Hig Risk Downs - Amnio or not? (not me)

[JoolsToo]

dh has told me about a colleague at work who after 3 unsuccessful IVF's is finally pg at attempt 4. She has been told (after tests) that she has 15/1 chance of a Downs baby (she's over 40) so she's now going for amnio.
Would you? - I don't think I would - the blood test can be wrong and there's the risk of abortion with an amnio (iirc) and after all that trying I don't think I'd risk it. Must be an horrendous time for them though! Some us don't know we're born!

I had heard that its not a very pleasant procedure so on top of everything else you mums have to contend with I can only admire you all.

cori, i had a high risk of edwards with my last pg and had an amnio. everything was fine in the end, but would do it again tomorrow. hope you get the same result, x

Really depends on what you would do if the test result was positive. Also remember CVS and Amnios can also pick up other genetic defects. Miscarriage odds are generally 1/100 to 1/200 but again that depends on women actually giving the feedback to the test centre. A miscarriage may also not be a direct consequence of the amnio.
For me, I would rather know especially with those odds (1/15). Either way it's a conclusive result - negative = nothing to worry about and positive = she & DP can then prepare themselves psychologically/support networks etc.

Good Luck to her whatever she decides to do.

Thanks Thomcat, Bundle.
It is a worrying time for me because last pregnancy ended (missed miscarriage discovered) when I was hauled into hospital as result of a number of confusing blood results. I am also preparing myself because I am 35 and last two pregnancies I had a high risk result.

chances are everything will be ok cori. i was 35 when i had dd1, 38 when dd2 was born. which hospital are you at?

Hillingdon Hospital, good hospital, very understanding.

I had an amnio with my fourth baby as I was in my 40's. The actual test wasn't too bad but the waiting afterwards was awful. It's as if there are a series of obstacles one has to get over before being allowed to be joyfully pg.

But it's a deception to think that no one worried about such things in the days before testing was available. The same worries about something 'being wrong' were there but in a more nebulous form and they were there for the entire 9mths. There's no easy answer.

Update for anyone who is interested.

Everything is hunky-dory

hunky-dory because they have a beautiful baby with Down's syndrome on the way and are cool with it, or hunky-dory that there is a baby on it's way that although doesn't have Down's syndrome is perfect in every other way??!!

Either way, glad it's all smiles for all involved.

I refused all tests with mine as I wouldnt have terminated so didnt see the point in having them

well yes - I see what you mean TC ! but the result was 'No Downs'