Anyone done the Amnio test?

I haven't but would definitely consider it if we had a high risk from our NT scan. Good luck, will be thinking of you!

Hi,
Yes I had an amnio when I was 16 weeks. I believed that the stress of not knowing for sure whether the baby had genetic abnormality would be worse than the 1 - 0.5% risk of miscarriage.
Having the procedure done gave me so much peace of mind that I've been able to really enjoy my pregnancy more now.
The procedure was way easier than what I'd read. I'd read about people cramping afterwards or it hurting to take the sample. I personally had zero cramping or bruising afterwards. The most painful part lasted only about 2 seconds when the OB gave me a local anesthetic on my stomach (the same sort that dentists use), which numbs the stomach before the proper needle is used. But just like at the dentist you can only feel it fore a split second before the skin goes numb. You can feel the main needle poking into the uterus but I wouldn't class it as painful, it is more being aware of a prodding feeling in there, because only the top layers of skin are anesthetised.
So to sum up, the whole experience was way easier than I'd imagined and the peace of mind it gave me was great. And the procedure only took a few mins all up.
It's a personal choice for each person of course, but I'd definitely do it again despite the tiny risk of miscarriage.

Just bumped up a couple of threads about it.

I never received a local but even without it the needle is sooooo sharp you don't really feel it until it gets to the uterine wall (which is muscle) so is thicker and you feel a bit more.  I also had no problems or issues after procedure and am pleased that we decided to do it.  I did have a couple of pin prick bruises as the first 2 times they put the needle in they couldn't get it thru the uterus  (kept contracting) take a good support person with you and try to stay as relaxed as poss & it doesnt hurt as much.  The more I tensed up the more I felt.

Ring the fetal medicine dept and ask if the dr doing your test would be able to talk to you, I had Dr Rosemary Reid and she was fantastic.  The Dr should also go over things like mc chances and other problems before you go in for the procedure, which they did with me, they also tell you what they are looking for and how they will do the procedure.

I think one of the biggest choices with having this done is if the results come back with problems would it make a difference to you continuing with the pregnancy.  Or if there is a problem with baby would the degree or type of problem effect your decision. 

Write down your concerns and talk to the Dr about them when you go in on Thrusday, I'm sure if you still need more time to think about it they will give it to you.  Good luck with your decision

hey Mumtobee.
I can understand your nerves, I have been down this road and it not a pleasant experience. i think i wrote about in the thread that someon ehas just bumped for you so i wont say it again.
One thing I will say it that Dr Reid was fantastic! I ended having the procedure twice (CVS rather than amnio, similar but done earlier) for both pregnancies and she was very good in how she explains things and does the work, both for me and DP.

1:5 is scary odds but remember it is just odds at the moment and very dependant on the person reading the scan. Amnio will give you definative results.
Good luck and you will get thru this nervous time!

I had mine done by Dr Colin Conaghan who works out of St Georges hospital for Christchurch Obstetrics & Gynaecology Associates.
Because I was not viewed as high risk (1:300 or something) and because I'm 33 yrs old (the threashhold is 35 yrs) I had no choice but to go private.
My MW referred me to him. He seemed really nice and confident in what he was doing. I haven't had any experience with any other OBs though to make any comparison.

i will probably get one done with our next pregnancy. I will be an older mother 36so risk is high and I have alread had 3 children (all born "normal" so to speak) BUt I still want to know as all i will do is stress and worry thru out the pregnancy if not. My husband is 5 years younger than me so we have young sperm but older eggs.