Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

I just got my results back and my doctor said they were slightly abnormal, giving me about a 1% chance that there could be something wrong with the baby. I am going to meet with a genetics counselor at Madonna Perinatal for some more info and I guess have to decide whether or not to go for an amnio. I have been doing some reading on this and I have found that there are many false positives on the test I had. Could you share any experiences you have had with this because I am starting to worry a little. And if you have had an amnio, would you recommend it or not? I'll be 32 in May if that even makes a difference.
Thanks.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

I had an amnio and had a very good experience. I rested and kept my feet up as they told me for the following days. I did it on a Friday afternoon so it would not interupt with work too much. I had slight cramping like they told me. The first 24 hours after an amnio are the most critical so I really listened to them and their advise. I went to Madonna Prenatal also in Mineola. The Dr. was very nice and is very experienced. That was reassuring.

I did not eat prior to it so baby would be more still and not move as much.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

i'm sorry i don't have any advice to offer. i'm going for my first-tri u/s in a couple of weeks and am nervous too. I have not heard any bad things about the amnios personally and i do know of quite a few who have had them.

I'm 35. I don't know how i feel about the amnio - DH is against them but i dont know how informed he is about them yet either. i've been trying to take one step at a time.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

My sister had abnormal ultrascreen results with her twin boys last year. She did go for the amnio on one of them because his measurements were repeatedly off and they "saw" things. Needless to say, both boys were born extremely health, premature, but healthy and have never had a problem. There are a very high number of false positives on that test as I'm sure lots of people here will vouch for so please don't worry. If it were me, I wouldn't do the amnio, JMO. 1% chance is so low, rest easy.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

I just had an issue they found a small stomach on my Level II and I had to have numerous follow ups - it looks like it all might be okay if my scans continue to look normal otherwise the baby might need a minor surgery. For me they know prebirth that there might be an issue and that an xray will need to be taken before I can feed her - if they don't catch it before birth babies are often fed and either choke or end up with pneumonia so we can be proactive.

The advantage to the amnio is that it rules out chromosonal disorders and say in my case help them determine if there would be any other additional problems.

I did the amnio when they told me that (I have very good results with my ultrascreen and AFP though) b/c there was a chance it was a rare chromosonal disorder or a Trisomy. We wanted to be prepared to get her the best care possible if it would be needed.

I think the decision to do the test is very personal. I would recommend it - not for the thought of would you abort which is why I see people turn it down - I would recommend it b/c if there is a problem you and your doctors can be prepared with the proper care for the baby at birth. You have time to investigate and learn about the condition and get the best care possible.

I had no issue with the amnio - there is a risk of miscarriage but it is like 1 out of about 350-400. The odds are much better with someone who does them regularly and is more skilled. If you do one - ask how often they do them. It was a quick and easy procedure and then you rest for about 24 hours.

Whatever choice you make it will be the right one for you.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

Message edited 8/21/2007 9:55:45 PM.

Re: Abnormal results on 1st trimester ultra screen testing

A friend of mine was recently in a similar situation. Her results came back at around 1:230? Evidently, these were normal for someone around age 35, but she is 33--not much of a difference. She opted to do the amnio anyhow and she had a very good experience with it. Because she will likely be at least 35 for her second child, she said she'd probably go right to the amnio and skip other tests then.

If it were me, with those odds I don't think I would have opted for the amnio--especially given the age. My DH would disagree however, and has probably already signed me up for one for the next time I did get abnormal results for my test too with my first pregnancy, and they were 1:5. I did opt for the amnio under those circumstances, but long story short, I never ended up getting it because everything turned out fine!

Good luck to you!