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Antenatal tests

Amnio tomorrow...

16 replies

Pingu82 · 05/02/2013 15:43

Hi,

Booked in for an amnio tomorrow and just wondered if anyone else in same boat or what others exeperiences of amnio have been?

Don't really feel worried about the procedure but more what they might see on the scan and waiting for the results. Does anyone know how long it usually takes?

Any hand holding or advice gratefully received!

X

OP posts:

Report

RufousBartleby · 05/02/2013 16:54

Ive never had an amnio but didnt want you to go unanswered. Im sure somone with more experience will be a long in a minute. i do understand the anxiety youre feeling about the results though. Do you want to tell us any more about your concerns/screening test results etc

Pizdets · 05/02/2013 17:16

Hi Pingu,

Sorry you find yourself in this situation. You're right not to worry about the procedure, I found it almost painless and it took only a few seconds (couple of minutes at most).

I didn't look at the screen during the scan, unfortunately our baby was very poorly and we'd been given really bad odds (less than 50% chance of it being ok) and it upset me to look but they were very sensitive and took their lead from what I wanted.

The wait was horrible, there's no way to sugar coat it, but if you get good news then I'm sure it'll fade to a distant memory and if your worries are confirmed then at least you can make some informed decisions about what to do next.

I'd highly recommend you get in touch with a charity called ARC (ante-natal results and choices) who can give you good and impartial advice whatever happens.

Wishing you luck for tomorrow and hope the next few days pass quickly with good news at the end!

Piz

lljkk · 05/02/2013 17:17

Amnio itself lasts maybe 3-6 minutes.
And it hurts (sorry to warn you, but at least if it hurts you know that may be normal).
Good luck.

drjohnsonscat · 05/02/2013 17:19

Just wanted to say best wishes for tomorrow. I have been there so I know how you feel. I didn't look at the screen at all and the whole thing was done in 10 seconds - no pain for me - just weird. After the procedure the dr showed me the heartbeat on the screen and said that, if you can see the heartbeat afterwards, 95% of the miscarriage risk has gone, straight away.

The waiting for results is tough but if you get the result you want it will help you for the rest of your pregnancy because so much anxiety will be off your shoulders. hand holding x

YouOldSlag · 05/02/2013 17:23

The procedure itself was almost painless. It just felt like someone poking an index finger into my belly a bit.

The waiting felt endless, there's no way of speeding that up. However I had brilliant staff and a great team and they really helped to make it bearable. They did have a policy of making you come to the hospital in person to get results, so that felt like the longest drive ever.

ARC are very good so get in touch with them.

I had a CVS which led to bad news but second time round I had an amnio and my little 3 yo boy is in robust health and currently watching Cbeebies.

You are not alone.

massagegirl · 05/02/2013 20:35

I had an amnio. I chose not to look at the screen, the staff were lovely. There was a second of sharp pain for me but was really so quick that I can't even remember it. Just try to stay relaxed, they are experts and do the procedure a lot. I took it easy for couple if days after, holed up with DVDs and a duvet, although I felt totally fine. The waiting sucks but it will go, try occupy yourself, easier said than done. My results cane back in 3 days then the full screening two weeks later... I was lucky, all clear. Good luck.

lozster · 05/02/2013 21:47

Hi Pingu, I'm booked in for an amnio on Monday. Like you, I am not afraid (yet) of the procedure but am afraid of the results. I fear I have been a bit obsessive looking online for stats., figures, experiences...... I am a woman possessed. Baby centre is chock full of stories should you want to join my madness and you can even view the procedure on YouTube.

I intend to shut my eyes and try to relax as much as possible. I had a terrible embryo transfer where the nurse couldn't insert the catheter and I did this then to shut out the audience of two waiting embryologists, two nurses and the doctor called off the ward to assist.. As long as they can actually get it done safely, I'm happy. Good luck!

MyangelAva · 05/02/2013 22:12

I just wanted to wish you luck for tomorrow. I had an amnio at 26 weeks, 2 years ago. In my experience it wasn't painful, but rather a strange sensation. It was over in a few minutes and I didn't look at the screen or needle whilst the procedure was taking place. Afterwards I tried to limit my walking because it didn't feel quite right, so have a think about how you are going to get home etc.

The waiting was hideous, although I did get to rest completely, and we got our results back in 3 working days. Lots of movies to distract me for a brief time. Unfortunately for us, our results were not good. I wish you much better luck xx

massagegirl · 06/02/2013 07:54

Just wanted to say I hope all goes well today Pingu.

Pingu82 · 06/02/2013 13:11

Thanks so much for all your responses. I had a look this morning before my appt but didn't get chance to post.

Well, it's all done now. Not too painful and they seemed to get a good sample. They didn't see anything obviously wrong from the scan. Nuchal transluceny was back within normal range. It was high nt of 4.2mm at dating scan (at 13w 6d) which put me at high risk of problems. Its now 4.7mm which is within normal range for 16 weeks apparently. scan wasn't as thorough as Id hoped in terms of looking at other markers but as only have to wait til tomorrow for definite results not going to dwell on it.

They're hoping to ring me tomorrow pm with results. Jut got to manage the wait now...

Xxx

OP posts:

massagegirl · 06/02/2013 20:55

My nuchal was very similar to yours ranged from 3.9 to 4.2.
All was ok. Fingers crossed for you and hope you get the results quickly. I know how horrible waiting is.

lozster · 06/02/2013 22:30

Glad it went well and thanks for reporting back. Fingers crossed for results tomorrow.

Pingu82 · 10/02/2013 09:43

Hi,
Jut wanted to let you know that we got the initial amnio results back and all was clear! That was on Thursday and still waiting for it to sink in and the relief to hit. Think I'd got myself so prepared for a bad result that I now can't quite believe it. Luckily two different doctors phoned with the results as hey didnt know the other had rung me and i was just starting to think id dreamt the first phone call and good news so got the chance to check it all again!

Have to wait two weeks for the full results and then have a detailed heart scan in a few weeks as high nt could indicate heart problems.

Anyway, going to try and enjoy pregnancy for a few weeks before I start worrying about the next tests, well, that's the plan anyway!

Thanks again for your support x

Lozster - will be thinking about you tomorrow and keeping everything crossed for a good result for you.

Xxx

OP posts:

YouOldSlag · 10/02/2013 09:45

Thanks for the update OP, I was wondering how it went for you x

massagegirl · 10/02/2013 10:01

That's great news pingu! Just to let you know I also had the detailed Heart scan at 16 and 22 weeks, all was well so am
Now 24 weeks and feeling much more relaxed. Also with the full amnio screening results the conditions it picks up are much rarer and my dr said would normally be shown through existing structural abnormalities.

lozster · 10/02/2013 17:41

Yay for you Pingu! Hope it's sunk in now.

And thanks for thinking of me too. I've managed to ignore it mainly this week (denial?!).

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