Should I have an amniocentises done?
Answer:
I refused to have it done with my children. The risks were too high and even if the outcome wasn't less then perfect, I still would have had the child so I didn't see the point in risking their life.
You have to be honest with yourself about the possible outcomes of the test and what you would do. It's easy to say you'd do something in theory but when faced with a decision it's much harder.
You're only 38, not 48. A lot of woman have perfectly healthy babies before they're 40. If you're getting your pre-natal care and taking your vitamins and are in general good health then the chances of something being wrong are minimal. No one can make the choice but you though.
Best of luck to you and your little one.
It is probably a good idea to have the amnio as you are considered "advanced maternal age". Do your research though, and ask your doctor how many amnios he/she has done and how many resulted in miscarriage. You CAN opt not to have it done if the risk of miscarriage worries you that much, but keep in mind they can pick up on abnormalities that they can fix while the baby is still in utero.
The real question should be whether or not you'd be willing to abort your child if there was something wrong with it. If you would, I'd say go for it. If not, don't bother because your 20 week ultrasound will tell you if there is anything wrong.
Well I'm not in the age range yet, but I almost had to have one due to complications, so I researched them a bit. I know the risk of miscarriage after having one is very low, like 2 in a 1000. Every person I know who has had a baby later in life has had one with no adverse results. I know the thought is terrifying, but since your ultimate goal is a healthy baby, I say the benefit far outweighs the risk. Simply ask the doctor who would be performing the test, and ask that person(if other than the doctor) how many they've done and how many women went on to miscarry. They can give general numbers without violating any confidentiality clauses. Keep in mind that just because a woman may of miscarried after having an amnio, doesn't mean the amnio caused it. Or ask if they can do different tests to find out most of the same information, this is a possibility, although then you would have to have a bunch of tests instead of a single short procedure. Good luck!
I think Ive heard about alternative amnio testing. i dont know the name but I think there is another procedure that is available now. If your DR doesnt have it maybe check around. I understand being nervous about the possible death of your baby, it would scare me too. Check it out! Ask our Doc lots of questions, maybe there is an alternative test..(i dont know the name of it)
Personally, I wouldn't do it. Even if I found out my baby had downs syndrome or any other defect, I would keep it. Finding out ahead of time can let you prepare for it, but even a 1 in 1000 risk of miscarriage wouldn't be worth it to me. and what are the risks a defect? here is a link for you --
http://www.babyzone.com/loadpage/article...
this article shows that at 38 yrs old, your risk of having a baby with a chromosomal defect is about 10 in 1000.
here is another article about amniocentisis that may help you out too.
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professional...
bottom line is, discuss it with your doctor and decide what is best for you and your baby. good luck!!
I didn't have an amnio. I had the triple screen blood test. Everyone turned out normal. I miscarried though, but it had nothing to do with the blood test or my age.
The question is are ou going to love your baby any less no mater what the test turns up? I am 38 and I am NOT having it done. I figure if God wants to give me a specialchild so be it!
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