I had one for suspected Trisomy 21 or Downs (odds were v high) for my first, but regret it, as after I felt like I had put my baby at risk & was very worried about losing ds. I’m also an older mum.
The test was performed at the 24 week mark due to personal complications. I had seen the lower odds of loss, & only seen the higher ones post procedure. Our specialist was very experienced at performing them & hadn’t had any patient losses.
Following the test we had both decided irrespective of the result we would continue with the pregnancy. I was so concerned about losing my baby, that all I wanted was to meet them and hold them in my arms, irrespective of the result. I already loved them & felt so attached by that point & felt like I had put them at risk unnecessarily.
The test revealed Ds didn’t have downs. I have a family member with downs & have been around other people with children that are severely disabled or developmentally challenged. All lovely individuals.
Our decision to go ahead was because we were most concerned about our ability to cope with a baby with a severe form of Down’s Syndrome &
PRIMARILY our baby’s quality of life. We were aware of the additional challenges it can bring, usual heart operations (infancy or early on) & we don’t have any family nearby. We’re both ND too. The test can’t tell you that neither can scans, but it was our main reasoning at the time.
If it were suspected Pataus or Edward’s Syndrome I would prob go ahead, as that’s an entirely different scenario. And the outcomes aren’t good if it’s a positive. I imagine they might be able to see if the baby wasn’t developing properly via scans. Though I would be very concerned about quality of life in the womb & after for the latter two. But I’m not an expert in this area.
In hindsight, I wouldn’t go ahead with it again for Trisomy 21. I don’t think there’s a wrong or right answer. But I hope my experience helps in some way.
I know this is a very stressful time, so wanted to hand hold, and ask how you’re doing.