Help - fear of miscarriage - Amnio

[Christinella]

Help! I just got the results back from my AFP quad test and it came back an increased risk of downs syndrom. I kind of expected that, since I am 39, the dr told me that is when you get a lot of false positives.....but I am still stressed....have any of you had a positive AFP (protein test) and everything was ok?

They are now recommending an amneo - I am so stressed about a miscarriage - have any of you had an amnio - any advise, rest time, what to do to help chances...anything - I am bugging out!

Anything or advise on this topic would help greatly. To answer the question everyone ask's, yes, it would make a difference if the amnio came back positive.

Christie

[BC-DKNY]

christie....i know of 3 ppl personally that had false pos's and all turned out fine.

i think ulitmately, what you would do regarding the results should be the deciding factor.

for dh and i, terminating wasn't an option, so i opted out of the amnio. i wasn't will to take the risk of m/c (however minute it was) just for the sake of information.

i hope others here will be able to offer you some personal experience.

my prayers and thoughts will be with you.

[robin]

I only know of one lady personally that had an amnio, and her AFP suggested down's syndrome was possible. Her amnio was negative.

[miamomma]

Christinella,
I am on the same page with BC-dkny. I got shady results from the test and they suggested an amnio. I was not interested in it due to the dangers and opted instead for a Level II ultrasound. This is where they look specifically for the markers that indicate downs. They told me that the baby looked fine, so I didn't pursue it any further. SHe is fine! At the time my risk factor should have been something like 1 in 5000 births and I was at like 1 in 250 (according to the test). I looked at it as if I were to have 250 kids, only 1 would have downs. That is a bet I wouldn't even put money on.
Good luck!
Dana

[Christinella]

So I am confused, the level II will also tell you if you have a higher risk of downs? I was told it would not. I was also told that the Amnio needed to be done before week 18, is that true? Can I do the level two and then the amnio - this is all so confusing.

christine

[3pookies]

Christie,

There are a number of "markers" that they look for on a Level II exam which can indicate a higher likelihood of Downs. If the markers are present than you might want to opt for the amnio. And I believe that an amnio can be done at any time. I don't think that you are limited as to when it has to be done.

Good luck in your decision.

[Cari]

Hi. I am an avid believer in amnios. I have had 3 of them, 1 for each of my kids. When i look at the stats, the risks are small. I think it was well said, you need to decide if if the outcome is important to you. It was for me- therefore the risks were necessary. I has my amnios before 18 weeks, i think, my doctirs had done alot of them, the procedure was slightly uncomfortable.

Good luck with your decesion. I was 40- with my las ds, i know.

Cari

[BC-DKNY]

christie......also wanted to mention...should you decide on an amnio, ask about the doctors history regarding m/c related to amnio. beleive it or not, there are doctors that are more skilled than others.

[Dublin]

I did an amnio with this pregnancy and also the CVS test. Everything is fine and I will be 34 weeks tomorrow. Make sure your doctor is very skilled. Good luck to you.