Amniocentesis - Littleton,CO

It's a personal choice. It is not necessar at all. It will tell you if there are any genetic issues with the baby. Then you have to decide where to go from there. I had my kids at 36 and 38. Since I knew I wouldn't terminate the pregnancy for any reason, I didn't bother with the amnio. That made the decision easy for me. Good luck.

I was 30 when I had #1, almost 36 for #2 and 39 for #3. I had no testing done for any of them. But that's me. I also didn't find out the gender of any of them until the doctor said "it's a...." So, maybe I'm an oddball - I know for #2 I kept getting "Oh, you're THE one who doesn't want to know" like maybe I was the only person ever to not want to know!! :)

I was 36 when my last child was born and I chose not to have the test because I felt it was unnecessary for me personally and even though the risk of miscarriage was small, it still wasn't worth it. Congratulations!

The main question is, 'does is really matter if there is something wrong with your baby?' If you are worried that something is wrong or don't want the baby if there is something wrong, then I would do it. If it doesn't matter if there is something wrong with your baby, then I wouldn't take the risk.
I'm not trying to be insensitive. I have had an amnio when we found out (through an ultrasound) that our daughter would not survive outside of my womb. I did it to make sure that her problems were not genetic (as it may affect another baby) & to find out what gender she was so we could get her funeral all planned out. She was born 8 weeks later & lived for 1 hr. & 16 min. without breathing (she had complications of amniotic band syndrome).

I hope this helps!

God bless!

You would most likely be adding risk to a perfectly normal pregnancy.

Most of the answers on those tests are false positives. It makes me shudder to think how many normal healthy babies were needlessly aborted when people trusts these questionable tests like they were gods.

There is only one creator and he will give you exactly what you need to fulfill your purpose in this life. Trust him.

I had babies at 32, 35, and 39, all of them fine and no complications to my deliveries.

I had an amnio. Totally personal choice. I was not at all alarmed about the risk of miscarriage. The risk quoted by most authorities applies to ALL mothers...If you have trouble carrying to term or have other risk factors...Then your chance of miscarriage may be higher than the standard rate.

I really don't want to give an opinion about your specific question but did want to correct a misperception I am reading here. Results from an amnio are quite reliable. They are sampling fetal dna. The results that are very often false-positive are from the quad screen (materal blood test).

The question is would you terminate the pregnancy if you found out there was something wrong with your baby? If the answer is an unequivical no, then amnio is not necessary, period.

In my opinion, it is a risky procedure that is not needed unless it would change the outcome of your preganacy (ie- to terminate it).

I was 37 and 40 when I had my children. I denied all genetic testing. I thought it was unnecessary. Ultrasound shows medical problems, etc.

First child born totally healthy. Second child born totally healthy. Second child has Down's.

I would deny all the testing again unless there was something they could do in utero to help a condition (there's not). I'm soooooooo grateful I cherished my second pregnancy as I did my first and enjoyed the newborn period as I did with my first. When you find out something is wrong (we found out at two months), it knocks the wind out of you. Your mind goes crazy and the emotions are unbelievable. My second is now 15 mths. I'm so glad I got to know her before I knew anything. It really made a difference in the acceptance. I've talked to other mothers who knew before birth, and no matter how hard you try, you still feel differently and then when you can breath again, you are guilt sticken because you want to go back and relive it all again without those feelings. It kind of robs you of a joy you can never go back and re-experience.

I would never change a thing. I turned her pregnancy over to God and told Him I would accept His will. Didn't realize this might be His will, but it was and that gives me great comfort.

Turn your pregnancy over to God and let Him work it all out. If you're concerned about medical problems, get a few more ultrasounds than you might have had before.

Enjoy this time of pregnancy and the birth of your child and don't even begin to go there until God says, "Here's where we're going." This whole, I want to be prepared, I want to know, is misleading. It's not like you have to get a remodel job on your house done before the baby gets here. Some children have different levels of Down's. It is not going to tell you how functioning the child will be if that were the case.

There are so many who get results that say something devastating and the baby gets here and they are perfectly fine.

I didn't do the lab tests, wouldn't have done amnio, and wouldn't do it any differently. And that's even getting slapped with the dreaded diagnosis.

I don't think it's worth the risk. Yes, it can accurately predict some defects and illnesses, but unless you will terminate if you find out that's what you've got, what's the point? I know people get worried about the unknown and feel like they need to prepare for whatever might come, but really...can't we just wait and see what comes out and if there's something to deal with at that point?
I don't know...I'm in the camp that thinks "whatever comes out I will love and if it needs help, we'll find it at that point". I could be pregnant at 45 and I still wouldn't get one done.

I'd say, if you don't have any other risk factors, and if your NT scan and sequential screen come back with low markers for things like Down's, I'd skip the amnio. I'm 35 having my first child, and I wasn't willing to take the risk. Good luck!

I had my first at 34, and my twins at 38. I did not have the amnio, becasue if they found something I was not going to abort, so there was no reason. Also, these tests are not always 100% accurate, and I did not want to worry about somthing that may not even be a problem.

I would not get one unless you absolutly have too. The odds of the genetic tests are not very accurate and the odds of a miscarriage is higher due to stress, so why worry? I had one done because I had to deliver early and the doctor wanted to make sure the lungs were developed enough. It hurt. NOT like menstral cramps....it actually makes you have contractions. It is quick so not too long but not something I would sign up for....if not needed. If you are doing it because of genetic testing, my thought is: It would not change my mind on how my pregnancy is or anything I could do at that point so I would rather not know until the baby was born. I would not treat or stop the pregnancy because of a genetic issue so it was not important to me. Plus like I said, they are not accurate enough to take the stress. I say don't do it unless you have to for health reasons and really just enjoy the preggo process. 100% your choice and good luck!

J.

You need to ask yourself what would you do IF something was wrong... if the answer is nothing, then why do the test?? If the answer is terminate because you just can't deal with a special needs baby, then test.
It is really that cut and dry to me.
I knew I would never terminate so I saw no needs for tests. I didn't even allow my doc to test for things with my blood. Just seemed like a waste of time. Plus when you have your 20 week ultrasound they can see many things... to me that was enough.
So just ask yourself deep down what you would do and then follow your heart. To me if you would keep the baby no matter what they even 1% risk is to high!
Good luck

I had one with my third child becuase some test came back that said we were most likely going to have a child with trisomy 13 and I felt I needed to be prepared for that if that was what was going to be. Having that been said it was horrible and I would never do it again. Is there something wrong that is pushing you to do this? I would say think about why you are doing it? Would any result change your mind about anything?

I will be 31 when I deliver my 4th child this spring... BUT here is what I decided when I looked into amnio and a bunch of those types of tests when preggers with my first...
The results of what ever tests they do are not exact enough to put yourself thru the worry and stress unless you have a history in your family.
They can not tell you FOR SURE that your child WILL have ------- that they are testing for. They can tell you that there is a higher chance. They won't even tell you that there is no chance... (for fear of being sued) And even with the "higher " chance, you can still have a perfectly healthy baby.

Personally, I would rather not go thru with any of those tests and love my baby for who they are. No matter what, then possibly mentally restrict myself from going thru the maternal bonding that happens in pregnancy and birth.

The big question would be, do you have a history in your family that you are worried about? What would you do/ feel if the tests come back and say baby has a 50/50 chance of being "not normal" in any way?

What would you do differently if you found out there was a disorder?
Also remember you cannot lift anything for a couple of days. That is really hard to avoid if you already have children.
I'm sure you will make the right decision for you. then relax!
Victoria

Congrats on baby #3!
My advice: no on the amnio.
I am pregnant with baby #3 right now (he's due in May) and I will be 41 when he's born. I went back and forth about the amnio too, only because of my age. I was actually on the table, with the doctor's needle in hand when I had a sudden epiphany of "NO!" I asked a few questions.. about the size of the whole the needle would make.. the kind of infection that could possibly result.. the chances for miscarriage, etc. And I decided that even if the baby had Downs, could I really abort it? My answer: no. As for the other defect possibilities, I'd rely on the blood screening and super-duper ultrasound checks to determine outcomes. And all proved fine. He's ok, there is a very small chance something is wrong with him now. Thank God I didn't interfere with mother nature and let nature take its course. And by the way: Baby #1 came at age 37, Baby #2 came at 38 (almost 39) and now Baby #3 will be here in time for my 41st birthday. It's all good. :)

I wouldn't do it. You have no reason to other than age. I am sure that you will have a perfectly healthy baby. Why out the little one at risk with the amnio? I had my second at 35 and even with "markers" from the ultra sound I chose not to have one and my daughter is perfectly healthy.

Honestly, I think that if you have doubts, maybe you shouldn't. The one thing i did different between my two kids was take fish oil. The older one i didn't do it with but my baby i did. Different doctors, and the baby was born with a vascular malformation, and has major skin problems. The doctor had said that it would mellow the baby. He was the most difficult baby I had met, and he is far from mellow. I cannot say it was definately because of the fish oil, but i am pregnant with my third one and I am refusing it. I understand that they are two different things, but the point is, go with the gut, especially while your pregnant, if not just do alot of research online.

I was 41 when my son was born. I did have an amnio because I was "high risk" (but guess what? my dr said in this day and age "high risk" is becoming obsolete as there is better pre-natal health care and they have more things to help women have healthy pregnancies)

anyway, i would opt out if I were you. when I had my amnio done my son was VERY active and they had a very hard time getting the needle to a place where my son wasn't. If you've had healthy pregnancies I say it's not worth the time, stress or expense.

good luck with your new one

I was 38 with my last child, didn't do an amnio.
Everything was fine.

I have had 2 amnio tests.
Once was when I was about your age.
Then 4 years later, with my second child, I had one as well.
This was my choice, to have it done.

For me, I had it done, because I wanted to know of any genetic problems for my kids. With any amnio testing, you also have genetic counseling and information about it is given to you and you can ask questions then about it.

If I had to have it done again, I would.

For me, it was not about continuing the pregnancy or not, if there was a problem, but about knowing fully, about my pregnancy and any genetic issues for my kids.

My Doctor, recommended it. But it was my choice. My insurance covered it, and due to my age at the time of my pregnancies.

The procedure itself, is fine. It may hurt, like a menstrual cramping, but it is a fast procedure. I went with my Hubby, and my imagination about it made me more nervous about it, than the actual process itself. After the procedure, I just rested and the Doctor will tell you what to do/what not to do, after.

Miscarriage with an amnio, is low. I don't feel it is more risky than other types of testing... which can be done earlier in one's pregnancy.

For me, it was necessary in a sense, because again, I wanted to know of any genetic issues/problems anyway. For me, knowing & having full knowledge of that was important, so that I did not have to "wonder" about it throughout my pregnancy. So for me, this was a "conclusion" in the status of my babies, and knowing once and for all, that they did or did not have any genetic issues/problems.

Both my kids were born fine and healthy. The amnio was not a nightmare, nor a big painful thing. My Doctor was also so good at conducting the procedure and I trusted him fully. There is even a monitor screen that we could "watch" to procedure.. but I was too chicken to watch. But my Hubby did and thought it was interesting.

It is ultimately up to you... and talk about it with Hubby. For me, although it was me who ultimately decided to do it (it is my body), we both talked about it.. .and I researched it fully. And I went ahead with it.
Again, my experience with it was positive and not as bad as I "imagined" it would be. I would do it again, if I got pregnant again. And well, I am older now as well.

All the best,
Susan

Hi there, congrats on ur third btw. I was just barely 35 when I had my child. (I have just the one.) I did not get the amniocentesis test, but I did other tests, I cant remember what they were called but it was blood work and an ultra sound at 14 weeks, those test are pre test to the amni...one and they were less expensive as I paid out of pocket as well. My suggestion since you have had two successful pregs, is to do one of the other tests...and if your results are low and indicate a low probability...there ya go. If they show something different then maybe go for the amniocentesis. Good luck! And sorry if this is just like other responses...as I just answered. ; )

I had an amnio with my current pregnancy and it was cake. I was pretty freaked out about it and I have seriously had blood draws worse than the amnio. The risks are so very low and you just have to take it easy for about 24 hours. I don't know the reason behind why you need the amnio but it's not as bad as everyone is writing about. I also delivered my twins at 35 weeks and opted not to do the amnio with them. It all depends on the reason for the amnio. If there is a decision that would have to be made after the results you have to ask yourself if the results would even make a difference. If it is to prepare yourself for delivery like whether or not the lungs will be fully developed then it would probably be necessary. Good luck.

Hi Z.,

The decision is ultimately up to you, but here are my thoughts/experience.

I was 39 yrs. old when my daughter was born. My kids are 19 yrs (yes *19* years) apart. I was in a ''high risk'' pregnancy. My doctor wanted to do amnio, if for no other reason but to ensure a healthy baby. The risks to the unborn fetus were explained. My husband and I then and there said NO WAY! It had taken literally years for me to become pregnant again, and there was no chance in hell (sorry) I was going to risk (no matter how slim) the welfare of my child. Throughout my pregnancy the doctor continued to try to get us to do the amnio. Our feelings were, if the child had Downs Syndrome or worse, or was missing a limb, whatever the case may be, we would deal with it if it happened. So, even when I was told my baby wasn't growing, even when I was told my baby had a 50/50 chance of surviving birth, even after all the non invasive tests, I held my ground to the amnio, that is how strongly I felt about it, I just had my mind made up the amnio test would abort my child. I did have to undergo an emergency c-sec at 8 months. My baby was only 4 lbs, but you know what? She was healthy! (The problem lied with me, not her.) She's 19 yrs. old now, and going strong. So ... amnio or no? Up to you, but my vote is NO WAY!

Good luck, and congrats!!

Hi Z. - this is completely your decision. Your insurance may not cover cost if it's an elective procedure. I had amnio with my first at 35 because triple screen came back looking bad. I probably could have stopped at 2nd level ultrasound but I was freaked out over being a first time mom and had to be SURE he was okay.

I delivered my 2nd at 40 (perfectly healthy) and declined the amnio. We had blood test and even 1 marker on u/s that could have indicated downs. I told doc not going to do it because 1) I was going to keep baby no matter what 2) it was diagnostic and not therapeutic and it wouldnt change outcome of pregnancy 3) it could only result in introducing problems unneccesarily

Follow your gut on this one - it's not a given that it's neccessary.

No, it is not a necessary test. If you know that your decision to carry your pregnancy to term is not affected by the outcome of the amnio, you can just have the other screenings done and still get an amnio later on, if your have a positive screening result or something unusual on the ultrasound.

Not every woman / family will want to carry a fetus with a genetic defect to term. In those cases you might just as well skip the screenings and only have an amnio as early as possible.
Good luck!

Hi Z.,
Congratulations! As far as getting an amnio, I wouldn't recommend it. I was 37 when I had my daughter. I went through a ridiculous amount of testing including an amnio. I have type 1 diabetes, which was cause for concern. We were told that our daughter would be born with a major ventricular septal defect that may have required surgery right after birth, that she would be abnormally small, and that we should seriously consider ending the pregnancy. There was no way that this was going to happen. So, because of all the constant testing and terrible opinions we were given, we went through the rest of the pregnancy under an unbelievable amount of stress. I'm happy to say that my daughter has proven all of the "experts" wrong and is a healthy, bright, beautiful 4 year old who is only slightly smaller than her peers. She didn't have a VSD and no surgery was needed. It is ultimately your decision, but if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would refuse the test. Best of luck to you !

you want to have the amnio done because you are 35?? i don't understand. there are risks. unless you want to terminate the pregnancy if something's wrong, i wouldn't do it. my blood work came back and high chances for a down syndrome child, and was recommended the amnio. didn't do it, and my children were born healthy/normal whatever you want to call it. amnio includes a lot of risks, including miscarriage, i wouldn't do it just because of age. and my god, when did 35 become old???

I would skip the test as well. I was almost 35 when I had my 2nd child. He was just fine. I figured I would stress the baby out. You should be just fine. Good luck in your decision.

I'm 39 years old and I'm pregnant with #5. They told me they can do other tests without the amnio. They didn't ask me first just scheduled me for an Ultrasound to get certain measurements along with bloodwork. At the ultrasound, they couldn't get the baby to lay the right way for the specific measurements they needed for the test. They were rough and it took a long time trying internally and externally. They said they'd try again in a week but I denied. They bugged me about it until I said that I would do my best to protect this pregnancy no matter what the out come was. That was it. They told me that there was only a 1% chance I'd have a child with a chromosome disorder anyway.

I turned 35 on Monday, and I am 14 weeks pregnant. My OB sent me to a perinatal specialist who did an ultrasound, blood screening, and asked some background questions (any history of birth defects, mental retardation, etc). All of the tests indicated no high risk, so they don't think there is a need to do amniocentesis. If they found something questionable, they said they would probably recommend it then. Maybe check and see if your insurance would cover a perinatal specialist and go that route first before doing an amnio?

This is your decision and a good time to follow your own intuition. I know of someone who was told after a blood test at 38 that the baby probably would have downs but that an amnio was needed. She just "Knew" that this was wrong and was afraid that the amnio would cause a miscarriage. She gave the Dr. a tongue lashing and walked out of the office and found a better Doctor. She didn't have the amnio. The baby was not only healthy, but very bright. The only girl after two boys and a total joy. Look inside and you will find your own answers

Unless you would get an abortion if something is wrong with the child I would advice aganist doing this. I am a midwife, and also pregnant with my 3rd child. I am 33. I have had no prenatal testing, not even an ultrasound. There are risks to every procedure and I would not terminate my pregnancy so I chose not to do any testing. Yes, the risk of miscarriage is low with an amniocentesis but it is still there, there is also a risk of infection. You are inserting a foreign object into your uterus. The medical community believes there is this magical number of 35 when all of our eggs get old and the risk of something going wrong goes up. That is BS. I tend to women all the time way past the age of 35 and there babies are fine. As long as you are healthy there is no reason to do any testing.

Lisa

I was older (42) and I decided to wait to decide until my maternal blood panel was done. If anything looked weird, then I'd do the amnio. My blood panel came back positive for downs, so I had the amnio - just to know - There are lots of false positives, as mine was. I believe that you have to do whatever is going to allow you to relax during the pregnancy and put the worries your able to, aside. Good luck.

I was only 29, but had an amnio. Although I have genetic problems that had caused 3 previous miscarriages. I didn't get the amnio done to determine whether I would continue the pregnancy- I would have continued it no matter the result, but instead to put myself at ease and to know and be prepared if something wasn't right. The results came out normal (well, somewhat since he has the same translocation as me), but it definitely made me relax a little more for the rest of the pregnancy. Had the results been different, we would have been prepard for the difficulties we would have faced and any special needs items we would have needed.
If I were in your position, I don't know that I would just because of age. However, it is a personal choice- if you don't want it done, then don't do it. The procedure itself really isn't too bad and we were able to find out the sex of the baby earlier than otherwise because of the ultrasound being necessary. A tip- the stats they give you are from before they started using ultrasound to guide the needle (the Dr. doing the procedure told me this, plus I did tons of research!), so the rate of miscarriage is extremely low.

As a doula, I see plenty of clients get scared and/or depressed because of test results that are rarely accurate. I have had several clients be told something is wrong, and when the baby is born, all is fine. Best of luck!

W. Nichols-Dewey, CD(DONA)
www.birthfirstdoula.com

There are four levels of testing before you should consider the aminio. The triple blood screen the quad screen and then the ultrasound. You should opt for these first they will give your indicators and predicators and provide you with a statistics on your chances of problems occurring. You can then way the risk of the aminiocentesis based on your results. If you are in Colorado I highly recommend getting a referral to Platte River Perinatal Dr. Hobbins. They are wonderful!

I wouldn't do it. I have 3 kids, the first I was 32, second 34, and 3rd I was 36. No one ever mentioned me having one. I did have the blood genetic testing and the 11 week ultrasound to check for genetic abnormalities though.

Jessica

They can see quite a bit if they do a level II ultrasound. If at that point they saw things of concern, you might consider it. We didn't do it because I am already high risk when I'm pregnant so we didn't want to add to that.

I'd skip it, myself. It adds unnecessary risk to the baby, the results are not always accurate, and the biggest reason to get one is to see if there is something wrong with the child so you can abort. I'm 38, and skipped it. I'll take what I get, and no one is poking MY kid.