amnio

[janny595]

Hi, Im currently 17 weeks pregnant with my third child, I am 33 and at my 12 week ultra sound that couples with the blood test to test for Downs Syndrome, came back with a 1 in 140 chance, and also the ultra sound showed that the nasal bones were not detected, we are having an amnio tomorrow, I just do not know a lot about my initial results, to me its all bad news (as I know that absence of nasal bones is an indicator for downs) and I've even packed up the baby things I have bought because Im scared of bad news from the amnio.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone know what my chances are of my baby being ok?
And if the amnio turns out that everything is ok what does the absence of nasal bones mean?
Sorry to sound vague, Im just distressed and my husband and I do not have anyone we can really talk to that has been through the same thing.

I had an amnio at 17 weeks too. My blood testczme back as a 1 in 84 chance of Down's. It was the most frightening thing and I really feel for you. Our little guy ended up being fine, the amnio was normal. But I well remember how terrified I was. I'd felt him move and loved him so much already.

I really don't know why the nasal bone might not have been visible.
Will be thinking of you.

I'm not asking to be a judgypants, only to find out what kind of support you need and want - are you thinking of terminating if the results says Down's?

One thing you could ask your OB, if they can send your amnio sample for the FISH test. Fluorescing in-situ hybridization. It looks for results on chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 - the big uglies. You can have an answer in 24-48 hours. Then the rest of the chromosomes will be tested in the normal time frame, 10 to 14 days. But you'll know about Down's very quickly.
Really holding you in my thoughts - what a terrible thing to go through. I spent the two days after my amnio paralyzed on our couch. Could barely think, much less talk. There were just no words.
(((((((HUG)))))))

Thank you for the support, Its so nice to hear from someone who has been through this before.
After many tear filled conversations, we have decided that we will not keep the baby if it has downs, as hard as the decision was, it was made with a lot of info and heartache.
Thanks for the heads up about the FISH test, I will ask for that tomorrow.
I know how you feel when you said you spent two days on the couch, I just want to go to bed and close my eyes until the results are in, I have never been through such a hard time as this, as my babies are IVF babies, the road for me having children has never been easy, but this waiting for tests and results is agony.
Im so happy for you that you have a healthy little boy, nothing is better in this world than watching your own little baby grow and learn.
I will let you know how I go.
Thank you so very much for replying its really helpful x

((((janny))))
DH and I were on the same page as you and your DH with respect to what we would do if there was bad news. It's a horrible thing to have to contemplate but everyone lives and acts to their capability, and for us, that would have had to have been our choice. I can't describe the immense gratitude I feel when I look at DS (currently watching Diego on TV - he's fixated on one episode that he wants to watch over and over and over again :)).

Yes, the waiting is agony. I'd be sat on the couch motionless thinking surely the afternoon has gone by and I can go to bed and hopefully escape for a while, and it had only been an hour.

If it gets unbearable, could you ask your GP for an anti-anxiety med? Just to get through the next days?

In case you're worried about the actual amnio - the physical bit of it is really nothing. A little poky sting and some pressure and tightening around the needle but that's it, it's over in minutes.

Please please update. Love, JM

It's 9 pm in my time zone (Pacific) and I'm heading to bed (I know, feeble) but I just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow, and I will be thinking of you.

One useful thing my MW told me was if you're having any cramping after the amnio, take some calcium/magnesium, it will help.
xxJM

I got the results today thanks to you for telling me about the FISH, had I not known I wouldnt of asked. Everything is fine with my baby, Im so relieved! Thank you so much for your kind words and support, I cannot express how helpful you have been xxx

Oh janny!!! I'm so relieved!!! I've been checking to see if you had updated and when I saw you had, my heart was in my throat!

Oh, that's made my day. I'm so happy for you!!!! Did you find out if it's a boy or girl (if you wanted to)?

And did they say anything about not seeing the nasal bone at your 12-week scan?

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yes they said we could find out if it was a boy or a girl, but we decided to leave it for a surprise.
She said the nasal bone thing is nothing to worry about as a lot of babies have slow developing profiles, and she also said, that measuring a nasal bone is difficult and you have to be specially qualified to do this and the person who did my scan was not, so that was such a big relief.
So very happy and looking forward to my next scan on friday, I can finally get back to enjoying being pregnant
xxxxxxxxxxxxx