Amniocentisis, should I do it?

Di - posted on 02/05/2010

I was 28 at the time. Because I was spotting during the pregnancy it gave a fake positive which lead us to having the test. Now at 35 we have 2 beautiful children aged 3 boy and girl. if its meant to be then it will. Congrats on the new baby....

Di - posted on 02/05/2010

I don't want to sway you one way or the other. I had that test when I was just about 14weeks. thought I was doing the right thing. Wish I had listened to my inner voice which said don't do it. We lost our son. If u wont abort then I personally wouldn't have the test. The risk alone isn't worth it but the financial cost is large too. I miss my son every day. Once again just listen to your inner voice. U have to live with yourself, no one else does. Good luck!!!! :0)

Jolene - posted on 02/05/2010

Oh, by the way not all Down's are born to older women. My sister in law's was their first child. They were only 20, and 23 years old. They went on to have 4 other children who are not Down's.

Jolene - posted on 02/05/2010

I too had a higher chance with a Down's syndrome baby, due also, to one in the family. I chose not to have the tests run. I would rather not know and just love the baby unconditionally when he/she got here then worry the whole time with what if's. My nephew as well as being Down's is diabetic. They can be a handful and very challenging. But you will never find a more loving child. They LOVE so unconditionally and are totally fine in their own skin. We should all be so lucky.

Annette - posted on 02/05/2010

I was 42 years old when I had my second child. I was advised to have the amniocentisis test, I declined. I wasn't going to abort regardless what the test showed so why bother with the test and the stress that goes along with it. I was going to have by baby regardless. I felt good and was in good shape. Thankfully, everything came out just fine. My son is now 7 years old and very intelligent. My question to you Lorena is if you're not going to abort why bother with all the tests, just prepare yourself in case anything does happen. Think very positive about your outcome and the probabilities will be on your side. God bless you and your family.

Sonya - posted on 02/05/2010

I am 39 and I have a 7 month old baby. Yes the doctors told me I was a high risk and told me about the amniocentisis test to see if my baby would have down syndrome. Well I have 3 kids and had the test with the first one, he came out great. I would not recommend any one to have the test, it is uncomfortable and it make you more nervous. I did not do it with my last baby, and he came out great, yes there is a chance for down syndrome. You have made the decision to keep your baby with or with out down syndrome. DON'T put your body and mind through that. Pray and trust in a higher power that your baby is healthy and everything will work out for the best. I wish you the best

Francesca - posted on 02/05/2010

I had my second child when I was 40. My risk according to the doctors was about the same as you for downs syndrome. All of the tests came out fine ultrasound was good. THey pushed for an amnio test but I didn't end up doing it. I felt the same no matter what I was having I was having the baby. So do what you feel is right, your gut feeling. If you want to know ahead of time to prepare in case of a downs baby then do the test for peace of mind. I hear that the test is pretty safe. Otherwise just enjoy the pregnancy no worries. I had a very healthy baby girls 3 weeks early, she will be turning 5 next week.

Laura - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi Lorena,

I had babies young and older and I had the amnios. Not sure why now because it wouldn't have changed anything- I wouldn't have aborted anyway. My youngest ended up with ASD and Developmentally Delayed neither of which show up on an amnio. I don't think you can ever be prepared- even if you know. I have grieved every milestone that Francie doesn't reach- perhaps that is just my experience- I don't know.

What I do know is that amnio's are very invasive- I could see my son actually put his hand up as if to block the needle they we poking in...

For what it's worth, if I had it to do over again I wouldn't.

I also wouldn't let them vaccinate my child until they are two years old as I believe that my daughters autism was caused by hepB injections given at birth, 2mo 4 mo etc...as well as all the others. The blood brain barrier isn't fully developed until two years old. There is a website you can check if interested in what the Doctors wont tell you about vaccines vacinfo.org might be .com

Hope it all works out for you

Special kids are tough but a real gift

Laura

Sabrina - posted on 02/05/2010

I have an experience with it and I did not have any problems my son is 9 now and healthy. I agree it does help get you prepared because I was a nervous wreck not knowing. I did it even with reservations but I had no problems I know I was able to see the procedure which made me feel good. I was able to watch my baby through the whole process. It really is up to you and what you feel is the best way to go, I am glad I did it.

Ellen - posted on 02/05/2010

I had amnio with both my children - pregnant with them in my late 30's. While I understood the risks it was very important for me to know whether either child had chromosones that indicated downs or something else. We decided to do this because if the test was negative we would be able to have a little peace of mind, and if it were positive we would be able to make the right decision for us. It is quite a responsibility raising a child with downs etc. I think the more you know ahead of time the better off you and the child are. Correct me if I'm wrong but downs is not the only chromosonal irregularity that amnio picks up...

Mary - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi Lorena,
I am a mom with five kids and I was born with Spina Bifida so each pregnancy I had been closely watched throughout. When I had my last three children I was already in my 30's my last one was born when I was 37 and recommendations to have Amniocentisis done. After reading the number of books from my doctors and all the the pro'/con/s factors the con's convinced me not to have this done. I talked to my doctors about what my other options were if I choose not to have this test method done.
They told me instead I may have an Ultrasound called Ultrasound level 2 or II. This looks closer into the baby more of a 3-D Imagine and they should be able to test for Down Syndrome as well by simple Blood test too. Both work. My doctors watched to make sure that my babies were all healthy in womb through using both blood test and Ultrasound Level 2. Ask you doctor what other options you may have.
My oldest daughter had her son last year and again because genetically I am a possilbe link to Spina Biffida passing with gene's she too had Ultrasounds Level 2 performed and she at the time was 19. Check with your doctor about these options and see what they say too you than go from there making your decision.
Good Luck!

Martha - posted on 02/05/2010

I didn't have an amnio and I was pregnant at age 39. They offer it because, frankly, they make money on it! 100 years ago they didn't have amnios, ultrasounds and dozens of blood tests throughout the pregnancy and millions of healthy babies were born all the time.
Don't be pressured if you don't want it. Take care of yourself and your baby!
My son is now almost 10 and I'm 50 and both doing fine.

Lori - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi, I had my last baby at age 43. At first they was scared that he might have Downs, but i would only have the ultrasound done. I did this because I was still going to have my child no matter what, and i did not want a chance of losing him. The ultrasound show that he was fine. After birth i had a normal, healthy baby boy,who is a big blessing!!!! Please consider your feelings on this and do what you feel is the right choice. Good luck

Marilyn - posted on 02/05/2010

i had this done with a twin pregnancy (less room for error of the doctor) and was reassured after i did, the rest of pregnancy was not clouded by those thoughts.

Suzanne - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi Lorena, I am also 40 and just had my 3rd baby, I had to have an Amnio with my second as the blood test came came back 1 in 60. Fortunately everything was great. THis time round I didnt have the blood test and just otped straight for the Amnio, the risk of miscarriage is very minimal and for piece of mind it was worth everything. I have 3 healthy children so no regrets. Good luck xxx

Barbie - posted on 02/05/2010

when I was pregnant with my third child, the doctors were insisting on amnio. I was aghast. Why risk my pregnancy just to find out if my baby had Down's?



The doctor who had done all of my other ultrasounds told me that he could put my mind at ease...there are a lot of things that can be seen on a sonogram: thickening of the neck area, shortened femur etc. will indicate Down's. He was very kind and talked me through the test all the way. I think you should have answers early on so that you can love this child in the womb and not be anxious.



Every child is God's gift, and should be cherished. I think you are the kind of person who knows this. As it turned out for us, our son was not Down's. The sonogram told us that definitively, and that pregnancy was my easiest, the labor was classic. (He is 16 now, and probably the brightest academically of all four of my kids!).



You have a lot to look forward to, don't let the doctors steal your joy! ♥

Cookie - posted on 02/05/2010

I had two amniocentesis's with both my children when I was 38 and almost 40 and they both went well. I did want to know if my child would have any major anomolies because I did not have much family to help if needed. I am a nurse and don't believe God causes these bad abnormalities of some of the children I've seen like spinal bifida and others. I think we have polluted the world which causes mutations in cells etc. Downs Syndrome is an easy issue to deal with but many other syndromes are not. I personally would not bring a baby into this world with multiple anomolies and believe it or not I am a very conservative Republican. Hope this helps, I think you should do what is right for you and your husband. Sincerely, Cookie

Jean - posted on 02/05/2010

I had an amnio when my anomaly scan showed markers for chromosomal disorders, unfortunately, my daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Turners syndrome. She was stillborn 4 weeks later.
For every woman, there has to be an assessment of risk from the procedure compared to the risk of birth defects. You could delay the amnio and go for your anomaly scan at 20 weeks, if that shows up any markers, then you can have the amnio to get definite results. I know lots of women who have had children later in life and all are healthy, Just because you're risk is higher due to age doesn't necessarily mean that you should introduce the risk of miscarriage unless there is a valid reason to take the risk.
I agree with you, it's good to know to be prepared for what's about to come.

HEATHER - posted on 02/05/2010

It all depends on your doctor and you. I had my daughter when i was 42 i wasn't recommended the procedure i asked for it as i needed to be prepared not because i wanted to abort or anything else. I just wanted to relax and enjoy. there are risks with any invasive procedure of course there is but ultimately you will need to make the final decison but make it with all the correct advice and do whats right for you.Do you know that stress can cause more damage than a lot of other non genetic problems. You will not enjoy a great time in your life if you worry too much. I would never say do amnio but i would say it helped me enjoy my pregnancy and my daughter.

Allison - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi Lorena,
I too had this situation with my second pregnancy. After a few sleepless nights through worry and running through different scenarios in my head, my husband & I decided to have the amnio done. We felt if we had the amnio we could then make a decision based on the outcome, and if need be we could have told the family and given everyone time to get used to the idea and it wouldn't be a shock to everyone at the birth. Luckily it came back clear and everything was ok.

All the best with your decision, it certainly is a big one.

Anne-Marie - posted on 02/05/2010

I think you have probably already answered your own question - regardless of what the test results were - you won't abort. If that is your decision like some of the others have already said there is no point in doing the test. I am sure your sister will be able to help you with preparing for how to cope with a baby with a disability and be able to support you if your baby was born with Downs. Best of luck with the pregnancy hope all goes okay.

Brenda - posted on 02/05/2010

Hi there

Im sorry you have got your results back and you are in the 'high risk' group. Personally if I were you and not intending on having a termination if bub does have downs but wanted to know so I could be prepared BUT also didnt want to risk a m/c I would skip[ the amnio and just prepare myself for a bub with downs. Fingers crossed bub will be fine and then it will be a big relief for you both but if bub does have downs then you are ready with all the info you need.
I hope you get a nice surprise and bub is nice and healthy but if he/she does have downs Im sure you will be just fine.
Congratulations on bub number 2. Enjoy!

Holly - posted on 02/05/2010

Wow I had no idea that a down's baby had fewer blood vessels! If it is so easy to tell with such a non evasive procedure WHY are we doing Amnio's to check for downs still? That makes no sense! Thank you for the education! I will probably wind up having at least one more child and am nearing 30 so this may come up with the next baby (it won't be right away). I am glad to know there is a way to check without jeopardizing the baby! Kuddos and BIG THANKS for the info!

Zatonda - posted on 02/05/2010

if your not having a abortion, then why risk it if your already high risk? a child with down syndrome is no different than a child born without a leg as a new born, you go with the flow after you have the child, you understand that child needs after the birth.

K - posted on 02/05/2010

Hello Lorena .... I have read through all of the comments posted so far before deciding that what I have to say may be of some use to you, after all ..

I was almost 40 when I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter .... due to quite a lot of health issues, as well as my age, the doc wanted to terminate ... I disagreed ....

Instead, we managed a compromise ... he sent me to a hospital to have genetic counseling done .... to make a long story, short -- the counselors told me that there was a very great risk that my baby would have downs syndrome .... they recommended amnio with the possibility of terminating if we tested positive for DS or any other debilitating condition ...

Again, I disagreed ..... I was putting off cancer treatment until after the birth of the baby and did not want to terminate the pregnancy - regardless of the test results .... and since I had so many medical issues to deal with, I wanted ANY testing they felt to be necessary ... to be the LEAST invasive testing that it COULD be .... the medical staff waas made very aware of the fact that I was not going to do anything to jeapordize the baby's health ....

This was back in 2003 .... and this was the first time that I had ever heard of sonograms being strong enough to be extremely detailed .... I still have some lovely "snapshots" of our beautiful baby girl from that day .....

This was also the day that the medical personell informed me that I was right to refuse the amnio testing since it would likely lead to unecessary medical complications for both of us ..... They told me that they could very accurately predict if my baby would have DS just by checking a sonogram of the umbilical cord .... go figure .... the cord for a "normal" baby had 3 major blood vessels in it ... while the cord of a DS baby only had 2 major blood vessels in it ......... this was something that I had never heard before ... and something that I still have not heard addressed here, in response to your question ....

This was the day that I found out that I was having a daughter, as well as finding out that she had the appropriate number of blood vessels in her umbilical cord that indicated she was not a downs syndrome baby .... I know that they said more stuff about this b/c I asked a bunch of questions ... but I really have no recollection of the answers I got .... what stuck in my brain was the fact that the medical people had basically harrassed me until I was a nervous wreck to do a procedure that I did not want to have done .... and then they tell me there was a much safer, simpler, less invasive way to make the same determination ....

I think these were fertility experts as well as genetic counselors that I spoke with ... they were located in a large hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and they were the people who performed the sonogram for me ... the pics of the baby were very high quality, but I don't know if it was a 3D, a 4D, or a plain old, "regular" sonogram ....

even though the docs told me that she was not going to be a DS baby, I figured it best to read up on it ... just in case there was something they WEREN'T telling me ..... but my daughter was born a few months later at a healthy 21" and 10 lbs ..... just something to think about

Charmaine - posted on 02/04/2010

Hi Lorena



I had the same situation with my 2 pregnancies. My odds for Downs were also not great. I decided to go ahead with the amnio. I do think that you must know beforehand what you will do with the information. if you know you won't abort, then don't have the amnio done. If you want to abort should your baby be tested positive for Downs, then I say go ahead. If you listen to you doctor and do what he says, you should be fine. I kept still for 48 hours after the amnio and was fine. I had amnio's for both my pregnancies. The way I saw it, my odds of Downs were greater than my odds for miscarriage, so I played the odds. At the end of the day , this is a decision that you and your partner need to make.

Fe - posted on 02/04/2010

I had three healthy kids now and my 2nd boy was detected for a down syndrome before, of course I was so sad and I really want him to be born normal, I had my special test of it, thanks to God my prayer was granted, so all I want to share is your faith to God, learn how to ask if you have faith in Him you wont be discouraged thats all I want to share from my experienced...

Meriona - posted on 02/04/2010

Back when my mother was having her second family (new husband), amnio was not even heard of. Her last three were born when she was 39,41 & 43 and were all healthy and very intelligent. My daughter was asked if she wanted an amnio with her first one and she said no, she wouldn't abort anyway and if she had a special child she would still love it just the same. That was the first time I had ever even heard of that test though I had 4 children of my own. May God bless you with a healthy baby.

Holly - posted on 02/04/2010

I am so sorry you are facing all of this right now when you should be relaxing and not worrying. My thinking is generally that if you aren't planning on aborting either way don't do the test and risk the baby. If you are very much concerned about knowing in advance (as I would be) ask for a 3D or 4D ultrasound in a few weeks when they are feasible. You may be able to tell from the ultrasound if anything is going on from facial features. This was the advice I was given for this last pregnancy. I have always been of the thought that if I wasn't going to abort either way then I didn't want to risk a miscarriage...

Good luck with your decision either way that you choose! I hope everything turns out well for your pregnancy and your baby!

Erin - posted on 02/04/2010

When I was pregnant with my first son my doctor told me we needed to do one because my prenatal blood work with the markers for downs. I told her absolutely no way simply because I would not have aborted the baby if it had come back positive. If you know that the results will not change your mind then there is no point in taking the risk of miscarriage or even harming yourself or the baby. Plus why waste your time and money to have the test done. Yes it may be nice to know but the tests aren't always right. My doctor did a level 3 ultrasound and realized that my due date was off and that is why the blood work came back the way it did. See if your doctor can do something noninvasive before doing the amnio. Good Luck!!

Yolanda - posted on 02/04/2010

Don't do anything that would potentially pose a risk to your baby's health. PRAY for a healthy delivery!

Dottie - posted on 02/04/2010

I had an amniocentesis at 26 weeks pregnant with a child that had Turner's Syndrome. We needed a definative diagnosis in order to proceed to pregnancy. It was not painful and it did not cause any cramping etc. Unfortunately the baby was severely symptomatic and did die due to the cardiac problems related to Turners. I was not going to abort and did not use the test for such. If it will give you peace of mind, I would do the amniocentesis.

Bobbie - posted on 02/04/2010

I had an amnio with my 1st child when I was 35 weeks. My placenta started to deteriorate and the doctor wanted to make sure his lungs were developed enough for him to be born early. I ended up having a c-section at 36 weeks. The amnio was normal, but I ended up having a child with Cerebral Palsy. Even though some people would like to have an amnio so they can be prepared, if they know they are having a child with a problem, there is really no way to fully prepare for it until the child is born. I say it's not worth the risk to have any test that is not "routine" no matter whow high or low the risk. Of course, it all depends on the test and each person's individual situation.

Theresa - posted on 02/04/2010

I agree dont do the test... if you would not even consider aborting then why stress over it? Everthing will be fine or something could be wrong, you just can't not be afraid because of a chance. But you need to do what you you and your family needs to do. It is your choice. And you will make the right one.

Andrea - posted on 02/04/2010

I was asked by my doctor to have an amniocentesis because one of my twins had visible medical problems. I too was nervous about the miscarriage risk and decided I was going to keep this child anyway so why risk his/her life to know ahead of time what I could possibly be dealing with. I went through my pregnancy hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

When all was said and done they told me that they wouldn't have learned anything from the amnio as it was not a chromosomal problem.

Bobbie - posted on 02/04/2010

If your planning on keeping the baby either way, then why have the amnio? It won't change anything, so just try to prepare yourself for the fact that you might have a child with a problem and try to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Toni - posted on 02/04/2010

Hi,
With my 1st son, they seen somthing at the 18wk ultrasound do they sent my to a specialist, there they suggested an amniocentisis. My thought on it are- I would never have an abortion, but if somethiing is wrong, I need to prepare myself and be able to learn about it, I thought of it like, I need to have it and deal with it no matter what happenes.
I wasn't painful, uncomfortable but very fast.
I waited the 3 wks and it came back normal, no chromasonal abnoramilites! He was perfectly healthy, today he is seven years old.

Jane - posted on 02/04/2010

I had a baby girl at 38, five eyars after being treated for leukemia and receiving a bone marrow transplant. We had concerns about possible complications because of all the treatments etc. One of the procedures we where offered was an amnio - mostly because of my age. My husband and I decided that that was not an option for us since we would not abort anyway and there was more of a risk with that procedure. Education became our objective at this point. That little life is so precious and you will love and adore that baby. Keep your thoughts positive and give her your love - we all florish with that - May Gods Blessings be with you, you will make the right decision with thoughtful meditation.

Deb - posted on 02/04/2010

I was preg with twins at 38, and preg with 1 at 40. I had amniocentesis with both preg. and no problems. But that was me. My husband and I wanted to know if our children would be happy or would we have a long road ahead. Everything was good. Good luck.

Suzy - posted on 02/04/2010

Hi Lorena,

As a midiwfe, I see many women faced with this decision every day. If you are going to keep the baby regardless of a condition or not, I wouldn't risk an amnio test. You will have your regular ultrasounds that will more that likely show if there is a problem with the baby enough in adavnce to prepare you. I see many women in their late 30's early 40's, and more often than not the bubs are just perfect! Goodluck and congrats!

Sheri - posted on 02/03/2010

I'd just get another ultrasound later on, getting better info on the baby. I hope you have a healthy bub in there! :o)

Joan - posted on 02/03/2010

I had a Down's Child at the age of 31. She is now 36 and is the most beautiful blessing to our life. She is very bright and has feeled our lifes with joy. God has a purpose for everything that happens in our life and he always knows best.

Kristy - posted on 02/03/2010

hey there,,i was only 20 when i had to have an amniocentisis as my first child was born with a gentic condition..so when having this procedere done it was a bit scarry but i did suffer pain afterwoods but laid down for 45 minutes and felt fine! This i belive effected my baby as she was the only one out of 3 that screamed all the time and was learning delayed..i did all the same things with all three but she would never settle she was,,always very anxious i belive the amnio conuld be responsible for this she is now 10 and she is fine!!!i belive to prepare for what might be install it is sometimes necassary but if i knew then what i know now i would never have done it..goodluck with your decision!!

Marisa - posted on 02/03/2010

If you are going to keep the baby regardless, I would advise against the test. The tests aren't 100% accurate and you may create unnecessary worry for nothing and may do harm to the baby. If you believe that there is a chance prepare that anyway without the test.

Kitz - posted on 02/03/2010

Hello,

I was 36 and really on the fence about this. I chose to avoid amnio due to the risk to my baby. But those mothers who do have it done are going with their insticts too. In my mind this was one of the first tough choices that I made on "mother's intuition" against my doctor's advice. Sometimes hard facts, numbers, Dr. and others' advice can help, but it comes down to what feels right to you.

I really hope this helps! You're going to do just great! Kris.

Barbara - posted on 02/03/2010

I had one done with my second child, I liked the doctor a lot who did the procedure and my husband was unable to be there, so I was there alone. It did not take that long and was really not that painful and I was able to drive myself home. It is worth it if you would want to no up front regarding the health of your new baby so that you could prepare if need be.

Kim - posted on 02/03/2010

I never had any of the tests done because there is such a high risk of false positives and my husband and I would not do an amnio or abort so we figured why stress ourselves out. My Dr even told me about 3 women that he knew of that got results back and Geneticists recommeneded they abort and they had perfectly healthy babies!! My Dr did make me do a Level 2 ultrasound which in more indept. They can usually tell from one of those if the child may have Down's or some other problems but they do those at 20wks or so. Prayers for a healthy baby. Take care.

Gwen - posted on 02/03/2010

Sounds like you have already made a decision that you will not abort. My question to you would be, what do you really have to gain by this test then? Amniocentesis comes with risks of its own, as any compromise of the sterile environment runs risks of infection, etc.

Nada - posted on 02/03/2010

Hi, I'm 41 & had my twins at 40 years of age. I had an amnio & regret it immensely. I was told that I was having twins & that they will do an amnio to see if both of them will be ok. This was ofcourse recomended by my doctor. It was a very hard decision to make but we decided to go ahead with it. Not long after my amnio, my water broke for 1 of my twins. They were in separete placentas. I was then hospitalized for fear of infection & also for fear that I might lose 1 of my boys. I was then told that my little boy who had no fluid around him was not going to make it. There was also the grave chance that my other little boy wouldn't pull through. After a long time in hospital I had a ceasar at 28 weeks for both boys, who were still fighting but very small. After 4 months we lost 1 of our beautiful little boys & now 18 months later our other little miracle is nearly 13 kilos & running a muck.

Carrie - posted on 02/03/2010

I had all the blood tests and neck tests done very early and they never got a good image of my daughter, but istead of telling me that, they told me that the neck looked off and they saw no nasal bone, so I had better be prepared to have a child with Down's... that completely threw me off guard and so I changed Doctors, got a second opinion and was told finally that they couldn't get a clear image, but if I wanted, I could have the amnio to be sure. I was in complete distress for two months while deciding whether or not to do it. I would not have aborted either, but the anxiety was not good for me or my baby, so I said yes. I had it done with no complications (other than a bit of a fainting spell while leaving the Dr. office) and my daughter is perfectly healthy, turning 2 this month. If I were to do it all again, I would never have gotten that neck test done to begin with, but I think you should get the amnio done if it will let you relax. Stress might be worse on your pregnancy than the amnio would.