DS Testing

[twinkletoes2015]

Could anyone let me know a bit more about testing for Downs Syndrome? Do you have to have it? When is it offered?

I'm unsure about weather I actually want the test or not but my boyfriend wants it as he doesn't want to bring a DS into the world. This is the one thing we are not on the same page about.

[unweavedrainbow]

"a DS"

[YouAreMyRain]

I was in a similar situation with my DP. Basically, at the 12 weeks scan they measure the folds on the back of the baby's neck and the nasal bone (possibly other stuff too), they take your age into account, do a calculation, give you a probability figure, like 1 in 53 (high risk) or 1 in 39,478 (low risk) which is your chance of the baby having Down's syndrome. If you are high risk, you can then opt for further tests such amniocentesis, which carries a slightly increased risk of miscarriage but gives you lots of information about the baby.

[YouAreMyRain]

I agree rainbow, not the most thoughtful terminology, "a person who has Down's syndrome" would be more considerate.

[leanne963]

I'm panicking cause I'm my 12 week scan pic the baby is poking their tongue out and stupid me Googled this and everyone is saying it is Downs Syndrome. I am a little worried now but having my NT scan on tuesday!

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

'A DS'. Seriously? I can't even begin to tell you how offensive and hurtful that is.

Children with downs are just that. CHILDREN with downs. It's not a life sentence.

[YouAreMyRain]

No point panicking. You can't do anything about it. Wait for your NT test. Knowledge is power.

[ProbablyMe]

And testing only tells you about things they can test for. There aree to of conditions and syndromes that won't be picked up. Your DP clearly hasn't put a lot of thought into the whole becoming a parent and unconditional love thing has he.

[Fifibluebell]

Agree with probably! And a very thoughtless choice of words OP

[Sarkymare]

There are two different ways to test for Downs syndrome. One is performed by looking at the nuchal fold during one of your scans (anomaly I think)

The other is the 'intrusive' method. This involves inserting a needle through your stomach and into the amniotic sac to draw cells from the baby. This method comes with a 1% risk of miscarriage.

Neither method can give you a definitive yes or no answer. You will just get your chances ie 1 in 1000 chance or 1 in 150. Even if the tests come back as being high chance for DS there is still every chance the baby will not in fact have Down's syndrome.

[tiggy2610]

"...doesn't want to bring A DS into the world"

Honestly, I cant even comprehend why someone would think that is an acceptable thing to write in a public forum. A child with Down's syndrome is just that, a child. If you don't want to 'bring one' into the world I suggest better contraception

[twinkletoes2015]

I genuinely didn't mean to put "a DS" that sounded bloody awful, sorry guys.

[twinkletoes2015]

But thanks for implying we will be shit parents due to me missing out a couple of words by bloody mistake on a forum!!

[Sarkymare]

Sorry, I typed in a rush. I've just re-read your OP.

The test isn't compulsory. At your booking in appointment you should be given a form with a list of tests available for you (mostly blood tests) you tick whichever tests you give permission to and sign it. I noticed that the DS test was the only one on the list that isn't actually recommended.

As for when I think between 14-20 weeks is usually when these tests are carried out.

[magneticfield55]

Everything else mentioned aside, it's not just to test for Downs Syndrome. It will also give you an indication whether you may need further testing for Patau and Edwards' syndrome. These are chromosonal disorders with far worse outcomes than Downs Syndrome.

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Magnetic - that depends where you live. Here it is downs syndrome only that you get results for. I declined it because a result saying high risk of Downs wouldn't have been enough of a reason for me to have amnio (couldn't risk miscarriage for that) and certainly couldn't abort for it either. I had to sign a consent form saying I had declined all "Downs Syndrome Testing" but consented to all other routine antenatal checks.

[magneticfield55]

Oh, I didn't realise that.

[naty1]

I am/have tested. I think knowledge is power. You can then make /not make any decisions you want.
You can also then assess your relationship/age/ family support as to whether you can manage.
Agree though that having children is risky there are limited things you can test for.
I think amnio is pretty much yes or no though as its actually taking a sample.
I believe maybe a harmony test can test without any risks.
Also the decision is between you 2