The one I'd have is triple test, but I've declined it as I'm only 19 (I know there's a risk at any age) but even if there is anything wrong with bubs, or likely to be wrong I wouldn't have amniocentesis cos of the risk of miscarriage and I wouldn't terminate and it's something both me and my partner have talked about so I don't feel the need to have it.

I had the tests also, I'm 36 and they came back 1:5800 I was very surprised and in many ways relieved.

I think the tests are so important...we all go on about whether pink or blue and wanting to know the sex so we can prepare correctly, then seem to think that a disorder that needs extra special care, time and provision needs no prior attention...

Its not about the options of keeping or risking a little life to me but the quality of life for the whole family and in the case of a new family member with special needs, it can be so much more fruitful for everyone around when research and preparation are included in the pregnancy and the correct support networks are in place when the new bubs arrives... None of us would dream of having a baby without knowing how to look after it the best possible way by understanding their needs and learning how to understand the way he/she communicates. They all deserve the best love and in the case of a special needs baby, you can't just phone your mum and say 'what would you do?' as it could be so different!!!!!

I’m 38 years and 13 weeks pregnant, the midwife really worried me about going for the Downs screening, as she said because of my age it would likely come out high risk, as they use your age as part of the calculations to work out the risk.  However, I still decided to have the test, which I had to pay for (I know friends in other areas of the country who’ve got it for free).  I thought I’d rather just know the odds.  I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have the amnio whatever they said, as I’ve already had two miscarraiges and conceived through IVF, I would just rather be prepared if the odds were high.

Anyway depsite my age, the odds came out at 1 in 3500, the same as for a fifteen year old.  So, I’m certainly glad I had the test, as it’s put my mind a rest and I feel it’s one less worry for the rest of my pregnancy.

hey im gc from next door.

my mw was telling me that the problem is a lot of people say they want the blood test but dont think any further ahead than this. so for example if it comes back high risk alot of people dont think about what to do next which puts them in a difficult situation.

personally me and OH have decided not to have any of the tests, i didnt with my last either as it would make no difference to me and i couldnt forgive myself if i went on to have the anmio and lost a potentially healthy baby. i understand that everyone has there own reasons and have nothing against other people having these tests, but for me personally they are not necessary

i meant to say i wouldn't have anymore tests xxxxxxxx

i had my scan today and she asked if i wnted the downs test i said i definitly did she said what will you do if it comes bk with not so great chances i said i wouldn't have anymore chances because even if my baby had downs i would still want it but i need to know what my odds are so i can prepare myself xxxxxxxxxx

I had all my bloods done at the booking in appointment 12 weeks but they cannot do the downs test until you are 15 weeks so the midwife said to me so I have got that test on16th December

I have my scan this Friday and my bloods will be done at that time.  My assumption that the downs test will be done also.  I will definitely have it done as at 36 I obviously will be at higher risk due to my age.  I also suspect that if the results are not good I would go for the amnio as well.

Beth

I definately will be going for mine, i havent got it booked yet but im 100% positive that i need to know.

When i was pregnant with my daughter i had them done and it came back as a 1 in 220 chance of being downs, so i was sent for an amnio test which then showed everything was fine. Obviously theres the chance of miscarriage with this test but for me its something that i needed to do and it would be the same this time.

I was only 20 when i was pregnant and no downs or anything in the family so was shocked when i was told that i was high risk.

Although when speaking to my midwife this time she said that there is a link between the double blood tests coming back high risk and pre eclampsia which i ended up with in my last pregnancy. So again this is something that i would like to know.

I think if it makes no difference to you whether or not your baby has this condition then dont bother with the tests. but if like me you need to know then go for it.

hey hun..

well when I went to my mw app last week I was just over 9 weeks.. she told me I wud have  normally had my bloods taken there and then but because the downs test cant be taken till after 10 weeks ive been booked in for wednesday to have them all done.. she said its all normal to have all the tests done now and my blood will be tested for everything from hepatitus to downs but  my mw has had to put in an extra one for me to be tested for the chicken pox immunity as ive never had chicken pox but have been in contact with children that have tons n tons of times..

im not so worried about the downs test the way im thinking is they are taking blood off me anyways they might as well test it

xxxxxx

Many of us will be due our double blood tests soon for down and sb (I have mine booked for 19th Dec). At first I was 100% certain I wanted the text and booked my appointment. Now after reading the info, speaking to my midwife and reading a thread from due in May I am not so sure.

If it was a case of the blood test saying yes you do or no you don't I wouldnt think twice, however its not that acurate and some can even come back inconclusive. My midwife gave me a scenario that the results could come back that you have 1 in 250 chance of the baby being downs but to go for further tests to find out for sure you have a 1 in100 chance of having a miscarriage I know for a fact that the odds would tell me not to go for further tests as I could end up loosing a perfectly healthy baby.

Is anyone else having a similar dilema about these blood tests? It would be good to here what others think before I make up my mind.

Why is pregnancy so stressful!