Suddenly freaking out about triple test result

[passionberry]

Over the last few days I have started really worrying about my triple blood test result of 1 in 260 - especially since reading some threads on here where people have mentioned being worried about results that much better than mine . . .

Basically this is my first pregnancy and I went ahead with the test without really thinking about it and received a letter from the hospital saying that I was low risk. After that I didn't think anymore about it until I went for my 20 week scan (which was fine) and got a print out of the test results - 1 in 260.

I thought that because the hospital said I was low risk there was no need to worry but I have just looked at my background risk for my age (30) and it is 1 in 900.

It's far too late to be worrying about this as I'm due in a few weeks - but I just feel really worried and stupid for not thinking more about this when I had the test.

Could the test be wrong? Why would the results be so high for my age?

I didn't realise they gave you the actual risk factor on the NHS rather than just high or low risk. Not sure what the cut off is in your PCT but you've passed it.

No point in worrying. Decent odds. You could still have an amnio if you wanted but of course the downside to that is that if you got a bad result, your choices are becoming increasingly limited at that stage.

Suggest you call arc - (ante-natal results and choices) - there is a website for further info. They are fantastic at telling you all about tests and results and the context, risk factors etc.

May help put your mind at rest. Or read the threads on the ante-natal testing topic on talk - lots of useful stuff on there.

Thanks for answering fifitot - I have looked at the arc website, maybe I will ring them tomorrow as well.

I don't want any further testing at this point - I am having this baby now and I assume anything life-threatening would have shown up on the 20 week scan.

I just wish I hadn't seen the test results to be honest. I haven't told DH about this as I don't want him to worry so I feel like it's just been going round and round in my head for the last few days.

Sorry, have just been reading the other thread about testing for downs syndrome. Should have maybe posted on there as it was already being discussed!

Just to add - I wouldn't have terminated for downs syndrome which is why I am now wishing I hadn't had the initial triple test. I think I am most worried that downs syndrome would be a big shock for DH and family and now I know what my risk is - I wish I knew for sure one way or another.

Well they will still let you have an amnio at 20 weeks so you could find out for sure.

Try not to worry. Easier said than done I know!

I had a risk of 1/60 from the triple when I was 35. We saw the consultant and had an amnio and DD was fine