39 and pregnant - would you have an amnio as standard?

[NoNoNoMYDoIt]

just found out i am (very very unexpectedly) pregnant with number 3. DS is 5 and DD is 3. Both normal pregnancies. Given my now (medically speaking) advanced age, would it be normal to have an amnio as standard? with my 2 DCs, i had the nuchal scan but given my risk of chromosomal abnormalities would now be much higher than it was a few years ago, the risk of miscarriage after amnio is now lower than the risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. any advice?

Ah okay I didn't realise that, wow okay so a lot higher than I thought!

After the screening that risk may go up to down - why not wait and see? You usually have amnio after 15 wks I think so some screening tests will be back by then.

nono can I ask where you found the 1/66 statistic? Thanks x

downsyndrome.about.com/od/diagnosingdownsyndrome/a/Matagechart.htm

Don't know if that will display properly as am on my phone. The table is further down the page. I will be 40 when baby is born therefore my risk for genetic conditions is 1:66 according to this.

NoNoNoMYDoIt I'm 43 and unexpectedly pregnant with my second, I opted for a NT scan which is not available on the NHS in our area and my risks came back as 1:36 - very frigtening odds. I opted to have an amnio again privately as I could have it at 15wks instead of 17-18 on the NHS which thankfully came back all clear. I have a past history of miscarriages so I was very wary of having an amnio but I went privately because the consultant has a personal loss rate of just 0.3% while the NHS don't quote individual scores for consultants. I found the amnio to be uncomfortable but not painful and knowing what I know now I think I would have prefered to go straight for the amnio. I also work with someone who had the NT scan result of 1:2500 and went on to have a child with DS, and it was pointed out to me someone has to be the 1 however statistically slim the chance. The amnio does also check for other genetic disorders - obviously not everything but all the major ones and you have that peace of mind. Its a very personal choice but I'm pleased we went with the amnio as now I can relax about chromosonal problems. x

What did you decide in the end nono ?

Sorry all - not been back in a while. in the end i miscarried so the decision was made for me.

Am so so sorry to hear that nono . I miscarried a year ago
it really really sucks. Please look after yourself xx