Amniocentesis - would you do it?

[curiousgeorgie]

My nuchal scan results were 1 in 508.

I know that this is considered low risk but its far far higher than with my 2 year old DD and my DH & I have discussed that we would in all likelihood not continue with a pregnancy that showed fetal abnormalities as our DD had a host of problems with missing grosse milestones and still goes to physio and it just wouldn't be fair on either child or us.

I have been offered a further scan at 16 weeks - but what will this look for and how can it be any more conclusive than the blood results and 12 week scan I've already had?

I have looked into amniocentesis at the fetal medicine centre in Harley Street and would be happy to pay for one privately there.

But obviously there is a miscarriage risk and I am so so torn. My DH said we'll do whatever I want to do but I really just need some advice.

I've miscarried several times in the past year while ttc #2 and I just feel very uncertain about everything right now.

Hi,
Im 42. Had 7 miscarriages over the last 5 years.

Anxious agony doesnt even come close to describing how we felt BUT we knew we could not progress with abnormailities.

I was not interested in probablitity and so refused bloods and nuchal scan type diagnosis, went straight for the amnio.

Risk of miscarriage is mainly associated with infection from the procedure itself.
For me, it was absolutely spot on, was not done by a Dr or consultant but a lady who does scans! She does up to 10 a week, so is expert with no miscarriages for the last 3 years.

It was fine, everything came back clear and so i was happy to continue as a normal pregnant lady .

We had to know, this was the only way.
Good luck x

I thought the 1:100 mc risk came from studies in the 1980s with more recent studies showing lower risk? My hospital quoted 1 in 1000 risk of mc or lower. Given the law on informed consent, I don't think they would underestimate the risk in their written guidelines. I got great comfort from my amnio but it was relating to an infection where there was a much higher risk ie 1 in 10 risk of toxoplasmosis having crossed the placenta

Thanks everyone for your messages.

It was just too much of a worry for us after everything else so we've spoken to the fetal medicine centre and I'm booked in for an amniocentesis with Professor Nicolaides who I hear is amazing...

That's great, sounds like you've made the right decision for you. Knowing that a world-leading expert is doing your amnio will help your confidence about the procedure.

FWIW, I was immensely reassured by the amnio. It helped me bond with the pregnancy & accept that things were ok. I chose to find out the gender too, which also helped. I took it easy for a few days, didn't have cramping at all.

Ps take baby wipes as your stomach will be covered in brown iodine for the amnio - and wear black pants!

good luck with the procedure!
It hurts sharply (not intolerably), btw, at least in some cases. But that can be normal & nothing to worry about by itself. My 'amnio' baby is now almost 5yo and fine.