In one of the other posts in her blog, she said they didn't have the screening done that could (possibly) have indicated that the baby had downs syndrome.  Anyone else not having the initial screening done?  I'm talking about the initial blood test that can indicate a possible problem. 

I had a penta screening done and it gave ratios of the probability of our baby having certain birth defects. A screening is different than diagnostic tests such as CVS or amniocentesis that are more accurate but also more invasive.

Maternal blood screening tests are blood tests that identify pregnancies that are at higher-than-average risk for certain serious birth defects , including Down syndrome, other chromosomal birth defects and neural tube defects (NTDs), which are defects of the brain and spinal cord. Screening tests help evaluate the risk for certain birth defects, but they cannot diagnose a birth defect. Screening tests are noninvasive and pose no risk to mother or baby since they are tested through blood work.

Some insurances won't cover unless your considered high risk, and I've heard the blood test isn't that accurate, which is why some opt for the amniocentisis. I think we will if tho

Many times they will also do an ultrasound at the same time as the blood work to rule out birth defects.  The u/s along with the bloodwork improves the accuracy. 

If you plan to continue with the pregnancy no matter you find out, then you can opt out for the testing. 

I might think about doing the blood work, but I definitely do not want to have the amniocentesis done.  I will continue on with my pregnancy whatever the outcome may be, so theres no real need for it.

idk if I would have a screening like that done.  Sure it would be nice to know "ahead" but idk... I would like to think I would be the same as Kelle. 

 I {would}continue on with my pregnancy whatever the outcome may be, so theres no real need for it.

^ ^ ^ Ditto Eugugoly.  Especially since something like an amniocentesis is so invasive and can cause miscarriage - it makes no difference if you know ahead of time or the second you look at that precious face. . .I would continue the pregnancy anyways.  

I know a LOT of severely disabled people (including my sister) - they do not have 'cruel' lives - they are well cared for and happy to be alive.  It's hard for us to understand that, but the disabled have a way about accepting (or sometimes just not understanding) their disability and just enjoying life.  If it were my child, I'd give them that opportunity.  <---- That's my two cents. . . .

I had the quad marker test done to assess the risk of having a baby with DS (its a blood test). When I talked to my OB about why would we need to do any testing, especially because I am 24, she said that they like to know ahead of time because of complications during birth that can happen with DS babies. So we did the testing not for our sake of knowing but for the health of our little one :) If it would have came back bad, I would have had to decide if I wanted further testing done but I decided to cross that bridge when I got there. Thankfully, it came back with an extremly low risk for us having a baby with DS or spinal cord defect but of course I would have loved it anyways....I already love this little thing and we haven't even met!

I'm doing the blood test and Nuchal translucency (NT) scan to measure the fold.  If my risk is high, then I'll do amniocentesis.  The miscarriage rate has vastly improved from like 1% to 1 in 200, that's nothing compared with our 1st trimester miscarriage rate of 15%!  

I honestly don't know what I'd do if my risk turns out to be high, and I don't know how "high" is considered "high".  But even if we choose to do nothing, it's nice to be prepared, especially for my family, you know? Parents always love their babies unconditionally, but it's harder for relatives and friends.

The reason she was so sad in the birth story is she wasn't prepared for it at all.  If she knew in advance, it would've been easier for her to welcome the baby.  I don't want to spend the first few days with my newborn crying and in agony. 

basically, the risk is considered high or low.  if you are greater risk than 1 in 250, then it's considered high risk and you'd most likely be advised to move further to amniocentesis testing.  If the risk was lower, then the risk of a miscarriage due to amnio is greater so you'd be considered low risk and advised against amnio.