my daughters blood test proved positive for downs syndrome

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jun 3, 2004

Extending warmest wishes of comfort and courage regardless of the outcome. (((HUGS)))

camay1221_RN · Jun 3, 2004

Let us know how the ultrasound comes out. They can sometimes rule out downs based on infant long bone length, heart structure, etc. But like Deb said, the difinitive answer is the amniocentesis.

I chose to decline the triple screen with all of my pregnancies just due to the fact I was high risk already, and the Level 2 ultrasound by a perinatologist was a given.

I would have declined anyway, just because I remember from nursing school that there are alot of false positives.

Good luck to you and your wife!

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

Don't specifically worry if the AFP is elevated...There are so many benign reasons for that...As others have posted.....I refused to have that lab work done since as an older mom it probably would have been elevated anyway. Take a deep breath and help your daughter enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.....{{{{}}}

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 3, 2004

With my daughter, the triple screen was positive as was a Level 2 u/s, showing she had a shorter than normal femur, which CAN be associated with Down's Syndrome. She came out just fine, no problems or chromosomal problems whatsoever. I declined amnio because I did not think the information would change what I would do once the baby came.

Please have faith, be strong and ask LOTS of questions. And please let us know things are ok???? Like I said, unless you had amniopcentesis or chorionic villus sampling, the test is not absolute for Down's or any other chromosomal anomy. You need these tests to be sure. HUGS!!!!

BRANDY LPN · Jun 3, 2004

There are numerous things that can effect the test, as many have stated. There is a high incidence of false positives. Is there any possibility your daughter is carrying twins?

BRANDY LPN · Jun 3, 2004

Also you can google alpha fetal protein and get alot of info. about these tests.

brownsuga1184 · Jun 3, 2004

Tell your daughter not to get freaked out. The results may be indicating a false positive. Just keep on praying for the best. Stressing out can only lead to more complications during her pregnancy.

tuppence · Jun 3, 2004

As others have said, it's just a screening test, and tells whether there is an increased likelihood of the baby having Down syndrome -- it doesn't by any means mean that the baby for sure has it. Did they give her any numbers on what the risk was?

Here's my experience, FWIW. With my first pregnancy, the doctor told me that based on my numbers, there was a 1 in 113 (I think that was the number) chance that the baby had Down syndrome. I remember how scary it is, wondering and waiting. In my case, I went in for a Level II ultrasound, and not only were no markers for Down's found, but they found the real reason for the low AFP levels: my son was a couple of weeks younger than we had thought based on my LMP. I had just ovulated late (which explains the surprise conception, too :chuckle). With my new due date, my numbers were within the normal range.

He was born at 32 weeks, which is a whole different story, but he is now a totally healthy and typical 2 year old.

I hope everything works out for your daughter and grandchild.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

That happened to me, she is now 16 years old and on the High Honor Roll at school so I would not worry about those tests.

ivsandy · Jun 4, 2004

This test has too many variables to factor in to be an accurate diagnostic test.If the date of conception is off it will throw the whole result out of wack.If anything such as height,for instance ,of the mom is not listed on the req. form,the tech will guesstimate one based on weight.Accurate? I think not. This blood test is only a first step in determining down's and spina bifida. In my 20 years as an OBGYN office nurse,I have seen very few positive results of the triple screen blood test actually turn out to produce a baby with abnormalities. It does a number on the worries of parents ,tho,which is a real shame.At this happy time in your life it is not fair to have to be freaked out about this until you have a level 2 ultrasound or an amnio done .They are much more accurate in finding fetal anolalies than a simple blood test.

nekhismom · Jun 4, 2004

So sorry that the test has you worried. But as others have mentioned, there is a very high false positive rate with the triple screen.

I chose not to have that test when I was pregnant based on that alone. I wasn't a nurse then, but I still didn't want it.

Hopefully, everything will turn out ok. Keeping you in my thoughts.

shavsha · Jun 4, 2004

My sister had this same test and it came back "positive." Caused tremendous worry for a couple of months. Then she had an amnio which was normal. Her little girl is completely healthy and a cutie too. I will pray for you and your daughter.