Anybody ever had your HCG or down syndrome test come back positive?

[Sarah1083]

I believe I'm 17 weeks today.  However, I had my blood work for down syndrome and spina bifida results come back positive today.  I had the test done one week ago and the dr, called and said the results are positive but could be because due date is wrong.  She didn't seem real concerned.  I have 3 healthy children and don't really understand this test.  I didn't have it with any of my other pregnancies.  Anyone out there have this happen or can make me feel better please let me know.  I'm having so many mixed emotions about this even though there may not be anything wrong.  I will have an ultrasound Weds. to find out exactly how far I am.  I've never been wrong before on the due date so that scares me a bit.  I can't get this out of my head.

Thanks for your replies

[Sarah1083]

I just wanted to say I went to the dr.yesterday and from the ultrasound there was nothing that looked abnormal.  Dr. said my ratio is 1 in 83 and normal she said was 1 in 100.  I do feel much better today.  I am going to see a specialist tomorrow to have a more detailed ultrasound and the see if I need an amnio, just to make sure and have peace of mind I guess.  I do feel positive that everything will be okay with my BABY GIRL!! I got to the point don't care if it's a boy or girl(I have 3 boys) just wanted a healthy baby.  I'm feeling better about it and thank you for your replies.  

[SamLB]

I totally agree with amg - the blood test only gives an indication (in terms of ratio) of the risk factor - not a definite pos or neg....as amg saya, the only wway you get that is through an amnio (which I also opted NOT to do due to the risk of m/c) - see how today's u/s goes and if your figures look 'doubtful' then maybe you could consider doing the amnio (you're still in time). We decided to wait and see what the blood work results said and based on that would decide whether to do the amnio or not (2% m/c risk) - as it turnedout fur us luckily, the results of the b/w said it was so low risk that we didn't need the amnio option. BTW, how old are you? With my first I was 'so much younger' (!) - 32, so the risk was even lower and I didn't really think that much about the amnio at all...this time, I'm now 36 and considered it more carefully due to age being a factor etc etc.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do - I hope we've been some help. Let us know how you get on!

[amg_]

I believe they can't diagnose posiitive or negative from a blood test, just a high or low risk, which isn't terribly accurate so dont worry too much. The definitive test is amnioscentisis, if you dont want that (i personally don't due to a risk of miscarriage) then my midwife told me a detailed scan would be arranged early to look for markers for downs and spina bifida.

Hope this helps a little