High risk of Down Syndrome

Would you keep the pregnancy if you know the results are positive for Down Syndrome, at 17 weeks ? Had my nuchal translucency check together with a blood test to measure the two hormones (free HCG and PAPP-A), and it returned to a VERY high risk results. Doctor recommended further to do NIPT (non-invasive prenatal blood test) for confirmation, which mentioned that is 99% accuracy. Results will be in 2 weeks, and I’ve been a bundle of stress and anxiety. Discussion with husband are inconclusive - we aren’t sure what’s our decision going to be following that, if the results are positive. Mentally stressed & exhausted at this point. ***Update 1*** Thank you everyone for the positive response, appreciate your thoughts and sharing. To share, current concern is that if the result is positive for DS, and we decide to keep the baby; Best case scenario, the child is healthy and able to be care for themselves and live a full independent life. On the other hand, DS children are known for common health concerns like heart defects, hearing and vision issues - and if they require long term care, what would happen if we as parents don’t outlive them ? What happens then, and who will take care of them ? Alrernatively, if the result is positive for DS, and we decide NOT to keep the baby. We aren’t sure if at 17/18/19 weeks of pregnancy, is it worth the risk for abortion ? And if we are willing to live with the fact that we ended the life of a foetus that we have seen grow bigger with full human features & limbs, and hearing their heartbeat up to that point. Would we be able handle the guilt & mental stress ?

Anonymous

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Super Mum

Hi dear, thank you for sharing.. You’re going through something very difficult right now, and there’s no easy answer. Personally, I would keep the baby, but there would be many adjustments and sacrifices my husband and I would have to make. I would read up extensively on how to raise a child with Downs Syndrome, I would join the parent support group (Downs Syndrome Association), and follow up closely to see if my baby has some associated medical conditions associated with Downs, so I know what to expect after birth and whether my baby would need surgery or other medical care as a baby. It’s not an easy journey at all, but I would do whatever I can for my baby. I can only imagine how difficult these 2 weeks are going to be for you, in waiting and trying to make a decision. Big hug, dear. Please let me know if you need a listening ear, and if you’re comfortable, letting me know how things go. You can contact me at [email protected].

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