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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

12 week scan normal but v high risk bloods

22 replies

KatieKAJ · 23/01/2024 07:11

Hi, I had a reassuring 12 week scan last week, nuchal rigidity check 2.2, but yesterday I got a call to say the bloods show very high risk of 1 in 3 Downs, I’m in my 40s, first pregnancy, natural. I’ve booked amniocentesis in 3 weeks. I know this is an emotive, personal thing but I wondered has anyone had similar and found actually the foetus didn’t have one of those conditions after all, or am I clinging to false hope. Your thoughts would really help, thanks so much

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Truebee · 23/01/2024 07:15

Which blood test did you have? some consider your age and sort of multiply the results by that, so you would automatically get a high chance simply due to being in your 40s.

Unitedthebest · 23/01/2024 07:29

Have you considered paying privately for a NIPT test? X

KatieKAJ · 23/01/2024 07:30

The free beta HCG was raised I think

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KatieKAJ · 23/01/2024 08:20

Hi, I did but nhs offers that now I’m high risk, but advice seems to be to have a definitive test like amnio or cvs as I’m so apparently high risk, so I guess just a waiting game

i just wondered if anyone been in same boat but somehow had a good outcome x

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MrsMcnulty20 · 23/01/2024 09:02

Have you tried asking for a NIPT test? Where I am that is the standard next step following a high risk result. No risk to baby and very high accuracy.

giadaros · 23/01/2024 09:06

I would also get a NIPT asap. They are 99% accurate. The waiting can be horrendous so I would do whatever possible to shorten this. You can still have an amniocentesis after if you want to. Sorry you are going through this, I know how stressful it is. Hoping everything is ok.

Mmr224 · 23/01/2024 09:08

Yes, I would ask for a NIPT on NHS and then progress to amnio only if that had a high result. NIPT is very accurate for Downs in particular. I also had raised Bhcg and was in my 40s although the result was in 30s, not 1-3. It was related to age etc.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 23/01/2024 09:09

Go and get the NIPT...you don't need amino if you get that one. No risk and you won't have to wait 3 weeks for the results.

Also, if it wasn't for your age the risk would be lower. Lots of ladies in their 40's get high risk results. Fingers crossed that you get good news soon 🤞

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 23/01/2024 09:15

At 40 the chance of downs is 1 in 100 anyway, so if you get a high risk blood result suddenly your odds are a lot higher. But looking at all pregnant women, lots might have the result but lower risk due to younger age....

Retrievemysanity · 23/01/2024 09:18

I think it’s probably because of your age. A work colleague had similar and her baby did not have Downs. She was told it was because of her age that had impacted the blood results. Not sure if it will make any difference but I have a nearly 16 year old with Downs and she’s ace! All the best with your pregnancy.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 23/01/2024 09:18

*the same result

preggo39 · 23/01/2024 10:31

If you do go for NIPT, be aware that it can give false positives. So if you get a high risk result from it, make sure you get a diagnostic test before you do anything. The NIPT is not diagnostic - it's only a screening test. See www.nuffieldbioethics.org/blog/nipt-private#:~:text=Sometimes%20NIPT%20gives%20a%20high,does%20not%20have%20the%20condition.

Best of luck OP.

Zaranj · 23/01/2024 10:36

Yes, was fine. Also older. Paid privately for NIPT. Wish I had not been pushed into an amnio as well - no complications, but a risk given the good NIPT.

Rosiiee · 23/01/2024 10:39

Echoing everyone else re NIPT. Harmony is outdated now and most places offer panorama which tests for more things. I’d call around to see what their turnaround is. I’m in Ireland and the panorama tests get sent to the US. Wait time for results is 5 days. Good luck!

KatieKAJ · 23/01/2024 11:28

Thanks so much for your kind words and insights it’s really helpful, and I do know it’s a bit silly seeking reassurance as everyone’s situation is different isn’t it, I can only hope at this point x

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NiceAsPi · 24/01/2024 14:24

Hiya, firstly I just want to say that I’m sorry you’re going through this, it’s so stressful. I had a similar situation, I’m 38, pregnant for the first time (now 18+4) and my 12 week scan was fine (NT was 2.8mm), and the baby looked great. Then 3 days later I was told I was high risk for Downs- with a 1:13 chance (not as high as yours but high enough to scare me!).

My partner and I had already decided that we would TMFR if it was positive (very personal decision obviously, but we didn’t think we could cope and he has two children already). I opted for an NIPT, which came back as low chance. But I’d read that at very high risk chances, NIPT is less accurate so I went with an amnio just to be sure (I also knew that I would be anxious for the rest of my pregnancy if I didn’t).

The amnio wasn’t great (I found it quite painful, but I’d still do it again) and the results at 3 days were inconclusive so I had to wait for 2 weeks. These set backs were unexpected and hugely added to my stress- so I just wanted to make you aware that they can happen.

Anyway, long story short, I found out 2 days ago that my daughter is fine. From my experience and reading around the subject, the combined screening is notorious for scaring the hell out of people, more often than not, needlessly. Your hormones fluctuate every day, so it may well be that on that day your readings and your age gave you that result. One thing I would say is that the stress of waiting is unbelievable, so be kind to yourself and get as much support as you can. I also found having an extra scan a week or so after the amnio helped me to be less anxious about the effect on the baby.

I have my fingers and toes crossed that your baby is fine, I really do feel for you. If you have any questions please shout.

KatieKAJ · 24/01/2024 18:01

Thanks so much for your message, it’s so kind of you to share your story, and I’m really happy you and your daughter are now doing well, and what a relief for you! I’m going for the private NIPT and have amniocentesis booked. It’s a really lovely thing that so many women on here are so supportive of each other. I’m hoping for the best, prepared as much as can be for the worst, and taking each day as it comes. If it’s good news I’ll post back on here, but can’t promise I will if not .. all the best for the rest of your pregnancy and beyond

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NiceAsPi · 31/01/2024 15:46

How are you doing OP? The waiting sucks so just wanted to check up on you. Did you get your NIPT result back? Hope all is well x

KatieKAJ · 31/01/2024 19:00

O bless you, that’s really kind. I’m ok thanks had the NIPT test yesterday and so waiting now, had a wobble today, and wasted a few hours googling which is never worthwhile! But I’m ok again now, distraction is best for me, any ideas totally non baby related let me know. I’ll update things if I can x

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Zaranj · 01/02/2024 21:03

Best wishes. Do stay away from Dr Google. Anything craft related or even tidying, as distraction is the best thing. I am not really into either of these, but somehow they seem to help more than reading or tv when serious distraction is required.

CharlotteFlorence · 11/01/2025 16:59

What was the outcome ? In similar situation xx

CharlotteFlorence · 11/01/2025 16:59

What wa she outcome ? Were they ok? Xx

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