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Re: no amnio at 38From: Laurie (anonymous@obgyn.net)Mon, 21 Apr 1997 16:16:49 -0500 (CDT)
At Mon, 21 Apr 1997, Loriann wrote: > >i am 38 and do not want an amnio because of many past losses and >problems... > >i have read that you can do a level 2 ultrasound and alpha protein and >hcg blood tests prior to doing an amnio even at my age to get a good >idea if one is needed. Hi Loriann, Level 2 ultrasounds are often offered when a patient doesn't want an amniocentesis. While it can pick up about 95% of fetal anomalies, it's can't make genetic diagnoses. So for example, in a baby with Down's syndrome and no other anomalies, the ultrasound could be perfectly normal. The blood tests you mention are not a substitute for amniocentesis, because they combine your risk *due to your age* with your risk *as determined by the test results* to calculate your overall risk. Since you're 38, your risk is already determined to be "higher than normal" *just due to your age alone.* However, now that that's all said, I'm NOT trying to talk you into having an amnio. Even considering the limitations, a normal ultrasound is pretty reassuring. And if the Level II ultrasound (usually done at 16-18 weeks of pregnancy) were to be abnormal, an amniocentesis could still be done. Hoping you have a stres-free pregnancy,
-- Laurie Lovely, MD RE fellow, UNC-Chapel Hill
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