Confused about not taking the Down syndrome test

[Dilpreet123]

Hello ladies, I am 35 weeks pregnant and I was refused a down syndrome test in the first trimester. But I don't know why now I am worried about it. Can anyone please suggest or what should I do now. So that I can remove these negative things from my mind.

[Hidden]

What do you mean you were refused?

[Dilpreet123 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, someone told me it is not good for your baby if you do this test. They will take some blood sample from the baby's neck. And I didn't know all this at that time. That they will find out only by blood sample. Pls pray for my baby

[Hidden in reply to Dilpreet123]

Who told you it's not good for the baby? I think you've misunderstood the doctors, they would have advised you at your 12 week scan that they offer downs syndrome testing, but they don't take blood from the baby's neck. They take blood from you and measure the size of the baby's neck (nuchal fold) through an ultrasound. This is called the combined test and there is absolutely no risk to the baby. This test is only available until you're 14 weeks pregnant though, when did you have your first ultrasound? The combined test tells you whether you are at high or low risk of having a baby with downs. Only if you're high risk will they offer you an amniocentesis, where they take a blood sample from the baby. This does carry a small risk of miscarriage but you don't have to have it. There is also another test called the Harmony test that you can have done privately, which is less risky than the amniocentesis. Either way, it's too late now I think for any of these tests.

[Jogsandwalks]

If you refused it at the time, go back and tell your midwife that you've thought about it and you've changed your mind. I'm sure they'll arrange something.

[Dilpreet123 in reply to Jogsandwalks]

Thanks for reply ok I will talk to her. Pls pray for my baby

[Seb9]

On the NHS your screening for downs syndrome is offered to you at your booking in appointment and done when you have your bloods and 12 week scan, if you have your pregnancy folder you can check through and see and if you've asked for screening you should have had a letter saying if baby is low risk or a phone call if baby is high risk. I think you might need to provide a bit more background as to why you were refused it. Are you based in the UK? As the tests are offered through the NHS. If its another country then I'm not sure and you'd need to find out from your health provider what's included in your care.

At 35 weeks if baby had downs syndrome there are numerous charities that can offer support and advice and lots of wonderful children and adults who have downs syndrome and who make the world a much better place for being here xx

[Dilpreet123 in reply to Seb9]

Hi thanks for the reply and yes I do not belong to UK. I am from Portugal. We have come here recently. And from day one, no one showed me the right path. I am still confused by all this. Yesterday I also discussed with my Dr and he said that it is too late. I mean is everything in the hands of God now.This is our first baby so that's why I am worried. Pls pray for my baby..

[Seb9 in reply to Dilpreet123]

I think if you've had gestational diabetes I assume you've had extra scans during your pregnancy and you should have had your 12 and 20 weeks scans which would pick up any severe anomaly so if baby looks healthy in your scans then hopefully all is well. Downs syndrome babies sometimes have extra care issues but live happy fulfilling lives and I'm sure you'll love baby whatever comes. Good luck

[Dilpreet123]

Thanks dear. 🙏

[Shopper85]

Ah right so you were told this jn Portugal. Pay for a private scan & you can see the babies face close up in. Ultra HD & they can tell you there.

[Joxxjo]

You wait a few weeks for baby to come. They will be the love of your life with or without downs it won't make an ounce of difference once you lay eyes on them. Stop worrying about what is past and look forward to your baby xx

[Dilpreet123 in reply to Joxxjo]

Thanks dear... your reply really touched to my heart ❤ 💙 💜 💖

[Running79]

Not sure if it’s the same in Portugal but in the UK they test for other issues like Edwards Syndrome and Pateau syndrome in addition to Downs