Hi risk for Down’s Syndrome (1/83)

[Michellewar]

Hi there in advance I’m sorry for the novel.

I didn’t get my first ultrasound until I was around 14 weeks. The baby was in an awkward position so had to go back at 16+1 to get another scan. No issues, everything went as expected.

I then got my bloods taken for the screening tests on the same day as the 16 week scan. Got a phone call after a week asking if I was still smoking, I said I hadn’t smoked since I found out I was pregnant (11 weeks I think) and she then said there’s a high risk of Down’s syndrome 1/83. This completely knocked me, and I’ve pretty much been crying ever since.

I then went for a NIPT test on Tuesday and was told I’d have results by Monday. I got a phone call yesterday saying the lab got my blood work too late so I’d need to go back in on Monday for another test then wait another week for results. I’ve hardly slept and don’t know if I can cope with another week of worrying. I know stress isn’t good for the baby.

I caved when I got the phone call and smoked 3 cigarettes, which I am feeling disgusted with myself. Please don’t come for me, I quit smoking after 17 years and I’m already beating myself up.

I suppose this post is just for me to vent and get it all off my chest but if anyone has any tips or advice I’d be so grateful ❤️

First of all, it is completely understandable to be worried after getting that phone call but I would try to think that 1/83 still gives you a very good chance of having a baby without Down’s syndrome. Not trying to make you feel bad (as it sounds like you already do) but I can’t really relate to deciding to smoke the cigarettes. You need to put your baby first.

Totally agree with the pp, it's still good odds and you need to consider better ways to manage your stress while pregnant so you're not harming your baby in the process. I think your worries are totally normal and anyone would be concerned as you want the best for your baby health wise but smoking is one of the worst things you can do if you're wanting to promote your babies health.

Could you try walking/ meditating/ pregnancy yoga? I found swimming felt great when pregnant and when I felt stressed I had a wee pamper night for myself. You just need a different 'go to' lined up so you have it in your head to do that instead of reaching for the cigarettes.

I had similar stats OP, my baby didn’t have Down’s.
There have been women on here with a much higher risk whose babies didn’t have it either. It is far more likely that your baby doesn’t have Down’s - out of 83 women with your results, only one of those would have a baby who did have Down’s. It is impossible not to worry I know, but try not to panic. It sounds as though everything looked fine on the scan ? That is a very good sign.

So the main thing to remember is that 1:83 is not high. It means 82 out of 83 babies will not have Downs in the same circumstances.

I was 1:25 due to my age - I was 45 when I had ds. I had an amnio, which didn't hurt in the least, it came back negative, I stopped worrying for the remaining 6 months.

Honestly, there is no need to get in a state. Chill out, wait for the test results and then listen to what the doctors advise. Good luck xx

Thanks for your comment. You are totally right, I need to put baby first, I should never of smoked. It was a moment of weakness. It’s still good odds, I just need to think positively!

I was 1:85 and my son doesn't have downs syndrome but I know what a tough time it is. It's more like 1%. You wouldn't see a 1% chance of a lottery win very high!

Im surprised they did the blood tests, as they are not accurate after 14 weeks! Those tests have a very specific window in which they are done for a reason.
But the NIPT will have accurate results and then you will know!
And 1-83 is not that bad! Its a very small percentage!

Best of luck!

My risk for Down syndrome was 1 in 62 and I knew it would be high due to my age. For this reason I decided to do an NIPT at the same time and all was low risk. Just wait for the NIPT results as the combined screen test isn't very accurate at all. Don't beat yourself up for the couple of cigarettes, it probably won't have done anything to the baby.