Anybody else shocked by their triple test results?

**Chicky Noops** · 04-08-2006, 03:29pm

Hi

Had my triple test results yesterday and was shocked they came back as 1 in 290. (I'm 22)

I was upset yesterday but feel better today as I am still low risk and I know the odds are very much in my favour. My Midwife did say though that it is not uncommon for younger people to have a higher risk. Anyone else have this?

I wont be having an Amnio unless any soft markers are found ay my 20 week scan, apparently if your baby has Downs, there is a 50/50 chance it would be detected at this point so the chances of me giving birth without actually know are something like 0.15%. I was mainly just shocked as I was expecting 1 in 1500 with my age.

**Pippin** · 04-08-2006, 03:40pm

They don't look like bad odds to me, it seems extremely unlikely that your baby will have anything wrong. The triple test isn't really known for its accuracy either. Try not to worry I'm sure bubs will be fine. They'll check for markers at your 20 week scan and hopefully that will then give you reassurance.

My mum used to work with downs children and she says how they have such wonderful lovely characters they're a credit to any family.

Try not to worry! x

**Puddy C** · 04-08-2006, 04:21pm

Chicky can you not get a nuchal fold scan done (even privately) or are you too far along for that? I think it's supposed to be a lot more accurate.

Sorry can't be of more help.

Puddy

**Chicky Noops** · 04-08-2006, 04:26pm

Hi Puddy

Yes I'm too far along. There are other types of screening I could have but still wont get a yes/no just another risk factor. I don't want an Amnio just yet as the risk of miscarrying form that is double my chances of having a Downs baby.

**Princess Lollipop** · 04-08-2006, 05:14pm

My friend's triple test came back at 1 in 46 last year. Whilst she is not as young as you, she was 32 at the time, she was obviously very shocked. She took the decision to have an Amnio and her baby daughter was born with no problems whatsoever in January.

Like Pippin said they really don't look that bad odds to me but why don't you speak with your midwife and talk over your concerns? She might just give you the reassurance that you need before your 20 week scan.

I am sure that everything is absolutely fine with your baby

**Damsella** · 04-08-2006, 05:16pm

Originally Posted by Chicky Noops

I don't want an Amnio just yet as the risk of miscarrying form that is double my chances of having a Downs baby.

You can't actually compare those statistics, as the triple stats are only about 80% accurate and the miscarriage after amnio stats are 100% accurate.

Hugs to you

I hope all is OK.

**Rez** · 04-08-2006, 06:03pm

I had similar odds to you Chicky from my nuchal scan rather than a triple test. My odds went from 1 in 420 for my age alone to 1 in 260.

Unfortunately I'm not the kind of person who can go on faith so I had an amnio and luckily everything is fine. It was a nervous couple of weeks afterwards despite the fact it was painless and went really well. It's something I would advise people to think carefully about.

I think it's only worth an amnio if you would act on the results. It's a very personal decision. I hope everything is ok, I know how much of a shock it is.

**Rowan Tree** · 04-08-2006, 09:02pm

I got a low result (didn't get told the exact percentage) but still fretted for the entire pregnancy. I think even if I'd been told it was 1 in 150000000 I would have been worrying cos somebody has to be that one, and it could have been me. These tests don't tell you for sure, only the amnio can do that. Sorry, not reassuring at all, but at least you know you're not the only worry wart out there.

**ChelseaHarvey** · 04-08-2006, 10:58pm

I had a high risk when i got the test results back and i was 20 years old, it shocked me as it was so un-expected, i had the amnio done at 17 weeks, i had to have it done, like you i was worried i would miscarry, but i was fine and the risks are sooooo small....

I had to know i couldnt go the rest of my pregnancy worrying weather my baby had downs or not

**L66TTY** · 05-08-2006, 12:13am

Chicky I think the main question you need to ask yourself is if you get an answer that is 100% correct then what?

I for one wouldn't abort a Downs syndrome child, I have worked with and met many people affected by this chomosome abnormality and I really don't see it as being an issue.

I am not saying that is the case for everyone and I think everyone has the right to choose.

This was on of the main reasons I didn't want a ny scans or tests sometimes your better of just not knowing and dealing with the issue as it presents itself rather than causing yourself hours of anguish over some inaccurate numbers that don't relly tell you anything.

**Princess Fiona** · 05-08-2006, 08:51am

I don't actually remember what the results of my triple test were

but i was never worried about them so i guess they can't have been all bad (i was 23).

I'm sure everything will be fine and that there is nothing to worry about, easier said than done though i know.

**ChelseaHarvey** · 06-08-2006, 08:51am

I was slso yold there are many factors of why you can come back as a high risk when indeed your not

**Chicky Noops** · 06-08-2006, 02:18pm

Thanks everyone, feeling ok actually but will feel a lot better if they don't pick up any soft markers at my 20 wk scan. It is reassuring to know that I am not the only young mum-to-be who had a higher than expected risk.