Tests at 40

[Whatisbest]

Hi all.
Just a query re age and pregnancy.
If pregnant at 40 are you automatically offered amniocentesis? Or does it purely go on if a high risk? Can you also request it? I need my mind put at ease.

I realise it’s a procedure that has its own risks attached and not to be taken lightly.

maternal age is the most common risk factor for relevant defects
what you're asking might depend on local policy
MW should be able to tell you

It’s only offered if your baby is at high risk of having a condition.
They’ll measure babies neck etc at 12 weeks scan then if they think they are high risk of something you may be offered it, but of course you don’t have to have it.
If my baby was to be at high risk of something and I was offered it I personally wouldn’t do it.

Thanks.
Wasn’t sure if it’s automatically offered. And If it can be requested.

Agree it might vary between trusts. I’m pregnant at 40 and wasn’t offered additional testing as was low risk from the combined screening. Not sure if you can request an amnio/CVS just based on age but if you’re worried I know some people choose to pay for a private NIPT test eg harmony test.

It may be automatically offered for your age but my understanding was the risk

Ok. It really is a mindfield eh.

@Aozora13. How are you finding pregnancy? Is this baby no 1?

Sorry for all the questions! Just I’m planning it!

They only offer it if you are high risk no matter what your age is but the cut off varies by trust.
You can have private tests which are more accurate than the usual and less invasive than amnio too.

Wouldn't you prefer to get a NIPT done first rather than straight in for the amino?

Does the NIPT give an accurate result?

@Whatisbest

Does the NIPT give an accurate result?

Apparently so...but I've also read that it can be misleading! Mind field.

I know that the amino is a diagnostic rather than a forecasted risk. Not sure if the NHS would go straight to amino with out the screening

My friend has just had an amino done after the NHS screening and NIPT which both came back high risk and the amino supported that with the result.

Hi,
I recently found out I'm pregnant for the first time at 43. Thought the opportunity had long past me by, so still a bit in shock and quite anxious about it all - so feel your concerns too.
I've booked a private Nipt test (fetal DNA in my blood), which can be done after 10 weeks, so quite a bit earlier than amniocentesis can be done. My understanding is these tests are pretty reliable, but not diagnostic, so would be followed up with amniocentesis if high probability result. When I mentioned this to the midwife, who was booking me in for the scan and first appointment, she said she wouldn't book me for the usual NHS screening (I suspect this would give me a high probability based on age).
I have a background in cell biology and genetics, but am in no way an expert in Nipt, but from what I've read Nipt type tests appear to be one of the best ways to test for the three more likely trisomies and some tests can include testing for some other less likely genetic anomalies. And the big advantage is it safe, as just a blood test and can be done early, however it is expensive (although possibly available on NHS in some places - maybe someone more experienced than me knows about that?)

I wish you well in your pregnancy.

@Whatisbest thank you for asking. I’m finding pregnancy pretty rough, but was the same with my other two (this is DC3). I know plenty of people having babies into their 40s - of course there is additional anxiety with age-related risks but most pregnancies end with the birth of a healthy baby.