I had the triple test for my first pregnancy along with a nuchal scan and my risks were very low so we were happy to procede with the pregnancy with no worries. When I got pregnant the second time, the nuchal scan was fine but I again opted for the triple test (this was 1995). The results were very high risk - 1:157 for Downs. We were lucky to be sent to Harris Birthright at Kings College Hospital and they were wonderful. I spent all day being scanned while they looked for 'markers'( anomalies which are found in Down's babies). Eventually they found one, and the risk went up to 1: 30. I had an amniocentesis there and then. I was very frightened, but it was over quickly and I could see everything was fine. The test results came back positive and we had the pregnancy terminated. It was a really terrible time, but a previous writer is absolutely correct when they say - if you're not prepared to think about terminating the pregnancy, there's no point in taking the test. I don't regret the decision, rather being in a position where we had to make it. It still upsets me to think about it, but I am now blessed with 2 beautiful healthy children and I know having a child with special needs would have been a life sentence for all of us which we did not want. I'm sure some people can cope with it, and I know that if we hadn't found out and had brought the baby into the world we would have coped too, but not out of choice. If she doesn't want to live with a Down's child then she should seriously consider the test. Just make sure you find out who will perform the amnio and how many procedures they have done. The very best of luck. It's a terrible time of worry. Best wishes
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
Re: Down Syndome testing
Edit
Reply
Quote
