Im 26, 16 weeks pregnant. I had my first test for down syndrome, the results came out abnormal....?

Question

I had the test done at 15 weeks 1 day, my doc said the test was done too early (it should be done in between weeks 15 - 18) but she wants me to have a second test. Should I worry?

Answer 1

I assume by first test you do not mean amniotic fluid was drawn yet ? if it is the less invasive tests they do ,the ultrasound ones ,they only give you a percentile chance according to how thick a part of the baby is so they are just a starting point to see if you need to go further and have the amniocentesis. so no you do not need to panic yet ,go for the next test and then the amniocentesis it is the big one that will tell you for sure ...that’s the one to worry about ...

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry if the doc said there wasn't anything to be concerned about then you shouldn't be thats why there doctors...Also my moms cousin had an abnormal test at about 22 weeks and they said the baby had severe problems and she had the coice to abort it she said no she would love the baby no matter what....well her baby cam out completely healthy and normal...just a heads up have a good pregnancy!

Answer 3

i had my screening done at 13 weeks and got a positive due to higher hcg levels in my blood they have given me a 1:208 chance of down syndrome i was offered an amnio.. After much consideration and discussion we declined the amnio due to the high chance of miscarriage.. Whether or not our baby has down sydrome my discission would not be altered so i saw no point in the amnio we will deal with whatever card we are dealt.. These tests are renouned for their false positives!! If it makes you feel better retest or ask for an amnio but in my opinion there is much worse than down syndrome that babies can be born with .. i had my 19 weeks scan and no down syndrome markers were showing baby looked perfect hopefully we are both one of those false positives that the test is renouned for!! goodluck and congratulations on your pregnancy!!  

Answer 4

no dont worry just have another test done and remember alot of times the test come back abnormal and there is nothing wrong at all with the baby......those tests are not always accurate

Answer 5

does this run in your family? if not I wouldn't be to worried

Answer 6

Those test's come back abnormal sometimes when there is nothing wrong at all. They come back abnormal if there is even a slight chance that something may be wrong. It is not always accurate. Don't worry, she won't know anything for sure until she does another test at a later date. I'm sure your baby is just fine (:

Answer 7

16-20 weeks, is the best time to have it done.  

At your 20 week u/s they will look for signs.  And let you know then and do further testing if needed

Answer 8

One of the most important things about that screening test is accurate dating.  If the test was done within the window recommended by the lab, and they calculated the result using your correct gestational age/due date, then there wouldn't be a reason to re-draw it.  In fact, most labs recommend against re-drawing one of these screens.  If something was calculated incorrectly or your dates were wrong and you actually were *not* within that recommended time frame, then redoing the test might not be a bad idea.

As other posters have said, an abnormal result does not mean something is definitely wrong.  The test result should have come back as a risk estimate: 1/100 or 1/5000 etc.  A numerical risk.  A result of 1/200, for example, is "abnormal" or "screen positive" but still is a one half of one percent chance - hardly a sure thing.  

Some women in your situation would wait to have an extensive ultrasound at 18-20 weeks to look for birth defects and markers for Down syndrome.  Some women have such anxiety at an abnormal result that they would like to know for sure, so they choose to have an amniocentesis.  Only you know what choice is best for you.  I wish you all the best - remember, more than likely, your baby will be completely healthy and fine without any chromosome abnormality!

Answer 9

no dont start worrying yet

everything will work itself out just dont stress now because there is nothing you can do either way

Answer 10

you can have the combined test which is a blood test and nuchal translucency scan done between 11 an 13 weeks if you miss that you can have a blood test at 14 to 19 weeks, i wouldn't worry to much as alot of woman get abnormal results and have healthy babies, if they still fear you have abnormality's you will be offered to have a amniocetesis between 16 to 18 weeks but will talk to you about that, my friend went through the same thing and her baby was healthy with nothing wrong with her