Amniocentesis concerns?

First...that blood test has a 10% chance of being incorrect in EITHER direction. I chose not to get it for that reason. I just went straight to the amnio. The procedure is NOTHING like people lead you to believe. It wasn't bad at all. They do a sonogram/ultrasound the whole time to make sure they are not putting the needle ANYWHERE near the baby. At my hospital this one was so much better than the normal ultrasounds that I couldn't believe how clear the pics were...BONUS! Anyway, then they give you a little local numbing shot where they are going to insert the needle. The needle is VERY long but also VERY skinny. They put it in through your belly...not the bellybutton. I felt a tiny pinch as they penetrated the uterus. The weirdest part was when the attached the tube to collect the fluid. As the fluid rushed into the tube it vibrated...the doc said it was because the needle is so skinny and warned me this was going to happen so I didn't freak out. Next thing I knew it was over. They tell you to take it easy for a few days because there is a small hole in the sac that has to close and heal up and they are afraid that it could burst. I didn't have any problems.

I'm with you...I had the amnio because I could NOT watch my child suffer. Good Luck!

I was offered an amnio after finding out my daughter had a birth defect, however they told me it was very unlikely to have any other birth defects with this type, so I turned it down.

I would have taken one if they said there was a risk for other birth defects.

Even though I didn't have an amnio, my argument has nothing to do with abortion or not, but for the fact you are prepared. You know what you are dealing with. I am very thankful they picked up what was wrong with my daughter on an ultrasound and I had weeks to prepare, research, deliberate on abortion.

(We chose not to abort because she was given a very high success rate on having a completely normal life)

It is totally up to you, but the amnio will give you peace of mind for the rest of your pregnancy, or let you know exactly what you are dealing with.

It is a very minor risk to the baby.

Is there a way to have an ultrasound to measure thickness of neck etc? Or are you too early to have that? I was thinking perhaps go all the tests available that aren't so invasive and then make your choice about your amnio.

Good luck.

If you ever want some support, there are a lovely bunch of ladies who will listen and not pre judge. One even went through a very similiar thing and her baby turned out fine(she elected for an amnio)

http://z4.invisionfree.com/DownUnderMummies/index....

I was offered one but turned it down because it would not change my mind on having the baby.

I have heard of cases where they say this and the baby be just fine.

Just a bit of info, my doctor told me that for a baby to have ds, the mother and the father have to carry the gene. I don't know if you have any children that you have had naturally but if you do and they are fine, this one is probably ok too. That was one of the things that helped us decide against it as well.

Children do have a right to be carefree and healthy but they also have the right to live. When you decide to make a baby, you have to be prepared for what you get. Not being rude or harsh but that's just fact.

i don't know what you are going through but i applaud you for having such great morals good on you and i wish you and your family the best of luckxxx