Down's Screening Test - 1 in 110 , cut-off 1 in 200. I'm 35y 10m - Amnio next? NT scan good. Very confused & upset. Please help

[mumtojennifer]

I had mu nuchal trans scan at 12wk and result was good, nice and narror.

Had blood test on Monday 24Aug. Doc phoned this afternoon to advise result is 1 in 110 risk of Down's.

I am 35y and 10m old and am currently 15wk2d pregnant. This is my second baby. I think I had test with first and was ok (I was only 32 then)

I am incredibly confused. Most information indicates that on their own the NT scan can identify about 75-82% of Down's babies and the blood test about 60-70% but that together thet predict about 92-95%.......but how can I work the maths from that when my NT is good and blood bad?

I have no idea what to do. I am booked to see my consultant on Tuesday next week anyway but between now and then I may go slightly mad trying to think it through.

Haven't called hubby yet cos want it straight in my head before I do.....

[Jasmine1111]

I had the blood test (they don't do the nuchal test here) and we were told our risk of downs was one in five.

As you can imagine we were petrified. We decided that we would go for the amnio - if our risk had been over 1 in 100 we weren't going to, because the risk from amnio of miscarriage is 1 in 100, although they do tell you that it's actually much less than that in reality because the equipment is much better nowadays. When our risk was so high we didn't feel we had any option, we wanted to be able to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.

Anyway the amnio didn't hurt, just a bit uncomfortable, and I just did nothing for a full weekend.

We got the initial results on the Monday, and they were clear, and we were delighted. They then do some secondary tests to check for other chromosomal abnormailities - very rare ones - and two weeks later we got the all clear.

The week between getting the letter from the hospital and getting the results was literally the worst in my life. It was horrific.

Now I'm 28 weeks and baby is kicking away and I still can't quite believe it.

The blood test seems to be such an inconsistant indicator - any future pregnancies I wouldn't have it again.

Anyway, if you want to know any more about the amnio, or anything, just let me know.

Thinking of you xxx

[Tinkerbell2008]

I am so sorry to hear you put in this position, i too was given news that my baby was 1/88 chance of being downs syndrome after blood tests and was very reluctant to have an ammnio as the reality of 1/100 of losing my baby was something i wasnt prepared to risk (of course everyone is different) and decided to just accept what ever nature threw at me as i would love my baby either way.

But of course the nagging part of worry in my mind was of course still there (to be honest i was still petrified) so i asked my midwife if i could have a detailed scan, something that isnt offered as freely as it should be and of course carried minimal risk if any at all, i went ahead and the scan was carried out by an experienced consultant who told me he could see no problems at all and that everything seemed normal, he then tripled my chances from the 1/88 to 1/264.

I was more than happy with the result and it layed all my fears to rest. It was so indetail he could see what sex the baby was and i was 16 weeks!!

I went on to give birth to my very healty baby girl who had no problems at all and she is now nearly 3 years old.

Bloods are not a reliable form of screening and cast worry without the need.

I hope this helps and that everything works out for you x

[JoInScotland]

Hello,

I didn't have the NT as part of the 12 week scan (they didn't talk about it, if they did include that in it) and I went ahead and had the blood test which identified me as "low risk". I am 36 and will have just had my 37th birthday when our first baby is born in January. I thought I would be fine with a "low risk" outcome - that's what is in my notes from the counselling before the 12 week scan (our baby was actually 13 weeks then).

However, because I am over 35, I was a bit worried and when I had my 20 week scan, I asked if I could have an amnio. My partner and I met with a counsellor again, and I explained about my age being a risk factor, and that I just wanted to be sure. They booked me in straight away for the following morning. It really didn't hurt at all, and I am taking things easy for 48 hours as they suggest - no driving, no heavy lifting, etc. I laid down for several hours to read magazines and fell asleep in the afternoon yesterday. Today I had a warm bath and pottered around the house. I did have a few twinges in the uterus, as they said I might, but otherwise all well. The results came back today - no Down's Syndrome, Edward's or the third one they have a marker for. The extended results will take about 2 or 3 weeks to come through.

It was really straight forward and simple, and I hate needles! So I would say, if it will put your mind at rest, do it. My risk was 1 in 236 for my age but 1 in 381 for my health profile overall. I did think if I was that "one" and hadn't had an amnio, I might well never forgive myself. You have to make the choice that is best for you!

[Godsaveme123]

Hi ladies,
I am heart broken after i got à call from my doctor on 29th march to say that i am in risk 1:20for downsyndrome. I was told to take harmony test thé very next Day..i am 35years old my NT was fine.. But it was my blood result that put me to high risk... I am wait ING for my results probably by next week it Should Come.. I am so so scared that i dont Know where do i go ? Is there ànybody who got negative for downsyndrome with harmony with such à high risk.. I live in France... And its so difficult for me to talk to thé doctor in french as i am not native speaker... Àny kind of wisdom would be gratefully received....
Thank you x

[ilovesprouts]

I was /250

[ilovesprouts]

Sorry 1/250