everyones thoughts on the down syndrome ultrasound thing...

LeeAnn - posted on 04/30/2012

I posted a reply to this effect on another thread but will tell you too.

You are usually offered a blood screening sometimes called a quad screening. They test blood levels twice and give you a scenerio by looking at the levels of different things (AFP, etc) in your blood and how it's changing. They couple this with a neuchal (spelling, sorry) fold test to look at the back of the babys neck (marker for Downs if it is too thick). I wouldn't bother with the neuchal fold ultrasound on its own as it is not very accurate.

Most of the things the blood screening tests for are spine defects and chromosomal disorders.

I had this done and my levels showed high for Trisomy 18.

There is a false positive risk on these tests and they are ONLY diagnostic (probability and not definitively).

You may be told you are at risk and your baby is fine.

Also, you may be told that your risk is low and end up having a baby with a disorder.

The only way to be sure is a more invasive test like CVS or amnio (tests baby's chromosomes). CVS will tell you about chromosomes only, amnio will tell you also about spine defects.

I worried and hoped for the false positive, but it ended up the baby did have trisomy 18.

So at first I was mad that they were making me worry but in the end after a detailed ultra sound and an amnio I was glad the test caught it.

I would get the tests if you think you will worry or just want to plan for special care if the baby has any type of defect or disorder.

If you think you will be fine with whatever and do not want to plan ahead for anything of this sort then I wouldn't get any tests.

Evie - posted on 04/29/2012

My daughter was pregnant with her 2nd child & the test showed DS.... & Dr. recommended an abortion.... they would not even consider it.... He was born perfect, he is a A student, finishing his first yr. of college..... Thank God they chose to KEEP their baby! They now have a 3rd & 4th .... all perfectly normal!!!! I say, don't have the test! God Bless You!

Sara - posted on 04/26/2012

You can have your risk reduced by having an ultra sound for down syndrome Dr. David says that "depending on how early the ultrasound was done. It is impossible to tell from the early ultrasounds and even some of the later ultrasounds do not show Downs Syndrome. If the alpha feta protein level drawn is high the odds are higher that you might have a Down's baby. Chorionic villous sampling chromosomes is the only way to know for sure prior to birth."

https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/94027-what-is-your-risk-reduced-for-having-down-sydrome-when-you-had-normal-ultrasound

Kim - posted on 04/01/2012

(cont) I went from shock, grief, to down right PISSED OFF in all of a minute!!! I told the doc in no uncertain terms that I was NOT having an abortion! My partner felt differently, he didn't want to keep the baby. In the weeks to come, we saw a genetic specialist(who recommended an abortion), had a fetal echocardiogram to check the condition of the baby's heart (fine), and received couple's counseling to attempt to work through our differing views. Tough times.

Well intentioned, ignorant family members thinking that they knew best, advised us, making matters worse for us as a couple. With the decision weighing heavily, I disregarded my partners' wishes and delivered a very sick baby boy on June 9, 2000, named Tommy. Tommy and I spent the better part of the first 17 months of his life in the hospital battling Leukemia(AML). Tommy survived. His father and I's relationship did not. (I want to make clear, that the pressures that came with Tommy were a contributing factor, but Tommy himself was not.) I wouldn't change a thing. Tommy is one of the greatest teacher's I have ever encountered. He has taught me more about unconditional Love, acceptance of what is, letting go of the outcome, living in the moment in pure joy, and how to move through this world in a more authentic, genuine way. Tommy is a gift to all that know him. He has and continues to win over all those that wanted him aborted, including his father ...just by being Tommy.

Kim - posted on 04/01/2012

Hi Everyone! I had a high resolution ultrasound in early 2000 and the technician measuring the fetus was alerted to the tell-tale "warning sign" of a thick neck. It was enough for her to strongly suggest an amniocentesis. I had about three minutes to decide whether or not to proceed and I opted to go ahead. (I had undergone an amnio 7 years earlier with no ill effect, I delivered a healthy baby boy 6 months later.) Although I knew that no matter what the result, I was going to keep the baby. I was already close to 5 months along so a strong connection was already in place. With this in mind, the only rationale for taking the risk I felt, was to give myself and our family time to prepare for a "special needs child" if this proved to be the diagnosis. After a week of hell worrying about the worst case scenario being that our child would be born with Down Syndrome, we received the call that our nightmare had come true - the baby I was carrying did indeed have DS. After the initial desperate sob escaped my mouth, I asked the sex (somehow that seemed important). The doc said it was a boy...full blown sobbing....then the next words from the doc were "I've scheduled the abortion for Friday at 1:15." (3 days later)....(cont on next post)

Aniesha - posted on 10/29/2011

I didn't get it done for either of my pregnancies, as it wouldn't have made any difference to how we felt about the baby anyway. In the end, it's our baby & we'll love it no matter what. My doctor said the only reason to really have it is if you would consider terminating the pregnancy, which I never would have done, so I thought it kind of pointless. If something is wrong with my baby, I'll deal with it when the time comes, & all that aside, it will still be beautiful to me:)

Kylie - posted on 09/21/2011

hi, i didn't get the amnio test with either of my pregancies, cause of the risk, and it would still have the baby. but i did get the ultra sound, cause there was no risk, and we would have time to research and plan if there was a problem. plus we got to see our wonderful babies!

Cara - posted on 09/17/2011

I had the u/s done both time with each of my kids. I honestly only got it done so i could see my babies. I really don't think the u/s are all that accurate in whether or not the baby has it because one of my friends was told her daughter might possibly have it and she was born perfectly healthy and DS free.

Maggie - posted on 09/07/2011

I decided not to get its done with either pregnancies, what ever the outcome I was going to keep and give all the love I had to my kids. I think if you decide not to get the test and are happy if it is the case then why bother, they will tell you at your 20 week scan which gives you time to let it sink in and prepare.

I dont trust ultra sounds anyway, my son was suppose to be born 4lb and 35cm, well that wasn't the case. My mum was told i was down syndrome, turns out im not.

Amanda - posted on 08/22/2011

Doctors did not discover my son was sick until a random 3D ultrasound detected a possible issue. They didn't notice at my 19 week scan. At 25 weeks I learned that my son had many healthy issues that were fatal, far worse than a Down Syndrome diagnosis. He was stillborn at 26 weeks. I don't have the luxury of skipping important diagnostic tests. I was 26 and no risk factors. It can happen to anybody.

Cassandra - posted on 08/20/2011

I had my blood tested for risks of abnormalities. I don't believe in abortion because every child is a blessing. I did it to be prepared if any problems did occur. DS babies are just as important as babies without it. My son didn't. But I wouldn't change my love for him if he were DS.

Kari - posted on 08/17/2011

It could prepare you for a child with DS it wont hurt to have it done..it just gives you a heads up thats all..I had 4 extra US done and none of them picked up on my daughters DS, wish it had so I could have been prepared instead of taken by surprise..DS babies are just like all other babies they just have a few issues that may or may not have to be addressed before they are 6mths old..dont worry yourself to getting ill..if u are concerned get it done but if its not going to change how u proceed with your pregnancy dont worry about it..cause as soon as the Doc sees that the baby has DS they will suggest abortion they always do they never tell u all the wonderful things about a special child being in your life they only know what the read in their medical books..so tread carefully..and good luck..if u have any questions you can always ask one of us DS moms!! Also I would like to mention that more and more DS babies are being born to women in their 20s and even at 18 its not just a paternal age thing, its much more prevalent then what docs have been reporting..I have a friend that was 18 with her 1st baby that was a DS baby..you dont have to be 40 or ahave a high % on your blood tests..all of my tests were as low as you could ask for and all my ultrasounds were NORMAL so its out of our hands really..knowledge is key even if you dont have a DS baby eventually you will know someone who does have a DS baby..

Tanya - posted on 09/06/2009

Don't do it. Your mom is right. If the test shows anything then they do blood work or an amnio and that is risky! Is not worth getting worried about at all. Just know your baby is perfect and forget about all the testing.

The woman pregnant with the baby having an expected deffect. That would have shown up on any ultrasound. So it is not related to this testing.

Amanda - posted on 09/04/2009

I never got any of the tests done for down syndrome or other things that might be wrong. However it was easy for me to say no i did not want the test done because no matter how the baby is I wasnt going to abort it.

The chances of something being wrong are very slim so I wouldnt worry...I know easier said then done!

Ashley - posted on 09/01/2009

im not sure if im thinking of the same thing you are talking about, but with my first son my blood test results showed increased risk for downsyndrome, i had to drive 2 hours to the dallas office and get an ultrasound, my son was perfect, but they told me i will probably have to go down there for all my kids. When i found out i was pregnant again i did the quad screen blood test and wasnt concerned at all when they sent me back to dallas... but my second son that i am pregnant with has a birth defect called gastroschisis, a hold in his abdominal wall that his intestines are protruding out of. I am glad i did the test with both my children just so i knew they were healthy and now i have had time to prepare to spend lots of time in the hospital with my second son

Noel - posted on 09/01/2009

I'm going to w/my second one. Only b/c if it does come back positive. I would need to research cause I would not know how to take care of a baby with down. But I have also read that sometimes they have false positives but it's better to have knowledge than not be prepared at all. Reguardless it's your child your gonna love it no matter what. Good luck to you!

Tami - posted on 08/31/2009

The way that it was explained to me by my OB was that a lot of doctors are choosing to offer the test now because then the mother has the choice of terminating the pregnancy if the results are positive. That is why the short time frame. However my OB also said the risk is VERY minumal unless your family has a history of down syndrome OR if you are over 40. Even with thoes risk factors she said it still under a 40% chance of having a D.S. baby. I hope that makes you feel better.

Christine - posted on 08/31/2009

I did the test for both of my children beacuse I believed in being prepared if something was wrong. I am high risk, diabetic and over 25 so I had reason for concern. The test was non-evasive so I was willing to do it. It doesn't give you a definite necessarily, but gives you the odds. My results showed very low odds so I felt comfortable with the knowledge. If you aren't in a high risk, I'm not sure I would consider it, especially since it will cost you money.

Eden - posted on 08/13/2009

I agree w/ your thought process on this..w/ the exeption lol! Modern technology has blessed us in so many ways.Wouldnt it also be a blessing to know ahead of time if your family should do and additional preparations, education or psychological to prepare for such a special spirit? Knowing you wouldn't DO ANYTHING to change the blessing, knowledge is power in that case isn't it?

Amy - posted on 08/13/2009

Awe Christy, I love how you worded that, it's beautiful. Like I said, I was tempted to do it just so I could see another Ultrasound, I have had so many miscarriages in my past, I just wanted to see that there was still a baby..never did get it done...it wasn't as important as making extra time for my 3yr old :D

Christy - posted on 08/13/2009

For me I really don't care if my child has downsyndrome or another disability because that means that God chose me to be the mother of that perfect little baby. I didn't get the test with my first child and when the doctor asked me for this pregnancy I declined it again. Its your choice but if your child has a problem it meant the God chose you to be the one to raise the beautiful spirit.

Kathleen - posted on 08/12/2009

well the first doctor i went to see said he wanted me to go get it .. but then i went and got a new blood test and the new doctor said i didnt need to get it but could if i wanted to. but i rang around today and cant even get an appointment anyway and i didnt realy want to pay $60 anyways lol

Bridget - posted on 08/11/2009

My doctor has never offered it but I wouldn't get it if I had to pay out of pocket unless the doctor had a reason to worry. Ask your doctor if it's just a routine test or if he's concerned due to your blood test results. If he's concerned, I would get the test.

Savannah - posted on 08/11/2009

I said no to it for all my kids. The dr assured me that I was low risk for it so i just trusted her and left it at that.

Amy - posted on 08/11/2009

The ultrasound you're talking about is a relatively new procedure, more accurate than previous testing which was usually the blood draw and then an amnio if something was found. With this one they compare the pictures from the Ultrasound and the labs to get a clearer picture, I forgot what the accuracy rate was, but it is much better than before.

There is nothing to freak out about.Especially since you haven't had the test. Just take a deep breath, try to figure out if your knowing what may be wrong before birth would affect your decisions when it comes to having the baby.

I was offered the test...I said nope...almost said yes, just to see another ultrasound :D