Amniocentesis test

Preconception & Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications
1

I would like to know if any of you have taken the above test? I am about 19 wks pregnant and I will be 36 in October. The AFP screening test came back positive and my doctor said my ratio is 140 meaning 1 out of 140 babies with my blood result will have down syndrome. The doctor said based on my good health and clean family history, she doesn't think I need to do the test but to be sure, I can do the test. I am leaning toward doing the test but not sure how painful the process is and what the side effects after the test, etc...anyone has any advices in this situation?

Thank you for your time.
MH

2

I had the amniocentesis, twice, with both my pregnancies. It was because of my age. I was older than you.

I did not opt to have a AFP, because it is not so reliable...?
Anyway, I chose the amnio. It was fine... and I recommend it. Highly. If I had to do it again, I would.
It was not highly uncomfortable.

In tandem with this test... and I assume the AFP... you SHOULD have gotten some kind of genetic counseling or met with a genetic counselor. This is usually routine.

The process is not painful, and it like getting a tetanus shot. You will feel a slight pinch and cramping. It depends on your pain threshold, and the Doctors 'ability" with the procedure.... as like those nurses that do blood tests/draws... some just hurt more than others.
Oh, and I got a "numbing" shot first, before the procedural needle.

It was a fast procedure, and my Doctor was in and out before I knew it.

Side effects, for me, I had none. AFTER the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home, and you NEED to rest, stay off your feet, and do NOT lift anything heavy. They will give you a FAQ sheet with instructions as well. This should be mandatory.

For me, the amnio is the most reliable... and the thought of it is scarier than the actual procedure. I had mine done, with my Hubby with me in the room, both times.

I never not once regretted having the test/procedure. Both my kids were born health and "normal".

If you want to be sure, then have it done. But again, you will need to think about what you/Hubby will do with the results, IF it is something to be concerned about. This should be thought about... even if you do not have the Amnio, and just had the AFP "screening."

All the best,
Susan

3

the isnt very accurate. even in the booklet they give you it says that a high result doesnt mean that your child will have a defect. also a normal result also doesnt mean your child wont be born without a defect. if you feel worried and just have to know what your getting into with your baby then have it done. yes there are risks invloved but like SH said its pretty routine and they will give you lots of info on how to manage afterward. i hope all goes well with your decision good luck!

4

Amniocentesis is a relatively safe and painless procedure that can provide helpful information. The procedure is offered to women with advance age or following pos AFP test.AFP is a screening test and not reliable with 5% false pos rate.I had the amnio because i was 35 with my 2nd pregnancy and would recommend it to my patients after providing info/education.It is done only by maternal fetal med specialist who is expert and i can say have not seen any complication yet.you will receive numbing agent first and then feels like little presure and you can see it via ultrasound at the same time.I had mild cramping on and off the first day which was relived by rest.good luck to you and i also want to reassure you that all my patients who had pos down syndrome had healthy baby and infact one of my patient who had normal AFP end up having baby with down ?!?!

5

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!
I had amnio test done twice (out of 3 pregnancies). A big needle going through your belly sounds painful and scary, but it really is NOT. Rest is recommended after the procedure.

6

other than working with the actual amnio fluid itself - counting chromosomes to rule out trisomy 21 (Down's) i was not close to the "collection" end of the game. i've switched field many years ago and my input to you now - if you decide to go through with the procedure - get homeopathic remedy Ledum - 30C or higher - it'll help the puncture to heal better.
Good Luck
Victoria

7

I did the amnio because I did not want to have a down syndrome- the test is easy...drink lots of fluids the day and morning before, no caffeine- bring someone with you....its what you will do with the results which could be harder-

8

The AFP is a screening test which means it just identifies women who warrant further evaluation; it does not diagnose definite abnormalities. As others have mentioned, there can be false positive (and, less commonly) false negative AFP tests. The purpose of having the amnio is to determine if there is a chromosomal abnormality or not, some of which are incompatible with life. Some women have this test because they might want the option of terminating a pregnancy if a malformation is severe or if the abnormality is such that the fetus cannot survive (eg., Trisomy 18, or anencephaly, where the brain does not form properly). Others would not terminate no matter what, but they want to know if there's a problem so they can be more prepared to care for a child with special needs. And others decline the amnio because they just don't want to know or don't want to risk the very small (<0.5%) chance of miscarriage. Which category do you think you and your husband fall into? It is a very personal decision and there's no "right" answer. Best of luck to you.

9

Hi. I had the amnio done at 36yrs old also and it didnt hurt at all. I didnt even feel the needle go in. It sounds scary and the needle is really long but my husband was there he held my hands and it was over in minutes. After I was told to stay in bed for 3 days and only get up if I needed to go pee and they also gave some medicine that I cannot remember what it was but it was to stop any find of spontaneous abortion. There was no side effects at all. Atleast not for me but everyone is different. Good luck

Heather

10

Hi, congrats on your upcoming arrival. I was 36 with my second pregnancy and did not have an Amnio test. My doctor didn't think I needed it since previous pregnancy at 33 was normal and as far as being considered advance maternal age I had a healty pregnancy. What he did do was make sure that a Perinatologist did the Ultrasound and told me that if the doctor saw any signs to be concerned with, we could do the Amnio at that time. If you are concerned about it, maybe you should ask your doctor if you can do it this way also. I know a lot of the advice you have already received said it's not a big deal but, no reason to get a needle in your belly if you don't have too!

I hope this helps. Again, congrats on your new baby girl.

11

Hi..The AFP can be inaccurate. Amnios are safe, but do carry risks as you probably know. I don't know where you live, but I HIGHLY recommend that you go to Dr. Devore in Pasadena...he specializes in prenatal testing and can do a very thorough specialized ultrasound along with a blood test. This will give you a risk factor for abnormalities and THEN you can decide to go on further and do the amnio. I cannot recommend him enough...He is WONDERFUL and this is his specialty and all he does! I believe the website is fetal.com...there is a whole bunch of info about him. If that is not it, then just google Dr.Devore in pasadena....best of luck to you. I used him and gave birth to a healthy baby boy 10 months ago!

12

Hi, Maggie,

Congratulations on getting your girl!

I have 3 boys and had amnio with all 3. Although it seems daunting when you read about it in the childbirth books, its not too bad.

I would make sure that you call AHEAD and make sure the practitioner who is going to do the procedure believes in numbing the area first, before putting in the needle for the amnio itself. Ask me how I know that!

I went to 2 male doctors for the first 2 tests and they rather routinely numbed the area and proceeded. So, I was led to believe that this is the normal way its done. Although it was scary at the time, it all went smoothly.

With the 3rd, however, I went to a WOMAN doc, who simply told me that "she didn't DO that" i.e. numb the area. WTH?! I was like, are you freakin' kidding me here? I was married to a doctor, who accompanied me to the appointment and even HE looked at me like, "You've gotta be kidding" about this. We both thought that she had some nerve to even say that, then just demand it. I was ready to walk, period. Either numb it, or I'm outta here. This wasn't my first kid, so she couldn't pull the wool over my eyes, just so she could save a buck-fifty on some Novocaine. Oh, puleese. I said I'll find another doc who has some compassion. And a woman, too! We were absolutely blown away. My husband completely backed me. Its a big freakin' needle. And, I hate needles. That whole incident left me feeling kindof traumatized. Like I was getting railroaded. The look on her face, too, was like she knew she was trying to pull something.

Once the area is numbed, its a slight pinch when the needle penetrates the amniotic sac to extract the fluid. Its just kindof tense while you're lying there, watching the baby on the screen, hoping that it will stay out of the way. After the procedure, they'll tell you to 'take it easy' and stay on the couch for the afternoon/evening.

All in all, I'm very glad I had the amnio's and was able to proceed through the rest of the pregnancies with as much assurance as you can get that everything was ok. I believe that technology is an incredible gift, so bring it on. Better to make informed choices, and then have the time to prepare and cope with the results, rather than getting blindsided right after the birth, which is enough to handle in and of itself. Knowing your baby is healthy using the best information available is a great dose of peace of mind.

I would say that the hardest part is waiting the week after the test for the results.

Best of luck!
Cathleen

13

Although you are aware of the risks, I believe the test is worth it. It is not a good thing for you to be stressed the rest of your pregnancy. I was under thirty five. They saw a marker in an ultra sound and then presented me with horrible statistics. He is 20 months now and perfect. When I got the results that he was fine, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of my pregnancy.

14

Absolutely do the test. I've had it done 2 times. It does not hurt and ther is no real recovery issue - just take one day off work and try to relax. Good luck.

15

I was pregnant w/#2 at 26, as results of the AFP test, was told that the baby was "a down syndrome baby" went through counselling for it.(I lived in Phx AZ was at Good Samaritan Hospital. .. a highly sought childrens hospital) But to me it did not matter I was keeping him any ways. I did not see a reason to get the needle if in the end I was keeping him. But when He was born, healthy 9lb 4oz baby boy! Oh yea, no Downs! I have had 4 more since, and not another AFP test! All were healthy. I believe the test was wrong because of the date of conception. Dr's had a problem w/it.. I have known alot of women who have had wrong AFP test results. By the way, you do not have to have the test. Now if you are not willing to keep Her if she has down syndrome then maybe you should get the latter test.Good luck with the waiting and unknown, but you are not alone! It will all work out in the end.

16

Maggie,
my thoughts, for what they are worth....
If you have the test, based on the results, will it change your course of action? If the tests turn out positive for Downs, will you abort?
If the results of the test won't change your decision to keep the baby or not, why put yourself and possibly the baby through that?
So I say, only have the test if you will chose your course of action based on the results.
Prayers.

17

I think you should ask yourself what good it would do if you did know that your baby tested positive for downs. Would you spend the rest of you pregnancy sad and nervous? Would if give you time to mental prepare? Would it make a difference either way? Im my opinion and Amnio is very intrusive to the baby, and I would only get it done if it were absolutely necessary. That is just me. go with whay your guy is telling you! good luck mama!

18

Hi Maggie,
I had amniocentesis performed on both of my pregnancies, when I was 30 and 33 respectively. My Father-in-law was a Holocaust survivor and we had no medical history on his family except there were rampant cardiac issues. If there was a problem, it could be repaired in utero. The procedure is not painful, only uncomfortable, and it is essential that you rest for at least a day after the procedure. Yeah, it's a big needle, but they localize the area so you only feel pressure. Anyone over 35 should have the procedure. The most important part of the procedure is the ultrasound, which is more detailed than a regular ultrasound. In this segment they are checking for spina bifida, heartbeat and a host of medical issues which can be corrected in utero. Obviously the amniotic fluid shows the genetic components to determine down syndrome. The most challenging part of the procedure is the bio-ethics involved if something in the procedure determines that there is an abnormality. What will you do? Of course, the reward is that you will know conclusively the baby's gender, and can paint the nursery accordingly! And your husband must buy you jewelry. After all, you're carrying precious cargo. Make sure your OB-Gyn has done this procedure millions of times or so, and that you listen carefully to the disclaimers (which take longer than the procedure). Yes, 3% of these procedures result in miscarriage, but in most cases the situation was pretty dire prior to the procedure. Best of luck, and oh by the way mine are 18 in college and 15 year old violin superstar.

19

If there is nothing different they can do during pregnancy, then I would skip the test and just wait until the baby is born. There is a risk of miscarriage with those. Just plan on your little one having Downs Syndrome and if they do not, then you can have that surprise when they are born. I don't think there is anything the doctor would do much differently during your pregnancy, so I would just wait. I had a friend who was having twins and she also tested positive. When they did an ultrasound, one of the babies had 2 markers they said indicated positive Downs Syndrome(Separation between toes and small dark spot showing on brain). They gave them the option of aborting one of them, but it created the chance of the other one miscarrying. They decided to keep both and both came out perfectly healthy with absolutely nothing wrong and no Downs Syndrome. Those tests are not always right. I know the amnio is a definite yes or no, but I would not risk it.

20

I had a lady tell me that she took the test and she had a down syndrome baby. She worried the whole pregnancy and it turned out the baby was completely healthy. If there is a history of miscarriages I was told it could cause a miscarriage.
God bless you,
Sue