Am I doing the right thing?

[youme123]

Well, I had my OB appt last week, and of course, she didn't want to steer me in any direction, because everything is my choice.  It is, but I need advice!  My downs first tri screen results were fine - my trisomy 13/18 were on the LOW end of fine.  She said "if I were over 35, you'd be damn sure I'd have an amnio".  And she said "if you had a 1 in 364 chance of being shot here at my office (my risk assessment for trisomy 13/18), you'd go over to St. Joseph's" (the hospital next to our hospital where her office is).  She's essentially telling me to have an amnio to be sure.  She then said "I've never missed a trisomy 13 or 18 on a level 2 ultrasound". So, I think I'm going with that.  She's the best perinatologist/OB in town, and so many high riskers go to her, because she is the best.  She also doesn't like to beat around the bush, so going to her is a little like going to House - you don't get much love, but you get tremendous care.  So, I opted for the Modified Sequential Blood Screen, which is a newer blood test to combine with the first trimester results to get a perhaps clearer picture of the risks for downs and trisomy 13/18.  The catch: slightly increased false positives with that test (particularly with Downs), and more accurate risk assessments though (a total contradiction).  Then in two weeks, I have my level 2 u/s.  Do I just skip this bloodtest and go straight for the level 2, knowing I really DO NOT want an amnio, and this bloodtest could just freak me out more?   I am just an anxious mess.  I need this baby to be healthy.  My mom has been in and out of the hospital since memorial day, essentially losing a battle with life (hopefully not), and I have only begun to feel physically better at 16wks from the pregnancy.  I'm just so emotionally drained and need some terrific news.  Any of your thoughts are much appreciated.  Thank you.

[sherrysb]

Give yourself a couple of weeks worry free - you deserve that. Take the level ll U/S and no  matter what says be positive and anxiously await to meet your new love in person.

[adgal]

I just had the first trimester screen....nt combined with the bloodwork.  It came back 1:13 for trisonomy 21.  I have opted for amnio as I need to know for certain.  Your numbers sound great to me and if they had been mine I would have skipped the amnio and just done the level 2.  It really sounds like your odds are excellent. Good luck to you!!

[BabyBlue07]

When my blood test came back said I have high risk of DS,, doctor wanted me to have all the blood work done, amnio done, etc... I refused because I do not think I need it... If I plan to terminate the baby if DS detect or any wrong with the baby... But in my case.. no matter how the baby turn out to be... I am going to keep this baby and love this baby unconditionally.... Then why bother to do any tests to freak you out and worry you more..

I do have schedule to do second level U/S in August... I will go ahead with that since u/s won't do you any harm and at least you can still see your baby is doing fine in there or not... other than that... I am not going to let doctor or anyone doing more test..

For me... I make a right decision not to have any more blood test and amnio.... i don't want anything invase my body and my child...

You go with your instinct... What you feel and how you feel... you go with it...

Good luck to you and hope everything turn out good

Take care

[youme123]

Pam: thank you so much for your kind words.  I'm so very sorry for your loss-while I can't imagine how that must have felt (especially during your pregnancy), but I do have a hint of what emotions you have been dealing with.  It's been the best and worst time this year for me.  I am starting to agree with you on the bloodtest.

alikat:  thank you, too, for your advice.  I'm thinking this way, too.  I can cancel tomorrow, since the test is Thursday.

PS.  DH didn't think I should take the test, too, but he will support whatever I want.  

I'm interested to know what others think.  I guess I need a lot of support and reassurance.  This has been such a hard Summer (for you, too, Pam).  I just don't know what's right anymore.

[alikat1205]

I would skip the blood test. The false postives aren't worth it (BTDT).  Do the level II, and see if there are any markers.  IF there are, you can opt for amnio then to be sure.  

[PamelaBee]

I was in your shoes too.  If you already know you don't want the amnio and the bloodtest would freak you out...wait for the level II u/s.  That is just my opinion.  Trust your Dr, but remember they are programmed to offer and in most cases "push" the patient to have additional prenatal tests.  The blood test's (again my opinion) are completely ridiculous and cause SO much worry and anxiety because of the high rate of false positives, so I wouldn't put yourself through the agony.  The level II u/s will be your best indicator (if going the non-invasive route) of detecting problems.  AND, if your u/s is scheduled in an appropriate timeframe, you could still have an amnio afterwards if you have doubts, or markers are detected from the u/s.  Hope that helps...try not to worry and enjoy your pregnancy.  Sorry about your Mom, I hope she soon recovers or is able to hang on ong enough to enjoy your precious one. I just lost my Mother this past Memorial Day, and I'm due next week...it's a very bittersweet time for me too.  Best wishes!  Pam