Amnio

Hi Lauren, I'm 38 and my amnio is scheduled for next Friday, 3/28. I'll be 15 weeks and 4 days at that point. I'm very nervous, but everyone that I've spoken to who's had one, has said it's not that bad. Waiting for the results is the hardest.

I have to say that deciding on having the amnio was the hardest decision and I get upset with people's reactions to it. It's a very personal choice and nobody HAS to have it -- it's up to you. As my dr put it, if you plan on doing something about it, then have it, if not, don't have it. I have such mixed emotions about it and have had hysterical crying jags with Joe over it. But I'm the type of person who needs to know and won't rest until I do.

I wish you luck with whatever you decide!! Only you and your husband know what's right for you!!!

When are you due? About a week before me, right? EDD Sept. 9

Edited to answer your question -- they say an amnio should be done between the 15th and 18th week (some books vary).

I agree! It is a difficult decision, but I'd rather know. I'm still not 100% what I'd do if I found out something bad, but at least I'd have the choice then. It's all so scary!

I'm supposedly due September 7th! Glad to hear I have a baby-buddy in you!!! Should be a nice time to give birth - still warm outside to take the baby out for long walks!!!

Good luck with your amnio - hope everything goes well...

I had it done at exactly 17 weeks (I'm 37). The pain, to me, was no worse than having blood drawn. OK, just a *tiny* bit worse. My poor DH was soooo nervous - he can't handle needles - I said 'don't look @ the needle', of course, he did!! OY!!!

The actual procedure took less than 2 minutes. It was over very quickly! Of course, the best part was seeing our Peanut!!

DH was off that day and the next. I had some mild cramping and discomfort for the first day, but felt fine the next! Just make sure to take it easy.

We got our wonderful results 8 days later!!

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask! Are you going to find out the gender?? We (I ) didn't want to know.

Good luck!!

I had an amnio and I tell you honestly, the hype about the 'big needle' was worse than the procedure. I forgot how long it took, maybe 15 minutes from the minute I got in the room, the needle part was really quick though. There's less that a 1/2 a percent of a chance of miscarrying from an amnio. I didn't have any cramping or spotting at all afterwards. It put our minds at ease for the rest of the pregnancy. I never really thought there was anything wrong but it still felt great to hear that all is fine. Still it is a personal decision and no one could fault you either way. I will respectfully disagree with Debbie's doctor as that being the only reason to have an amnio. I would want to know so we could make provisions as well, for our situation. Thank God we didn't need to go there but I would have wanted to know ahead of time so we could become informed about whatever we needed to know about our baby when it was born. JMO We didn't find out the gender either.

Let us know how it goes

Elizabeth, you made me laugh!! I love the 'bold'!! I totally understand what you said and you're right, it's not the only reason! I just wish there was NO reason to have to it!!! I'm not nervous about the procedure -- I've had 4 surgeries, so a needle doesn't bother me -- I'm just really nervous about the results!! I wish they could let you know right away and not have to wait a week!!!

a tough decision to make, for sure.

My experience was painful rho..so I dont wantr 2 scare u. I dont like needles..and I flinch when they draw blood so...it was painful 4 me. Rob held y hand and w atched the monitor. i couldnt c it from my angle...he told me the baby was moving all around..he was amazed...but I was worried. It was over quickly.

painful decsion..but we went w/ it..as my hubby said..there is no fault to b placed...we wanted 2 know so we could prepare ourselves...educate ourselves, etc

I dont know anything about the amnio test lauren but I wanted to say Good Luck
;-)