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I doubt it, her doctor will not suggest amnio if he thinks she could lose the pregnancy.

Hi there Cath. I'm not sure if I understood you correctly - has your friend already had the AFP result? In any case, according to the literature that was recently given to me at my NT scan a 39 year old has approximately a 1:120 chance of a Downs baby depending on how far along she already is. I a__sume that she's earlier than 18 weeks or she wouldn't be considering the amnio which is normally done between 16 and 18 weeks. If she's between 11 and 14 weeks then she might want to consider the NT scan first which can give her a risk probability and may help her to choose her next move. The risk of miscarriage with amnio depends on the skill of the doctor who performs it and can be up to 2% chance. Whatever she decides I just hope that she is getting the care and attention she currently needs regarding the bleeding and the uterus complications. I agree with deniseb here - the doctor won't put her through the anxiety of the amnio if there's any risk the pregnancy will fail before hand. You're a good friend - keep supporting her through her difficult time and keep researching so you can help her choose the right decision for her. It's a very personal one (I'm in that position right now) and not easy. Good luck!

Hi Ladies, CATH like the other ladies I agree that doctor wouldn't allow her to have the amnio if he thought there would be an increase danger. I will be 38 when my son will is born. This past friday I had my third amnio performed. Hopeful and Excited I understand TOTALLY how you are feeling... your right is it very personal. Up to almost the last minute my heart kep telling me not to go ahead with it, well let's face it hormones are playing a big factor at the moment. MY concern was that I have already had two successful tests would I be lucky enough to make it a third. Knowing that hormones are playing a big part at the moment I leaned on my DH. Together we knew that knowing is what we need to plan for not only our future but our kids future too. The waiting game is sooo hard after the test. There really isn't much pain to the test just pressure as the needle goes through the uterus. Where my amnio was performed they let you watch the monitor where you can see your baby and the needle. OUr baby was inactive during the procedure which makes it easier for the doctor to proceed with the test. Seeing the needle made the situation much easier. The needle was no where near our little one. It has been really tough this weekend with our eight month old son wanted my attention and to be nursed which I was not able to do after the test due to the uterus contracting while I"m nursing. FOr the first 24-48 hours you need to rest with no heavy lifting. Also watch for bleeding, v____al discharge and fever. SO far so good!!! now just waiting for the results which is up to three weeks in Cananda. Take care!

Hello again. Thanks for your responses. I am a bit concerned for my friend because she has been bleeding for over a month now, the doctor did say there was an increased risk if she were to have the amnio. She had the NT and it scored well 1. 1, but when the results of her AFP blood test came back he gave her a risk of 1:250 for DS. Here in Switzerland, I guess that is considered a poor result and an Amnio is suggested. My concern is that she might not be getting the right care... Considering the fact that she has been bleeding for so long, which is not a good sign, I am suprized that her doctor would suggest the Amnio for a 1:250 risk, when what I seem to be gathering from this site and others is still not that high or abnormal for a 39 year old women. Anyway, I will pa__s on the info to her, which may ease her decision making process. Thanks again.

I live in Switzerland and am currently pregnant with number 2. I would be very happy to have contact with your friend if she needs someone to talk to. I have been to several different gynos my first pregnancy and this one I am with a midwife and going for a homebirth: I know what these results mean and I can understand her concern. If youl would like to pa__s it on: sylviafrances@gmail.com PS but she can post here to you know...does she speak English?

Hi again Cath. I hope I didn't confuse you with my last post. My figures still stand but I think the reason they're suggesting the amnio is because they'll test anyone (regardless of age) if they're at a higher risk than 1:300. Hope this clarifies things. Good luck to your friend.

Hi FRANNY, thanks I will pa__s it on to my friend. She does speak english. It is kind of you to offer. I will pa__s on the info about testing under 1:300 as well.