Because I am over 35, for this pregnancy and the last, I went through a non-invasive screening process. For DD, I was given a 1 in 45 chance of her having down syndrome, but she was born perfectly healthy. For this pregancy, my results just came back as a 1 in 9 chance of down syndrome. They strongly advised me to do amnio, but since I wouldn't abort the baby any way, I don't see the point.

I was just wondering if anyone has a child with down syndrome or knows someone who does. My brother had cerebral palsy, and he was on a special baseball team for kids with disabilities, so I saw plenty of kids with down syndrome, but I want to prepare myself in case this baby does have it. Thanks.

I don't know any Down syndrome kids, but I wanted to know that I will keep you in my prayers.

I don't know any children with Down's but for the testing, although I would not have an abortion I would want to know so that I could be prepared and have my home ready for a special needs child. Also, so I could research and find the best teaching and training methods! I will be praying for you!

My mom's friend has a son with Downs Syndrome. His name is Josh. He is 11. I have gotten to watch him grow up over the years. When he was preschool age he didn't talk much. He stuck his tounge out and kinda hummed. He seemed to get frustrated because he couldn't let us know what he needed. He also touched/petted everyones hair, which kinda freaked the girls out. But he wasn't being nasty or mean. He was in diapers until he was 4 or 5. He has grown and learned so much over the years!! He talks and has conversations. He has learned not to pet anymore. He can use the bathroom on his own. He rides the bus to his school!! He loves to come over to my moms house and swim in the pool (with a lifevest on!) He also loves to ride his bike!
Josh is a very sweet boy! It seems to me like he is functioning on a 6 year old level. He is very happy, laughing and playing all the time! He gets along well with his brother and sister and all my kids. I know his parents have had a hard time finding the right school and programs that would help him, but they stuck with it and things seem to be working out pretty good right now. I know there are different "levels" of Downs and that all kids are not the same. Josh is the only child with Downs that I have ever had personal, ongoing contact with.

I know you must be stressing out over this. I wish I could offer you some words of wisdom. The only thing I can think to say is look at your daughter!!! They told you the same thing about her and they were wrong!! Doctors only know so much!!! I will keep you in my prayers!

I've known lots of kids with Downs over the years. They are some of the sweetest kids on earth!!! I know they can be super stubborn as well. I have a friend at the girls school who has a little one with Downs, he is 8. She started him in mainstream Kinder at age 5, he did repeat K and is now in 2nd grade, my friend works really hard with him and the teachers at our school hhave done a fabulous job with teaching the other kids that Justyn is just a regular kid who needs some special help sometimes. He plays with the kids at lunchtime, and being on the playground has actually helped his verbal skills. My friend knows that at some point he will most likely have to go into the Special Day Class, but she wants him mainstreamed for as long as possible to help with his social skills. I love this kid! His smile lights up the room! I never had any of the tests done when I was pregnant either, although I understand those who want to be prepared. There are tons of websites out there, just try not to freak yourself out!

I don't know anyone personally who has DS, but my husband's cousin has a daughter who is mentally challenged and restricted to a wheelchair all the time. I can honestly say, she is light of their life. She will gratuate from high school this spring. She is a smart, well rounded individual and a pleasure to be around. Her parents and older brother love her so much and you can tell from the way she acts and how they respond to her. I think that it's a blessing just to know them and how we get to interact with them.

I had 2 amnio's done when I was pregnant with my twins, for lung purposes. The test is not bad at all. If it were me, I would get the test done, just for the purpose of getting all the literature and help that I could find....just if the test came back. God will be with you everyday, all day!

I pray that you have the wisdom and guidance throughout your pregnancy. We are all here for you.

I am a Special Education teacher and because of that I have known MANY children with Down's Syndrome. They are a great group of kids to work with. They are able to learn a lot. Most of the students I have taught have had some sort of heart problems. Most have had open heart surgery by the time I get them around age 12. As someone else stated they can be very stubborn. Many of the students I have worked with our difficult to understand when they are talking, but after a few weeks of working with them I am able to understand.

I have also known many people who have had the screening done and it showed their chance of Down's was very high, but the baby was born without Down's. Just pray that everything works out well.

I don't personally know any either. But I would still have the test done. I don't think the doctors give it just so that you can get abortion. As someone said above, then you can be very prepared and do your research.

My SIL had her last baby ( a surprise) at 42. She did have the test done just to be prepared because she wouldnt have had an abortion either. With the first two kids she didnt even know the sex ( remember those days older moms..lol) With this unexpected blessing later in life she said she wanted no more surprises. My nephew was born without any trouble. My DD is planning on majoring in Elem.Ed with a minor in Special Ed next year in college. She has been helping in the Special Needs class 3 days a week this year and she loves it. The children with Down's have touched her heart in such an amazing way. Our school has a young man with Down's as our mascot and he is so loved by the cheerleaders and football team. They do have a stubborn streak.. but then what kiddo doesnt? Best of luck to you.

This is probably not the most helpful comment to this question, but I have found it interesting over the years with the students I have worked with that the question of how old the mother is is always brought up, but in my experience the students I have taught who have had Down's Syndrome I have only had 1 parent who was maybe older (35) when her daughter was born. The rest of my students mother's were young to average and I have taught at least 20 students in the past 16 years. I just find this interesting.

One possibility they are suggesting an amnio is so that everyone can be prepared for the delivery. Sometimes they anticipate needing a more high risk labor delivery team because of what the amnio shows.
On the other hand, I'm not sure I would want an amnio either ...

I don't have anything to add except I will be praying for you.

I don't know any personally, but I am like you. I would not have the tests done. I have seen two friends have it done and were told their child had down syndrome and they went through a lot of anguish just to have a healthy baby. Could not enjoy their pregnancy because of the worry and it ended up being for nothing. I know amnios are common place now but a friend of a close friend of mine had one done about three years ago late in pregnancy to rule out something or another and something went wrong and it ruptured something and the baby ended up diing at 8 1/2 months gestation. I know those things don't happen very often, but the risk is just to much for me. Praying for you and your decision!

I know those things don't happen very often, but the risk is just to much for me

Yes, that is why I really don't want amnio. I know the risk is very small for a miscarriage, but if I won't abort anyway, why take the risk of miscarrying a healthy or down syndrome baby?

I am hoping that future ultrasounds will be able to detect if there is a heart problem or not. We will also do a 3D ultrasound at about 28 weeks. I know it isn't diagnostic, but when we did it with my DD, the technician said she had only seen one DS baby before, but it clearly showed up in 3D. So, we will just wait it out.

Thanks so much to all of you who have written about your experiences. I will let you know as we find out more.

When I was pregnant with ds, my testing showed a higher risk for DS and I was only 21. I also refused an amnio, but my dr told me the special ultrasounds they were doing would probably show features suggesting DS if they were there. Well my ultrasounds didn't show any and I stopped worrying.

With my daughter, my dr forgot to order that triple screen test so I didn't worry at all. When he asked me if I'd had it done, he just scratched his head and said, "Looks like I never ordered it, but a level 2 ultrasound should point out if anything seemed out of the ordinary."

If you truly don't want amnio, refuse and let them do the ultrasound.
Sending prayers for your and family.