Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

I went for my ultrascreen, and the sonogram came back normal, but my bloodwork for Down's Syndrome came back with a higher rate of having a baby with this condition.

Based on my age before the test (31), the chances were 1 in 594; after the blood work, it came back 1 in 394.

My MD does not feel I need an amnio, but she said if I am going to be worried all pregnancy maybe I should get it for peace of mind.

I don't know what to do...I know it's a personal decision, but a tough one!


Has anyone been through this?

Even though the rate increased, it's still less than 1%, but I am worried about the increase.

I am very worried about the amnio because a friend of mine miscarried from that particular test.

Any advice or similar experiences?

Thanks

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

My cousin's rate came back 1 in 45 chance. She ended up having the amnio and everything turned out to be fine...healthy baby and healthy mom!

Its totally a personal choice for whatever you decide to do!!

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

I had a similar experience....the sono neck measurement was perfect, but the bloodwork results raised my risk from almost 1/700 to 1/75. Based on those results we were recommended to have either CVS or an amnio.
we decided to have an amnio, but as you said, its such a personal decision. we had to know either way so we could prepare ourselves.....and we ended up finding out the baby was fine. Good luck with your decision

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

Mine came back at 1 in 50. My OB was completely against an amnio even though I am over 40, until those results came in. After a lot of soul searching and lots of conversations with others who had to make the decision, DH & I had the amnio. Fortunately, it showed a healthy baby.

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

Hi Kathy
I didn't get my results yet, but IMO 1/394 is NOT BAD!!! Look at it this way, you have a 393/394 chance of a baby without downs. If it was me, I would not get the amnio. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

I don't think that is a high risk...especially if your Dr said not to worry!!! It's totally up to you...but I wouldn't have one...(I would also be paranoid...but wouldn't have one!)

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

I haven't been through this, but I can definitely relate to your concerns.

If it is less than 1% chance, I don't think I would do an aminio.

But it is your decision and you need to go with your gut.

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

HI Kathy,

I am pregnant with my second as well and my results came back much worse than yours- 1:15 chance. I was so upset and they wanted me to get the CVS test. I didn't want to get it for a few reasons-1 being that they called me on Tuesday and said that Wednesday was the last possible day that I could get the test which was only giving me one day to make a decision 2-the rate of miscarriage is a lot higher than for the amnio. I went in to talk to them on the day of the CVS test and explained that I really did not want the test and just as mother nature had it, I couldn't get it done due to the position of the placenta. I had to wait another three weeks for the amnio. I took it and my results came back fine. It is such a hard decision to make. Your results don't seem bad at all, but what do I know. If you do end up going for the amnio you can get a test called the FISH test which will give you prelimanary results in only a few days before the actual results come in.

Any decision you make will be the best for you and your family. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Re: Ultrascreen: Anyone's Down Syndrome blood work come back with higher probabilities?

I had a high-risk result of 1 in 160 based on both neck measurement and blood work. My dr. said that anything over 1 on 250 is not considered high-risk, so your result isnt even considered high-risk.
We ended up doing the amnio because it was stressing me out to not know--even though it wouldnt have changed our mind about our baby--for me I just felt that I needed to be prepared. Everything turned out to be OK, but it was the hardest decision Ive ever made.
However, I would not have done it if my results were not considered high-risk like yours are--because my doctor only recommends it for under 1 in 250. Everything above that he said was normal.
Good Luck with your decision. FM me if you have any questions, I did alot of research on this test, the amnio and Down Syndrome.