We have been told we've got a 1 in 110 chance of our baby having Downs Syndrome, so I'm due to have an amniocentesis today or tomorrow and was just wondering what it's like? I've looked it up on the internet, but that's all very medical and doesn't tell what it's actually like.
Not really sure how to feel about it all - we're going to have the tests and see what the results are before deciding anything. It's a bit of a shock, to say the least.
Thanks,
Mel
Got married Sat 28/05/2011
Renewing vows Sat 29/05/2021
We're planning WELL in advance!!
It has now been postponed until the 6th of Jan when we get back from holiday as the consultant was concerned about the long haul flight that I will be taking on Sunday. Now just have to try to forget about it for the next two and a half weeks ...
Got married Sat 28/05/2011
Renewing vows Sat 29/05/2021
We're planning WELL in advance!!
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
Yeah enjoy your holiday and remember a 1in 110 chance that you have gots a baby with downs also gives you 109 that you won't
As lala said, you may have a 1 in 110 chance, but that means you have 109 other chances that you won't. Obviously they would have gone through the risks of an amnio with you, or at least I hope they have explained them. You don't have to have it if you don't want to. It's all about informed choice. If you feel you have enough information to not have it and carry on with the pregnancy then do so. Just something that you have to think about, would you mind have a baby with DS? If you don't mind, then there is no need to have it. Think both options up, don't have it done because they have said it's a 1 in 110 chance. It's your choice.
Unless there is someone on here who has had one, I don't think anyone could say what it is like. A needle is inserted through you abdomen and into the amniotic sac, where they extract some amniotic fluid for testing, not totally sure on the risk of miscarriage, think it's about 1 in 100 so similar to your chances of having DS.
You have time to think about it, discuss the options with your midwife, that's what she is there for as well. Weigh up the options, write it all down in a chart if that's easier, pros and cons etc. get as much information from your health care professionals, it's their duty to provide you with the information in order for you to make an informed choice.
Personally I would only go through an amnio if I was sure that I didn't want a downs baby. Bear in mind that mny downs babies are happy children who can go through a normal life with very little assistance xx
CommentAuthorLinzi-jo
I've not gone through this but I have worked with people with Downs Syndrome and can honestly say that they are the most loving people I have ever met. Most children with DS live very happy lives and are extremely able. They take a little longer than typical children to develop and learn but they are normally only around 2 years behind at most. You need to decide whether you are happy risking a miscarriage either way and how you would feel about having a DS child. There are lots of online forums for parents of DS children and I'm sure they would be happy to tell you about their experiences. If you are happy to have a child with DS then I would say don't risk it Hun xxx
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CommentAuthor*KelBel*
I think GF's post sums it up, I would have said exactly the same from what I've learned during my degree x
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CommentAuthororangezest
Hi, I have had an amnio and I can give you my experience of it. It's not easy but if you can try and relax as much as you can as this does make it easier, the sonographer 1st scans your stomach to locate babes and then they carry out the amnio, you are scanned throughout the whole procedure, firstly they clean your skin just under your belly button and insert a very long needle this for me was slightly painful, the initial bit isn't to bad just like a normal injection but the further the needle went in the more uncomfortable it felt, I could feel the pain throughout my lower abdomen, it started to get more painful and just at the moment I was thinking this is getting a bit to painful it was time to stop, they slowly remove the needle and you can feel this happening as well. The sonographer does another sweep over your stomach and then I had to lie still for about 1/2hr, I was scanned again then I could go home, I was told to take it easy for 24hrs, no lifting, exercising etc then I could go back to normal. I'm not going to lie and say it wasn't painful because it was but the whole procedure was over very quickly, I did have mild cramping pains for a cpl days after but within 3days I was back to my normal self. Hope this helps a bit for you, if you want to know anything else feel free to ask :)
CommentAuthorMel D
Thanks everyone. I have discussed this with Dan, and we agree that we will have the amnio when we get back from holiday. Sadly neither of us feel that we would be able to cope with a child with DS and we have no family or friends nearby so no support.
Orangezest - Thanks for telling me your experience, it is good to have a real life opinion.
xx
Got married Sat 28/05/2011
Renewing vows Sat 29/05/2021
We're planning WELL in advance!!
CommentAuthoralmost a year wife!!
Children with DS have very happy lives (not easy for caregivers I know) and there is a lot of support around for them e.g groups, playcentres... and as well when they become adults e.g resource centres, there are options for supported living for people with disabilities so they can gain their own bit of independence.
Enjoy your holiday and don't stress too much - easier than done I know, but try and try to be positive
Good luck
X
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CommentAuthorOfficially Mrs M
I would go for it as well hun, fingers crossed for you, have a nice holiday and just relax
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CommentAuthorprincesspixie
hope everything goes well for you and try to enjoy your holiday like everyone else has said its easier said than done but calm and relaxed is always the best approach when pregnant xx
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CommentAuthorFernP61
Good luck my auntie had a baby at 39 and was a High risk for ds she had a beautiful healthy baby girl try not to stress, x
