Amnio - OMG HELP!

[cosmotbear]

Hi Dawn such a stressful situation, I really feel for you. You must make the right decision for you I'd say, but like the others say, be sure about whether the results will affect continuing the pregnancy or not. If you'd carry on even if one or both did have Downs then it's probably not worth having the amnio. Hardest decisions in the whole world
have you had blood screening and Nuchal scan first? If not they might show a low risk which might make the amnio unecessary. Best of luck with whatever you decide

 

[Tigerlilies]

Honestly, you have to make the decision for yourself, but due to the risk, like what Deb said, why don't you do the less invasion Nuchal scan, if there are abnormalities, then go for the amnio.

 

[lisaf]

Wow, this sounds like a very tough decision. I agree that its a very personal one, but if you would keep the baby no matter what, then its just not worth the risk to do it.

As for the pain factor I don't know, but I'd suggest having them put up a drape so you don't see the needles going in! I don't think they can numb you since the needs go so far in, but I swear, watching a needle go into my skin makes it hurt... and when I used to give blood, the instant they covered up the needle with gauze, the pain was cut in half, lol. Worth a shot, right?

 

[KandyKinz]

Wow, this sounds like a very tough decision. I agree that its a very personal one, but if you would keep the baby no matter what, then its just not worth the risk to do it.

As for the pain factor I don't know, but I'd suggest having them put up a drape so you don't see the needles going in! I don't think they can numb you since the needs go so far in, but I swear, watching a needle go into my skin makes it hurt... and when I used to give blood, the instant they covered up the needle with gauze, the pain was cut in half, lol. Worth a shot, right?

wow... I think we're exact opposites Lisa! I have to watch the needle when I give blood etc other wise I start to panic and it starts to hurt way more!

 

[Hunnybear]

Yes this is a test for downs, its 99 percent accurate.
I have always said i would get an amnio done to check for downs.
Plus the doctor said since i'm 37, I have a higher risk.
I;m sure all is fine, i am one where an amnio is a must.

Have you had all the non invasive testing yet to make sure that you are high risk? Obviously yes your age makes you higher risk than younger women but without he IPS (nuchal scan and bloods) it is a very generalized risk factor. I would start with those procedures first and if you fall into the high risk category get an amnio done. Why start with a high risk procedure that carries a chance of mmc when you might not even be anywhere near at risk?

 

[lisaf]

Wow, this sounds like a very tough decision. I agree that its a very personal one, but if you would keep the baby no matter what, then its just not worth the risk to do it.

As for the pain factor I don't know, but I'd suggest having them put up a drape so you don't see the needles going in! I don't think they can numb you since the needs go so far in, but I swear, watching a needle go into my skin makes it hurt... and when I used to give blood, the instant they covered up the needle with gauze, the pain was cut in half, lol. Worth a shot, right?

wow... I think we're exact opposites Lisa! I have to watch the needle when I give blood etc other wise I start to panic and it starts to hurt way more!

Well I always look anyway.. can't help it! but do find that anticipating the jab makes it hurt more. I know when its a big needle, it seems to hurt even more when you SEE it... and when they draw the blood out.. I feel fainter if I watch it come out.

 

[coccyx]

Yes they sometimes put a local anaesthetic in where needle is going in. Bit uncomfortable when it goes through wall of uterus

 

[WannaB]

I would have to agree with the others to get your nuchal and triple screen done first then go from those results. Amnios arnt normally done till the 16th week anyway, after the other two tests at 12 weeks, the CVS is done in the 10th week. Amnio is 100% accurate but only screens for Trisomy 21 (Downs), Trisomy 18 (Edwards) and Trisomy 13 (Patau). Im 42 and my odds for Downs alone based on my age were 1:48, with bloods and a good nuchal scan my doc was hoping they would be pushed up to the 1:300's, which is considered very low risk for my age and no amnio is offered with these results. They came back at 1:952, 1:2294 and 1:7204, way out of the ball park for a 42 year old and no need to worry about an amnio. If you must get it then get it, but at least wait until the adjusted risk comes back in and go from there, amnio runs the risk of 1:200 of miscarriage. Good luck hun, I know how it feels to make this decision, its not one thats ever taken lightly!

 

[Liamy4]

I had an amnio with my first child. In England you are only allowed to have it done if you have a one in 250 or higher chance of having a baby with something wrong with the chromosones. I had a one in 33 chance which is exceedingly high especially for my age (early twenties). We saw a councilor before and after the amnio discussing options and risks. I will admit it was emotionally one of the worst moments of my life. The pain was nothing in comparison to how it effected me emotionally. The needle stings and feels uncomfortable and after i had cramps and pain down one of my legs which apparantly is quite common. They are not just screening for downs syndrome it is many different conditions inc one which means the average length of life for the child is less than a year and is apparantly a very painful existence. This is the reason we decided to take the test. If the baby had downs syndrome thats one thing but some of the other diseases they test for i would not wish upon my worst enemy. I would like to add that the chance of miscarriage from an amnio is 1 in 100. It is obviously your choice and no one else should tell you what to do but if you want the advice of someone who has been through it i would say have the nuchal fold scan have the blood tests find out your chances and go from there. My boy by the way had nothing wrong with him and we were delighted to have a phone call one week later letting us know so. Although they did say that they screen for 10-15 things they made us aware that they cannot screen for everything and we still had to go back for many more scans checking that the babys heart was formed properly and there were no limbs missing etc etc. We really didnt know if he was "ok" untill he was born where he got a thorough once over. They asked if we wanted to know the sex (they can give you 100% correct answer since they know the babys chromosones). Not a nice experience and one which i would avoid like the plague unless i had a high chance again. Hope some of this info helps. Any questions just ask. Good luck with everything!!!

 

[animalcracker]

Dawn, you will only need an Amnio if (and only if) your blood/scan show a significant chance of downs or other potential defect.

I am in the same position you are in. I am 38 and this is my first child. I am not considering an amnio until I see my test results. If my test results do show an increase in odds then I will go forward with the amnio.

My point is, this is not a test you have to have. The choice is yours Dawn and no Dr. should make you go through it if you don't want to. Do you have a blood test / scan scheduled yet? Mine is at 11 weeks. I am sure you have one too before the amnio, correct?

 

[KandyKinz]

Amnio can actually be done as early as 11 weeks, however when done before week 14 the risk of miscarriage, amniotic band syndrome and club foot increases.... Also, amnio tests for alot more then just trisomy 13, 18 and 21 (down's).... there are several other aneuploidies that are detected through chromosomal analysis.

Also, the accuracy of amnio is slightly less then 100%..... Primarily because there is a chance that they can pick up maternal cells instead of baby cells... This is only really an issue if baby is a girl.

 

[KandyKinz]

Also wanted to add that sometimes an individual with Down's (as well as some other chromosomal syndromes) can have both normal and abnormal cells... it's called mosaicism and that also adds to reduced accuracy as in these individuals there is a potential to collect only the normal cells.

There are very few things in life that's 100%... amnio isn't one of them.

 

[DawnMN26]

ok i'm sooooooooooooooooooo confused!
Thanks for all ur replies though!
I really appreciate it!

 

[KandyKinz]

What are you confused about?