amniocentesis and Downs

hi everyone. I'm looking for your support and experiences about amnio. Our NT scan showed a high risk They like to say increased of 1 in 115 as Im 34. My background risk is 1 in 293, its just my age that makes it quite high. Anyway, the report reccommed an amnio which we have decided to do after some deliberation. I was 11 wks on the dot when i had the scan and baby was about 45mm long crown to rump dunno if this is within normal range. The thickness was 2.1 mm whci MW said was a bit above average but still within normal range. The point is I'm absolutely gutted, fine one minute then in follod of tears the next. I feel like an idiot for being such a drama queen about it but I can't help worrying. Husband is great. I'd like to hear your experiences please not what you personally feel about it as we have made our decision. Also I'm guessing its not free, does anyone know how much the cost? Thanks

Hiya

I was just gone 26 when I had the fateful NT scan and Chars neck result was 3.5! Because of this, I had a risk of 1:55 which I was shocked about.

I was booked in for amnio but it ended up being a CVS instead because my membranes had not fused. It wasn't pleasant (I ain't going to fib about that) and the wait for the results was just awful too. We only had to wait 2 days tho, they rushed it through cause I actually had a specialist rather than a midwife so I guess he threw his weight around. However, we found out that she was fine and we also found out she was a she which was awesome for us because we wanted a girl.

It cost nothing for us, I am surprised that there is a charge especially when you get referred. Perhaps check with your hospital and or midwife?    

Big hugs. I think your result is well within normal range but with the amnio, you will be 100% sure either way whats going on and can decide what you want to do from there.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Edited by GeorgiaB

Bump for Rashika!

I have thought about having an amnio with next one as I a will be around 36yrs. Although never had NT scan with others. I can imagine what you will be thinking and its easy to say 'don't stress' as you will - combinations of 'waht if's' and pregnancy hormones.

Is this your first? i had Rhyley at 34 and apart from him being breeched and getting GD (Gestational Diabetes - which I never had with the other 2) All was fine

Good luck and hope all comes back good - if not we are all here for support.

oh defin here for you

No, we didn't have to pay a cent. We went through a specialist rather than having a MW but we had the proceedure done at Wellington Hospital. I wonder if its free if you are referred for one but not free if you request it? Or if it was because I had a specialist?? I would ask your MW if she knows?

Hi Adele21,

You are not being a drama queen - its natural to be upset as everyone wants there baby to be as good as can be.

Im 33 and have 1:185 chance and 3mm nt.
You still have 114 chances of having a "normal" baby so that is good odds. I was very disappointed and gutted as well when we got our results as we had been trying for 2 yrs and all I wanted at the first scan was a heartbeat and know everything was alright.

We decided not to have the amnio as the risk of having a miscarriage and actually having a downs baby was about the same - still quite slim and I didnt want to jeopardise losing the baby.   And now Im 34 weeks and everynow and again its in the back of my mind, but Im so glad that I didnt have it and risk losing it altogether. In saying that I know some couples who have had the amnio, had a good result and are so happy they chose to find out.


Sorry - I cant remember what the cost was because we had already decided that we wouldnt have one - I think about $300 if you go private.

Good luck Adele21 - whatever decision you have made, it will be the right one for you

Hi everyone, thank you SO much for your support and advice and kind thoughts. Going to see Dr Reid at CHCH womens on thursday for a chat about things. still not feeling completely relaxed but yesterday was the first day since Dec 27th that i didn't cry - call me irrational but thats how it is.

Rashika, how did you get on with your appointment?

ok, well back from the testing ... and I mean testing, the works. At least it was another Ultrasound to check on things, funnily enough the nuchal bit didn't look anything like previously but there ya have it. I found out my risk factor was 1:3
Yup so it was high and I guess I am VERY glad I didn't get told cos I would probably have stressed BIG time.
So we talked and decided to go ahead with the CVS testing, what a blast that was... errr NOT. I was trying my best not to faint (damn hate that!) on the bed, keep my tummy very still and small breaths so as not to disturb my tummy, while they were doing there best to complete the test. (I think my bellydance training came in handy about then... another story!)
They did well I reckon. Partner was fascinated and watching the screen the whole time.
They are going to do the FSH testing as well (at no cost... I was surprised) so will know about at least the downs part by early next week.
Probably jepardising my chances by posting but I guess the good with the bad eh?
So everything crossed for next week...
I really hope well well with you adele, and email me if you want

gwendawilliams@paradise.net.nz

cheers guys



Edited by Rashika

Amnios they dont do till 15 weeks, CVS they can do from a lot earlier, tho i was surprised they could still do them at 13 weeks, but glad that at least I have had the test and that part... for better or worse... is over with. Just the result to worry about now, tho I will try my best to not think about it too much.
Amnios actually show wider results than CVS

Was planning a trip away on the motorbikes on saturday, but methinks I wont be doing that right now

Funny part: mentioned the ride to the midwife at the hosital and she said ...wow, she has been thinking of buying a bike laterly as her and hubby do stuff on his and she's decided after about 20 years break that its time to get back on her own. So we had a good relaxing chat about that... nice tension reliever

Edited by Rashika