16 week blood tests...so confused

[firefly101]

At 1st Midwife appt at 8 weeks, was told I wouldn't be screened for Down's as I'm "too young" (ie not over 35), then at 16 week appt - with different midwife, she said and we'll do your bloood test for Downs today. So I went along with it not really understanding it. Anyway got a call yesterday saying I was high risk so went to hospital today to see Fetal Care Unit who were lovely.
But....risk for my age is 1 in 860, bloods show my risk is 1 in 130 (higher but still less than 1%) but if I have invasive test risk of miscarriage is 1 in 100 even if baby is actually healthy. See why I am confused....
Anyway finally decided to bring forward my 20 weeks scan - which was actually booked for 22 weeks to 19 weeks, as this will give an indicator of "markers" associated with Downs, rather than have a test that has a 1% chance of miscarriage. Is this what you would do based on theses stats? Think it is right for us but would be interested to hear from others in this situation.

Sounds like MWs/system have really let you down.

1. Anyone should be offered the triple bloods, but it is more accurate for older moms. Maybe that's why you got the confused messages.

2. Yes, I agree with you, your adjusted risk of abnormalities doesn't justify doing an amnio.

3. I think going on the results of the anomalies scan what they call the 20 week scan is a very good strategy.

If the next scan throws up concerns, you need to decide for yourself how important it is to know what abnormalities there might be. There are a lot of good previous threads on MN for women trying to decide what to do about antental tests (like amnio).

Thanks for replying, we have a a week and a half to decide what we would do if the scan shows a high risk too. Will have to do some serious thinking.

Am a bit annoyed that I didn't get to see the same midwife both times. Think they are just busy. Will always ask for more information BEFORE having tests now!

Has anyone else been in this situation?