Re: Positive test for Down's

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: Prepaying for ultrasound???Before insurance pays???"
• Previous message: penny: "Re: cervical changes after chilbirth"
• In reply to: D. Ashley Hill, M.D.: "Re: Positive test for Down's"
• Next in thread: Suzanne: "Cord 2x - automatic c-section?"
• Reply: Suzanne: "Cord 2x - automatic c-section?"
• Reply: Marcia: "Re: Positive test for Down's"

I could'nt agree more with Dr. Hill. We had a chance of 1/30 of a child with Down's. (Not as a result of a triple screening test, but because of my age, 43 then and 44 at delivery). Still the doctor told us to just view the amnio as a reassurance that everything was OK. I had the amnio (and it was'nt a bit as terrible as I had expected it to be!) and after three weeks we got the news that the baby was a healthy girl! Ever since I have been able to enjoy my pregnancy even more, it really takes a load off your shoulders.

Good luck to you and your wife, and I hope you will both enjoy this pregnancy!

--
Anneminke (due April 27th)

At Fri,  9 Apr 1999, D. Ashley Hill, M.D. wrote:
>
>At Wed,  7 Apr 1999, Jim wrote:
>>
>>My wife and I found out today that our baby has a 1/90 chance of Down's.
>>The doctor's office didn't tell us the exact values, just the odds.
>>What could be the causes behind the positive result (besides actual
>>Down's)? What will the ultrasound tell us specifically? Can we rest easy
>>if the ultrasound disproves the positive result?
>
>The triple screen test for Down syndrome (and spina bifida) is, as you
>suggest, a screening test.  All screening tests have the potential for
>turning out false-positive, where the test is positive, but the baby is
>fine.  In fact, such tests tend to "lean" towards more false-positive
>results because they do not want to miss any babies with a problem.
>Fortunately, most women with an abnormal triple screen actually have a
>normal baby, but unfortunately they have to worry until the ultrasound
>and amniocentesis results arrive.
>
>While an expert sonographer (ie perinatologist or very experienced
>radiologist) can give you excellent odds that the baby is fine, an
>amniocentesis is the best test we have.  Even that's not 100% perfect,
>although it's close.  The risk of losing the baby after an amnio is
>probably somewhere between 1:100- 1:300.  Thus, after doing the
>ultrasound, your doctor will need to sit down with you and discuss the
>risks vs benefits of having an amnio.
>
>Best of luck.  I bet your baby is fine, but I'll keep my fingers crossed
>for you.
>
>--
>Ashley Hill
>David Ashley Hill, M.D.
>Associate Director
>Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
>Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
>Orlando, FL
>http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd
>
>The above is intended for general medical education,
>and is not for specific medical advice.
>I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail
>due to time constraints.
>

• Next message: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: Prepaying for ultrasound???Before insurance pays???"
• Previous message: penny: "Re: cervical changes after chilbirth"
• In reply to: D. Ashley Hill, M.D.: "Re: Positive test for Down's"
• Next in thread: Suzanne: "Cord 2x - automatic c-section?"
• Reply: Suzanne: "Cord 2x - automatic c-section?"
• Reply: Marcia: "Re: Positive test for Down's"