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First Trimester Screening

Laura - posted on 05/10/2010 ( 7 moms have responded )

265

I don't know wether or not to worry or not. I just got a phone call with the results of my first trimester testing for Downs syndrome. I got a slightly elavated risk for DS, 1:300 I don't understand the result. The didn't really explain it to me other then that they will do a more detailed ultrasound at 18 weeks. I am unsure how to feel about it. I say I am not going to worry but here I am biting my nails off! The genetic counseler who called me told me that if it had been a 1:310 they would not even have called me. So is this still good odds? I am reading online about women who have a 1:23 chance...so this can't be that bad. So, do I worry or try to wait it out?

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Laura - posted on 05/14/2010

265

Adele-

I looked it up on a website I found which had an extensive page about the testing. The 1:300 odds, equals a 0.3% chance that my baby will have it.

My dad said I would have to roll precentile dice and get a double 00 three times to have a baby with DS. I would have to get pregnant 300 times and maybe 1 would have it. Not much I can do but wait and have faith that this little one is perfectlly healthy. I am on the verge of denying getting the AFP test done.

Adele - posted on 05/14/2010

The result of the test is expressed either in terms of a risk assessment (eg. 1 in 300) or as positive/negative. The latter is the hospital or laboratory's interpretation of the former. A result of 1 in 300 means that about 299 people with this result will not have an affected baby, and only one will.

Adele - posted on 05/14/2010

This is the result that I got for my downs syndrome scan and they told me it was a really good result. They said that anything over 2.5 they send you off for more tests. Try not to worry cos the results are only a guide.

Anna-Marie - posted on 05/12/2010

This is why I don't have the DS tests until later as well. I didn't have them with my son at all. A few ladies in my due march group got told they were HIGH RISK and freaked out their entire pregnancies only to have very healthy little bundles of joy =) When I had my blood tests, one came up a FAINT positive for HIV. Apparently it's common in pregnancy but I really thought for the week between the rapid test results, that they had infected me when I got my last anti-d injections! I was so scared. When they say not to worry it's easier said than done! All the best =)

Laura - posted on 05/10/2010

265

This was not the AFP test, this was first trimester screen FB, testing for DS, trisomy 18, and 13, only one came back slightly elivated was the DS. I will be getting the AFP test at 16 weeks, but will refuse any invassive testing that could harm my baby. Better to have a baby with DS or Spinal Bifidia then to lose my baby! Just nervous, they did say if the 18wk ultrasound looks good then the risk goes from 1:300 to 1:600, so I am just going to assume that it's not bad.

Tina - posted on 05/10/2010

119

It's only a probability. Looks like yours is low. Did you take a blood test too?

Amanda - posted on 05/10/2010

Definitely don't stress yourself out. Stress is bad for you and the baby. I would say 1:300 odds are looking pretty good in your favor. I talked to my doctor and he absolutely refuses to do the tests until after 16 weeks, in fact, he suggests I go in at 17 weeks. But he says not to worry, they tell you the risks, not whether or not your baby will have this. Most babies are born healthy and fine. Just try to relax.