well and you can have it soon. Remember to stay positive. I spoke to my consultant at the hosp last week and she said that very high risk ladies on bloods alone often go on to have healthy babies. Fingers massively crossed for you xxx

[babynugget]

Thanks for your support. Amnio is booked for Tuesday and should have results by Friday. If not it will be another agonising weekend. Midwife has been lovely and answered all my questions. She says my quad test showed slightly raised Inhibin and hcg, also the AFP was very slightly higher than it should be. These small increases combined with my age is what has pushed me into the very high risk category. It's all so confusing but she said that my age alone put me at 1 in 394. I just want it all to be over!

[TelephoneTree]

We have a boy with DS if you want to PM me with any questions. x