One of my best friends is preggo...due in April. She thinks she may have to go and have an Amnio done......is that common or do they only do it if they think there may be a problem? Does age matter...she is 35. I just don't remember ever having to do one, so I don't know.

Its not common. But I would say because she happens to fall under the "above average" age (I hate that term, but that is a perfect time a have a child) she may have to have one. :shrug

that is what I was thinking too. Is it only to find out if something is wrong. Because regardless if something was wrong or not she would still have the baby. I just don't like the fact that they can possible cause a miscarriage or that is one of the risks anyway.

I would never get one done, period! Even if something was wrong with baby I would keep the pregnancy and amnio's up the risk of miscarriage and other problems.

I would never get one done, period! Even if something was wrong with baby I would keep the pregnancy and amnio's up the risk of miscarriage and other problems.

Yeah I am pretty sure she has the right to decline it. Its not like they would force her. Probably try to persuade her... but not force.

When you hit 35 you are considered AMA (advanced maternal age) and they reccomend an amnio because once you hit 35 your possibility of downs and such is increased a bit.

What people do not realize is the test isnt just for you to determine to keep the baby or not. Some hospitals are not equppied for special needs babies so knowing definatly can be helpful in preparing.

However...I do believe she can refuse the test unless there is another reason for it. I think she is too far alonf for the quad screen so the amnio is the only way. They do use amnios for other things too such as checking lung maturity in cases of preterm labor etc.

Yes there is a slight increased risk with amnios. http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/327.html#3
Gives you risks and benefits. Benefits are like I said. To prepare, make sure you have a hospital better equipped, make sure you have the needed specialist etc. The risks is 1in 200-400 may miscarry. So there is a risk there with it

Good luck

Thanks for the info ladies!