Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience-Update I had it

Long story made short (full story is on pregnancy board). Had my 20 week sono today and they saw 2 things that they didn't like that could be a sign of downs syndrome. So I have to go for an amnio tomorrow. Of course I am scared about so many things but for right now I am scared of the procedure and the risk of miscarriage.

So if you had an amnio, please share your experience with me and let me know what I can expect. Also I'm supposed to take Kiera to see Nemo on Ice tomorrow. Do you think I am going to be up to it? I have so many emotions going through me right now that I am ready to just crack. So anything you can say will be helpful. Thanks!

Update: I went this morning. Everything went well. It hurt a little but was not nearly as bad as I thought. I feel ok so far but I am going to take it easy for the day. My doctor is so amazing and I just love her. She made me feel so much better about everything.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences with me and for your support. You have all helped me so much. Please keep us in your thoughts for the next week. We should receive the results within the week.

Message edited 1/11/2008 10:06:26 AM.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I didn't have one, but my BF had one and she said it was fine and that it did not hurt at all.

Hang in there!!

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I had an amnio, I actually didn't think the procedure itself was that bad--it felt like a pinch & a cramp, but only lasted seconds. my DH stayed with me the whole time and we watched on the screen. After the procedure they told me to take it pretty easy----I took it to the extreme and stayed in bed the whole day. For me, the most nerve wracking part was waiting to get the procedure done (we were rec to have one when we were only 12 weeks and had to wait until it was okay to do it)--once i had it done I knew whatever would be would be.

ETA my advice would be try your best to relax during the actual procedure, easier said then done, I know, but it helped me so much

Message edited 1/10/2008 9:40:07 PM.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I had a very tough time deciding whether to go for an amnio. I decided to have one. I had one at 15 weeks, then I had another one at 36 weeks because they had to make sure the baby's lungs were mature before my C-section. If you look up my screen name, which was ssdbk at that time, you will see the discussions I got into about this. You may feel up to doing whatever you want after the procedure but it is safer for you to go home and put your feet up, IMHO. I can hardly recall now but I was slightly crampy and tired, nothing terrible. Good luck.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I havent had an amnio BUT maybe I could help explain what they saw on the Ultrasound....

My oldest daughter has Mosaic Down Syndrome..My doctor wanted me to have an amnio b/c I am higher risk b/c Ive already had a child with Down Syndrome. I read up on the Ultrasound and Im pretty well read on the subject regarding what they are looking for etc...

Lots of hugs and prayers to you.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I had an amnio with each pregnancy. The procedure is not that bad. The needle is a slight pinch, just like getting a shot, but this time in your tummy.

DH was in the room with me, along with the doctor and a nurse. They watch the needle go in on the sono screen making sure they don't come anywhere near the baby. They tell you prior to the procedure that if the baby is not in a good position, they may have to reschedule for another day.

The hardest part is waiting the 2 weeks for the results...which thankfully came back normal.

It's a very personal decision. For me, I looked at like, I want to use any kind of medical technology out there that can help me and my baby be prepared for whatever may be. Back in the day when my mom was having babies, they didn't do sonograms...it just wasn't available...so does that mean we should just not have sonos today and say whatever will be will be???? No way! For me, I'm going to take advantage of the medical technology we have today!

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. You have put my mind at ease a little. I'm going to try to get a good night's sleep and I'll post tomorrow at some point to let everyone know how it went.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

Just wanted to offer you some ! Good luck tomorrow!

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience

I had one b.c they saw a small stomach on the Level II which could be a sign of several things.

It was fine. I was scared but it was not painful at all. I would feel much better about doing another one if I had to when I try for #2 down the road.

They did tell me to rest for a few days and take it easy. I was told no bending or lifting for at least 24 hours if not 48 hours.

Re: Anyone who's had an amnio please share your experience-Update I had it

Bump for my update.