Amnio - decided to go ahead - any stories

[Christinella]

Well after meeting with the genetic counsler, I decided to go ahead with the amnio, she explained that the level II and AFP both can give false results or miss something and that at 39, they recommend it.

I have yet to find anyone (from speaking with my friends, etc) that has ever had a miscarriage or a heathly baby due to Amnio - anyone ever had this happen? Also curious if anyone has ever had a good leve II or AFP and then had a Amnio with chromo issues?

I am told that my chances of miscarriage at this place are 1 in 400 and my AFP came back 1 in 235 - so my chances of having a downs baby are greater than my chances of miscarriage - so I opted to go forward.

Please send me any good or bad expierences - I have 72 hours before I go ahead.

Thanks!

Christie

[bam0609]

I don't have any stories, but good luck to you!

[coyne9167]

Hi,
I had my amnios at weeks 16. I am having twins so I needed two. I did this for my own piece of mind. I am fine, the babies are fine.
It feels like a big cramp when they are doing it. I had DH with me to hold my hand and I never looked at the needle or the monitor.
I rested all day after and took it easy for a few days later.
I was scared, but it only took about 10 minuted from start to finish.
Best wishes
Kelly

[Magpie]

Some people experience no pain with the procedure but I felt a very sharp pain when the needle pierced the uterus. I'm only telling you this so you are not surprised if it happens. Holding DH's hand might help in case you need to squeeze something if it occurs. Other than that, the procedure was fine. They ask that I go home and do bed rest the rest of the day and drink plenty of fluids. I remember having some uterine cramping that afternoon.

The worst part is waiting for the results. They called me in nine days to tell me that I was having a healthy baby boy. That was close to being the happiest day of my life.

I hope your procedure goes well and you get great news!

[jpoo]

Good luck Christie...I hope that everything goes smoothly for you. I will be doing an amnio in about 6 weeks. Not looking forward to it...but I am 38 (as of yesterday) and you know how that goes...

[BC-DKNY]

i have no experience with amnios, but wanted to wish you the best.

[3pookies]

I personally have decided against the amnio. I don't know anyone who had a problem resulting from one, but I was just too uncomfortable with the m/c rates. What I decided to do instead is have my level II and if anything funky comes up I will reconsider having an amnio. We scheduled my level II for 18 weeks for that reason.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

[LisaJoan]

Christie,
Well after posting my own amnio freak out, I scroll down to see yours. It is SUCH a tough decision. Did you have a Level II u/s yet? If not, they will probably give you this before you get the amnio. For my DD, I was on the fence about wether to get it, and when we had the level II u/s, there were 2 soft markers for downs, so it was an easy decision to go ahead. This time, the u/s was perfect, and I got very good results from my nuchal and triple screen, so I am grappling with the same as you. I figure that peace of mind is really what we are talking about here. Chance are high for both of us that nothing is wrong. Even 1 in 235 is VERY low odds. So we just want to make sure because the down side would be devistating. Sounds like your clinic has a very good record, so I wouldn't be to worried. easy for me to say! Good luck, and let me know what you decide.

[Christinella]

Well, after much debate and a lot of internet searches, I decided to have the amnio. I found out the chances for success, expecially at a place that does over 50 a year is over 99% success rate. The procedure was quick, a little painful, but quick. They told me that given the strong heart beat and that I was in my 18th week - I should not expect any complications.

I had it on Tuesday and it is now Thursday. No spotting, no cramping, just waiting for the results, which come in tomorrow. They get the preliminary back in 2 - 3 days now.

Thank you all for your input. I would totally do it again with my next pg. I wish I did not read so much on the internet, I believe I was under the impression that I was taking a huge chance, when in fact some places have not had m/c's in years due to this procedure.

Thanks again,

Christie

[LisaJoan]

Christie,
I was so glad to hear your post! I think we can really freak ourselves out with too much information. Its good and its bad I guess. I'm sure your results will be good news as well. Keep us informed!