First Trimester Downs Syndrome Testing

[kiki]

I have been going to the hospital for antenatal since I was 6 weeks (am now 11 weeks) because they wanted to keep a close eye on my pregnancy as I am insulin depenant diabetic, and so I stopped seeing my GP for a while. The other day I had to go to the GP for something else, and by chance she mentioned I should have an ultrasound to check the risk of Downs syndrome for the baby.

I explained to her that at 14 weeks I will be going back to antenatal and that I could probably have it done there. She said however that this particular test must be done now (or next week) and now I am completely confused. I know I am in a higher risk category for downs because I am nearly 34 and will be near 35 at EDD, but I thought they would do these same tests at the hospital.

I called in at the hospital yesterday and enquired about it, they also agreed that they don't offer this particular test which must be done earlier, and the midwife said she could not say whether she thinks I should have it done (go figure!). I have already had 2 scans and will probably end up having a few more like with my girls, so I don't want to have this one unless there is a real reason. I know I have to have a bloodtest as well, and I believe the results will only show whether I am in a low or high risk category, not whether the child will be likely to have Downs Syndrome. Can anyone help me with any info on this test compared to the normal ones they have at the public hospital? :)

[Chickadee]

I can't help with the question of testing at public hospitals, but I had mine done late at 13.5 or 14 weeks because I was away from week 10. I had it done at a private clinic and the dr didn't seem to have a problem that it was a bit late, probably not ideal though. I was 32 at the time.

[TwoBlue]

you need to have the u/s done at 12 weeks and a blood test which is usually done earlier than 12 weeks (around 10 weeks) but i dont believe that timing for that is written in concrete

The two tests are then put together (plus info from a questionaire) and you are given a risk factor, from there you can choose whether you want further testing done or not.

If you want the test done i would call your hospital and ask them to refer you to an ultrasound place if they are not helpful then go through your Gp, they should be able to refer you too.

Good luck

btw i am with a public hospital and they made sure i had the test done, they took the blood and sent me to a u/s clinic to have the scan, i am only 31, weird that they never did this for you.....

[kiki]

Yeah, it is weird, it was just lucky I went in for something else with my GP I guess. Im just not sure if I even want to have the test if its only going to worry me for the rest of the pregnancy or then risk bubs to have further tests. I had a m/c for the first time in about May this year, and I don't want that to happen again, especially if the baby may be totally healthy. I personally don't think I could go through with a termination anyway if the results weren't good, and my hubby feels the same way. I was hoping this test was a new development of some sort, which would give more results without risking the little one, because if that were the case, it would be good to know, just to be able to prepare and know early. I don't know........Thanks for your replies, much appreciated :)

[JanetF]

Prenatal testing is a difficult question. I chose to not be tested because I didn't think at 34 my risk was enough and the risk of a false positive seemed higher to me than the unlikely scenario of me having a baby with Down Syndrome. I have read that very young mothers (ie under 20) or older mothers (over 40) are the groups with higher incidences of it occurring. It's a hard decision to make and I wish you well with it. Try these for some more info. Good luck!

Prenatal testing for Down Syndrome – 3 methods.
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/downsyndrome/down.htm#Prenatal

Maternal age and likelihood of Down Syndrome.
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/downsyndrome/down.htm#TheOccurrence

Picture Perfect:The Politics of Prenatal Testing
http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft9304/articles/kristol.html