Re: Amniocentesis and a mother turning 35.

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> When I went to my first prenatal appointment yesterday, I was advised by
> my doctor that because I would turn 35 during the pregnancy I should
> consider amniocentesis. I'm not sure whether to do this or not. I'm
> going to be 34 for the majority of my pregancy (all but two months), so
> I don't see why it should be considered. I don't see how my risks can
> suddenly go up just because I'm going to be 35 towards the end of my
> pregancy. Any advice? Thanks.

You certainly do not HAVE to have an amnio. The choice is entirely up to you. Before you decide, make sure you know the risks and benefits of the procedure and weigh them with the risk of having a baby with Down's or other challenge. Also, ask yourself what you would do if you did have an amnio and the baby had Down's. If you would continue the pregnancy anyway, your benefit is knowledge of your baby's condition before birth. Only you can decide if that is worth the risks of having an amnio. It's purely a personal decision. I am 36 and will be when my baby is born this summer and I declined the amnio (and triple screen). But that is *my* personal decision.

Good luck in making yours!

Mary

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• Maybe in reply to: anonymous: "Amniocentesis and a mother turning 35."
• Next in thread: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Amniocentesis and a mother turning 35."