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Dear Kaz, I have a friend who had a DS baby at age 45 and she would not trade that child for anything. Her whole family is commited to caring for the child; even her 32 y.o. son, so it is not all on her shoulders. Peace to you as you go through this. I pray that God would give you wisdom. Remember, you may not have another chance to have another baby.

I have also read of errors in this test, and perfectly normal babies being born.

hi tammy - an amnio test cannot be wrong. are you sure you're referring oto the correct test? the amnio is actually living cells from the fetus float in the amniotic fluid. After a sample of amniotic fluid is removed, these cells are grown in a laboratory for one to two weeks, then tested for chromosomal abnormalities or various genetic birth defects.

The accuracy of an amnio is NOT 100% - There is an almost 100% accuracy I believe it is between 96 - 99.4% so someone always has the chance of being that small percentage where there was error. You can probably Google it or go to some med website to read about it.

Oh Kaz, my heart goes out to you. Remember I mentioned meeting a couple who adopted a 3-month old DS baby? They adopted him when they were in their late 40's. Like Tammy's friend, their children helped look after the child. Now their grandchildren are very fond of him too! Their entire family is extremely happy and have been blessed a hundred times more. I believe special children are given to special people. You must be very special in the eyes of GOD and please believe that if you decide to continue your pregnancy, HE will provide you with everything you need (and more) as you raise your child. I wish you peace with whatever you decide on doing.

Hi Dee, it was the thickness of my baby's neck and my age that led doctors to say my risk of having a DS baby is 1:146. However, my baby's head measured slightly larger and his femur slightly shorter than normal hence, my risk may actually be higher. We had another ultrasound three days ago and the doctor said the head is measuring just right. This has brought us some relief. Although I said we decided not to have any more tests, we taught we might as well have the tripple screen since the doctor drew some blood from me for blood chemistry or something. The doctor explained that he'd call only if the results raised any concern. We're praying we never receive a phone call from him or any of his clinic/medical staff. I really hope the measurement of your baby's kidneys are normal during your next ultrasound. Take care of yourself and your little one.

Found out about this website from a mother from another thread. Just thought of sharing it with everyone. Do watch the clip on Gabe's story and turn up the volume. http://www.gabrielsangelnetwork.org/index.html

Hello Heart, Hope things turn out good for you as well.I sometimes fell like I'm going crazy.One day I say it all in Gods hands next I'm on the computer looking for anything that might calm my fears.Yes I want a healthy baby but what ever happens -happens.That's what I mean.I'm up and down.I guess part of the problem is not knowing.I almost wish I would have gotton the amino so I would know for sure but the risk wasn't worth it.I just wish I would relax and enjoy this pregnancy.I also think I'm driving my husband crazy not to mention my other children they don't know much, but they do know I very moody. Well any way thank God for this site it helps to read and vent. Thanks and Best Wishes to All.

Heart: I forgot to mention my sister-n-law had similar results as you.She was 36 and (AMA) so she had to have all the test too well her triple screen was abnormal for DS and she had several level II u/s.They kept telling her she was high risk and neuchal thickness was very great and the femur bones were shorter and something about the pinky bone. Her husband had to take xanax because he kept having panic attacks.Everyone was expecting a DS baby to arive. She was fine she is four and no problems.So have faith and remember even if your triple screen comes back abnormal it really doesn't mean much. God Bless

Kaz - I don't know if you are still reading this, and I don't know how long you have to make your decision. But if you have some time left, please think about it very carefully. Adoption is a terrific option for you, and your little unborn child could bring such joy to another couple. Please consider it before you make your final choice.

You have to do what is right for you. Do not let anyone put pressure on you. I have discussed the same issues with my husband and if our CVS comes back as DS, then we will going down the same route.

It's such an emotional roller coaster ride, isn't it? I was doing fine these past two days but today, I just had to cry. I keep thinking, how I wish my tears of fear and anxiety will be replaced by tears of joy and relief. Reading about your sister-in-law's case has raised my spirits. Thank you for sharing her story. Like everyone, I am hoping for a "normal" and healthy baby. Still, whatever happens, happens. I have so much faith in GOD and I know that HE will help us through. God bless!

How do you get those figures. Did the Doc do some sort of a blood test to find out? I am 35 and TTC . I am now on prescibed clomid and still nothing .. I will be starting the second round (maybe as I am not sure I want to continue until I try looseing some weight first due to obesity)comeing up here soon. I am a little nervous about the whole Downs factor in my age and all , but no one in my family has had this problem with any of ther children and my mom was still having kids at age 40 and all was well. Does genetics play into it? Or is it all an age factor? I to would never give up the child if there was the chance of Downs... God is good no matter what comes our way ... Honestly Downs isnt a bad thing it just is an uncomfortable thing for those of us who have not been up close and personal with it before. Some of these kids arent as severe as some might think as well as all of them have SO MUCH love to give. Never the less I do understand why your concerned ... I to though no pregnant yet am very concerned about all of this to. I know that I want more children ... I just am not sure if it is the right thing to do if having one at my age means putting the baby at risk to be unhealthy or any thing else.

HI!, Heart! DO not give up hope. I have a friend your age who was told the same thing. She failed her nuchal screen test around the same time as you and went back for an amnio which came back completely normal. She is having a very healthy, perfectly normal girl this May. She thinks the problem was that they incorrectly estimated her to be further along than she was, so the measurements were off. I though you would appreciate this happy story! Good luck and stay positive.

Also, I remember that on another thread somewhere, this woman had the same situation and was in the process of switching doctors. She later had an amnio that showed everythign to be fine.

Hi Shey, in my case the numbers were arrived at after considering my age and measuring the thickness of my baby's neck. Down syndrome is not hereditary though I read somewhere that having a family member with DS increases one's risk of having a DS baby by 1% ... I think. Seeing a doctor or specialist would be best so that he may give you a detailed explanation of the risks involved. Dear Helene, thank you for sharing those happy stories. I will try to think positive, or at least, have a positive att_tude as I know my emotions can affect my baby as well. All the best to everyone.