Home   |   Search   |   Help   |   Login
Preconception Pregnancy Baby Parenting
Community Message Boards:  Preconception   Pregnancy   Baby    Parenting
 

High Risk Pregnancies

For most women, pregnancy is a time of unparalleled joy and anticipation. But for six to eight percent of pregnant women who experience a high risk pregnancy, it can be a time of intense fear and uncertainty. Connect with other women on this board who are having a high risk pregnancy for support, encouragement, and advice.
in

Your moderator is: Naudia

Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

Last post 08-25-2008 11:45 AM by Krumply. 5 replies.
Page 1 of 1 (6 items)
Sort Posts: Previous Next
  • 07-23-2008 6:06 AM

    • Laleighm
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 05-08-2008
    • Burkburnett, TX
    • Posts 7

    Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

    I went to my OB Dr. yesterday to find out that I tested positive for both, Downs and Trisomy 18. My Dr. just kept saying, "that's so weird". That didn't really make me feel any better. She said that next week I am going to a Genetics Specialist for a Level II Ultrasound. I am so worried, b/c my Dr. didn't really explain anything to me and I don't understand why they don't just re-do the Quad Screen. I am only 26 and my DH is also 26, with no family history of genetic deffects. So, I just really don't understand how I can test positive for both (one is hard enough to wrap your mind around). If there are so many false positives why do Dr.s continue to give this test. It seem so cruel. I am trying to stay hopful, but it's hard just waiting, and being completely powerless over the situation.
  • 07-23-2008 10:13 AM In reply to

    Re: Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

     I agree, this test really just needs to be done away with. The Level II ultrasound is much more accurate. I'm sorry that you're having to worry over what is probably nothing.

  • 07-28-2008 5:29 AM In reply to

    • Laleighm
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 05-08-2008
    • Burkburnett, TX
    • Posts 7

    Update

    So, my Dr. called me back and said that she "read" the test results and it turn's out that I didn't test positive for either, Downs or Trisomy 18. I was very releaved but at the same time upset that my Dr. didn't take the time to make sure before she walked in the room to tell me the results. It's very hard to trust her now. I have decided to switch Dr.s and am very excited to see my new Dr., since I have heard nothing but good things about him.
  • 07-28-2008 8:40 AM In reply to

    Re: Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

    The number of false positives is the exact reason we decided to not get any additional testing done, even though I am very close to that 'advanced maternal age' and my DH is 11 years older than me. With the loss we experienced 7 months ago, we (especially me) didn't need the added stress. We figure whatever happens we will deal with it when the time comes.

  • 08-17-2008 10:40 AM In reply to

    • Dawn2581165
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 06-11-2008
    • Alberta, Canada
    • Posts 48

    Re: Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

    I know the stress you are going through right now. I went through the same when I was 16 weeks and chose not to have an amnio for further testing and am now due on Wednesday still not knowing for sure if my boy has Down Syndrome or not. Do all the research you can and ask a million questions to the Genetic Counsellor-- you will find quickly that it has little or nothing to do with genetics or anything to do with you or your husband. Your Dr. saying "that's so weird" was not very sensitive or supportive, to say the least. I'm only 28 and these test results can happen to anyone. Please go to this board: http://boards.babycenter.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=bcus3366 You will get support on this board that is more specific to what you are going through. But if you'd like to email me personally, feel free: dawnjoyjones@gmail.com ~Dawn
  • 08-25-2008 11:45 AM In reply to

    • Krumply
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 09-28-2005
    • Denver,CO Mom of Cady 4/23/06 and Coben due 3/6/09
    • Posts 1,152

    Re: Scared and confused about Quad Screen results...

    Glad everything is okay.

    To answer the question as to why they continue to do the test despite the frequent elevated results?

    I was told at length beforehand that I should EXPECT elevated results and that it (alone) is not a diagnostic test. I think some Dr.'s must forget to say that because i see a lot of worried posts about elevated results. You have to remember that an elevated result such as 1:53 for Downs means that you could still be 52 out of 53 that has a healthy unaffected baby. With that said, the reason that I consented to the test knowing that the results could be elevated (mine weren't) was the important information that it provides IF you were to have a baby that had some type of defect upon birth. Rather than scrambling to try and figure things out, your Dr. has important information already right at their fingertips with areas to cue in on. That was a selling point for me. Also, again, it is not meant to be a diagnostic tool. It is a QUAD screen meaning that it is just ONE component of the whole screen. It's like labeling someone as a diabetic based on a blood test alone without screening for family history, personal history, etc...

Page 1 of 1 (6 items)




My Account . My Newsletters . My Journal . My Photo Album

Home . Site Map . Search . FAQs . Contact Us . Advertising . About Us . Disclaimer . Privacy

All information on ParentingWeekly is for educational purposes only. The place to get medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment is your health care provider. If you have personal concerns about your health or the health of your baby, we recommend that you consult with your health care provider at once. ParentingWeekly respects your privacy and promises to keep any information you give to us confidential.

Before using this community, you must read and agree to the Community Guidelines.

Please e-mail any questions regarding our site to: emailus@parentingweekly.com

Copyright © 2000 - 2008 ParentingWeekly(TM). All rights reserved.