Trisomy Oz Prenatal Support
Diagnosis
Further diagnositc testing - making the right decision for you and your baby
Proceeding with amniocentesis is an obvious choice for some parents, while others find the decision extremely difficult. The procedure carries a number of risks, most notably a 1-in-200* chance of miscarriage. Other potential complications include vaginal bleeding, amniotic fluid leakage, and infection.
At this point you may wish to consider what exactly you hope to gain from agreeing to undergo amnoicentesis, and whether you are prepared for the further choices you will face should the procedure return a diagnosis of trisomy 13 or similar.
Where a trisomy is suspected at this stage of pregnancy, a definite diagnosis by amniocentesis may:
allow expectant parents the option to end the pregnancy; or assist parents and their doctors in managing the pregnancy,and allow them to plan the birth most appropriate to the baby's
individual needs, ensuring the availability of adequate support
facilities and specialised medical staff; and
influence the obstetrics team's advice in terms of how the baby should be delivered.
While knowing there are sound reasons to justify amniocentesis does not necessarily make the decision to proceed any easier; ensuring you have all the available facts will at least allow you to make an informed decision. Click here for a list of helpful resources.
*Note: An international study conducted in 2006 found that the risks of amniocentesis are much lower - around 1 in 1600, though some medical professionals are hesitant to quote this figure. The citation for the study is Eddleman, K.A., Malone, F.D., Sullivan, L., Dukes, K., Berkowitz, R.L., Kharbutli, Y., Porter, F., et al. (2006). Pregnancy Loss Rates After Midtrimester Amniocentesis. Obstetrics & Gynecology; 108(5): 1067-1072. A qualified genetics counsellor advises that while many doctors still quote 1-in-200, the risk estimate of 1-in-500 is increasingly quoted in the US. Further updates when availabe.
