Downes screening question

[Isthreetoomany]

I have had the nuchal scan test and my risk for Downes has come back as 1 in 530. Whilst this is not counted as high risk by the hospital, I was a bit shocked as my risk with my DD (3 years ago) was only 1 in 11,000.

The consultant I spoke to just said that the measurements taken from the neck were average, so it must be the blood test result that is giving me the higher risk. But she wouldn't say anymore, just said it's still 1 in 530 so it's unlikely to be an issue.

Does anyone know whether it is usual to have so much variation within the same mother?

[mrsbigz]

i'm no expert but i think that yes there can be that much variation within the same mother. i didn't have the nuchal with my first son (who is now 3) my second son i did have the nuchal and was VERY low risk with a measurement of 1.2mm (he is now 1.5). my last pregancy my measurement was 7.4mm and the risk of DS was 1:5 - a huge leap from the last time. on this occasion it turned out that my daughter did have DS and other medical problems. i think what i'm trying to say is that every pregnancy is very different - there is no one size fits all. if as you say it is the bloods rather than the nuchal which has brought the risk up, there can be other reasons for the bloods to not be so good. but although your risk is dramatically higher this time around, 1:530 still means that the odds are massively in your favour to go on to have a straighforward pregnancy. there is no harm in asking questions of your MW about your bloods - and ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) are a charity and an excellent source of advice on all things pregnancy related - worth giving them a ring.
hope this has been some help, and hope you go onto have a wonderful worry-free pregnancy xxxx