Need some feedback on this, please

[GALILEO1]

Hello, all

This is my very first post here so please bear with me if I am not in the right place.  Anyway, my wife is currently pregnant (about 15 weeks) and recently we were given some shocking news that our baby may have down syndrome (2% probable).  The prognosis came about after an initial blood test screening my wife underwent about a week or so ago.  Now, this is not our first pregnancy.  We have a healthy 7-year old boy.  About 6 months ago my wife and tried to get pregnant and we were successful only to have miscarried later.  This miscarriage was unusual in that there was a sac that developed but no fetus was present.  At the time we were told that this may have been due to a genetic issue where the whole thing just doesn't come together as it should and that the body followed nature's course and just took care of it itself.  So, after this my wife had the almost required D & C treatment and then we were told we could try again in a few months.  Now, even though this was devastating for us we undertood the issues and were find with it.

Okay, now, the reason for my "little" story is because this current pregnancy also started as the last one we had.  My wife's progesterone levels (as was the last time - forgot to mention that, sorry) were really low.  Our doctor suggested that my wife begin taking progesterone suppositories twice per day to increase the progesterone levels and prevent a miscarriage.  Now, the supositories seemed to have helped develop the fetus to the current state but (here's the question) we are now thinking that even though the progesterone helped the fetus develop the same genetic issues still took place at the beginning causing the baby to be diagnosed with donw syndrome.  Now, granted, we have not yet spoken with a gentic specialist or taking an amniocentisis (which we are now scheduled to do), I just wanted to find out from this medical community if although the progesterone helped in actually preventing a miscarriage it could have also allow the gentic abnormality to continue to this level.  I mean, the last time we had this issue nature basically took its course and rejected the pregnancy from the get got.  We're affraid that because my wife was on the progesterone suppositories that we just prolonged the innebitable and actually may have caused the baby to have the gentic disorder.

Any possible feedback on this will be tremendously appreciated.  Thank you and sorry for the long post.

[JoyRenee]

Those tests only measure the probability your child has down syndrome, not that your child does have it. I would not do the amnio because it can cause your wife to lose the baby.

Everything about the m/c is true and it is the number one reason a woman miscarries. It is normal for a woman to miscarry once in her reproductive lifetime, that is why docs don't seem overly concerned when they happen. They begin to worry it if happens three or more times.

Low progesterone can be a common prob. There's nothing wrong with that if she's taking the proper meds to keep the progesterone levels up. They do not cause Down Syndrome. It is a genetic trait passed through genes. It happens when there is an extra chromosome is on the 21st strand. Sometimes known as Trisomy 21.

Screenings will not tell you 100% that your child has or doesn't have a genetic disorder. If having a Down child doesn't bother you, (as in you wouldn't choose an elective abortion because the child has it), then don't waste your time or money getting the tests done, especially with the risk of losing a healthy baby.

I love Down kids. They're amazing. I hope this info helped in some degree!

[GALILEO1]

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement.  Yes, indeed, we do have to talk about the possible repercussions of the test but at this point my wife is pretty much set on finding out what's going on, not to do anything really but just to put her mind at easy and prepare.  I will most certaintly infor you all how we make out in the end.

Again, thank you for the feedback!

[KellyA74]

Was it a Triple Marker that she had doen (the name of the bloodwork)....If so, they are notorious for producing false positives......Not to say that they are occasionally accurate, but they are just as often wrong....That's why it's usually an optional test,,,,,some people choose not to have it done b/c they say that even if there was something wrong with the fetus, it wouldn't change their minds about having the baby, etc.....And they don't want to go thru months of 'unknown' if they do get bad bad news after the bloodwork.
I too had a missed miscarriage last month and they stated that it was 'probably genetic' and my 'body's way of ending a bad pregnancy'.......I had a D&C and they ran pathology reports on the 'contents' in which they found no chromosomal abnormalities.....1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.....Again, of course there's no 100%, but I doubt if the last miscarriage has anything to do with the news that you got this time around.......
Certainly have the amnio done to set your minds at ease......I'm sure everything will be OK!   Lots of luck and please let us know how you both make out!

[loismwallace]

That's a hard one...There are risk to the fetus with a amniocentises. That's a something you and your wife will have to think about. I would do more research on amniocentises before you make a final decision. My sister opted out of it and decided she would deal with whatever the Lord had planned. I wish you both the best and said a little prayer for you lil one.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I assume the test you are referring to is the triple marker screening...which actually has a very high rate of false positives from what I understand.  As for the progesterone...chances are VERY good that if something was some chromosomal abnormality that would have triggered a natural m/c then it would still have happened...generally the only time progesterone helps is when low prog levels are the actual cause of the miscarriage, not a chromosomal abnormality.

As for the amniocentesis, that test carries a higher than normal risk of causing miscarriage.  MY personal feelings on it are this:  I won't have one, even if the triple marker shows something...a) there really isn't much that I'm aware of that can be done before the child is born and b) I don't feel the risk of m/c outweighs just having knowledge  

However that decision is totally up to you.  I would do some more research on the rate of false positives with the triple marker test just to be certain before you make a decision.  

[cindy82]

lol, thats ok, i know what ya ment. the test to all up to yall, just discuss with your doc the risk and advantages to make sure its right for you

[GALILEO1]

Sorry and thanks again!

[GALILEO1]

Thank you so much for your support and asnwers on this.  It's truly appreciated.  

One quick question to follow up on your answers, if I may.  We should still go ahead and do the amniocentises just to be sure, right?  I mean, we really want to make sure everything is fine with our baby.

Again, very much appreciated!

[cindy82]

hi, so sorry for your recent loss. i had the same thing happen to me in nov. about the downs test, i have seen many people have the test done and it comes back with that small chance and everything end up fine. the progesterone is  necesary for :
Keeps the lining of the uterus thick which is necessary for a successful pregnancy.
Produces a rise in temperature after ovulation, which remains until menstruation occurs.
Creates a nutrient rich environment for the baby by increasing glycogen and arterial blood to the lining of the uterus.
Keeps the uterus from having contractions.
Causes the cervix to thicken and create a mucous plug which prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.
thats why when women dont have enough they have to be givin it.
just keep yall head up, im sure this one will be fine, sending lots of prayers!!

[loismwallace]

My sister at the age of 36 was told her baby had DS. She suffered through the remaining months worrying about it. She delivered a healthy baby girl that will be turning 6 yrs old in June. There is not a thing wrong with her and NO DS. Infact she is a very bright young lady....Don't give up hope. The Dr's aren't always right....