I was horrified of my baby having birth defects. Due to my previous doctors making some serious mistakes in my checkups I was told that my son would probably have Downs Syndrome and possibly other defects as well. It was an emotional catastrophe, there's no way I could terminate a pregnancy, but I really couldn't see myself raising a disabled child--I'd blame myself, I'd blame my husband, I wouldn't be able to provide well enough, and endless other worries. When my second doctor told me that there had been mistakes made by my first doctor I was BEYOND relieved. While everyone tells you to just relax, enjoy your time before you become a parent, don't stress because it's bad for the baby, blah blah blah, it's really impossible not to. Handle the worries as best you can, and take them as a sign of your love for your baby. :)

I'm 13 weeks pregnant and my dr. is pushing me to get AFP testing. I decided against ALL testing! I will love my baby no matter what he/she comes out like. And I have no need to stress out the whole time!! 

With all of my pregnancies, I decided against any testing, besides a basic ultrasound.  The way I saw it, I wasn't going to do anything but stress and worry if I found out anything was wrong, so why find out until the baby was born?  My aunt was told that her youngest was likely to have Downs Syndrome, and he was born healthy.  I had a friend who was told at an ultrasound that their daughter might have something wrong with her brain (can't remember what they called it), but the doctor even commented that it was too bad that it was too late for an abortion, or he might recommend one.  Guess what, they switched doctors, first of all, and their daughter was born perfectly healthy!  Try not to stress, though that's not easy.  You will love your baby no matter what, and more than likely, he or she will be healthy!

Oh my could i write a novel on the "worries and anticipations" of a very LONG wanted pregnancy.
I had about 4 miscarriages, plus my ovary taken out. At 37, I had just about given up on the idea of kids and I so much wanted children. Then all of a sudden, There I was again, at the OB's office.
Nope. Another miscarriage. That just made me determined strangely enough and at that age, I knew that I didn't have allot time.
I did get pregnant again very quickly. This time, FOR THE FIRST TIME. there was a heart beat. I think that I about fell off the exam table. But, that didn't mean by far I could relax.
They they did the "marker test"; It came back 1 in 17 that my baby had downs. Amniocentesis was highly recommended. I did get it. Not that I would have done anything to my baby had she been downs. Turned out that this baby was a healthy girl. (after the 2 grueling weeks waiting for the amnio). At 39 weeks, after a "perfect" pregnancy that I was basically waiting the whole time for something to go wrong, I had a baby girl in my arms that even got a 10 on the apgar.
So, my best advice to you is to please try and keep an upbeat attitude. I didn't see how old you were, but, it isn't til age 35 they really worry about downs. (and they are wonderful babies/kids/adults as well). This what I did with those numbers. I thought of myself in Vegas. If I had those odds in Vegas, I would bet. Yes you know it. 1 in 17 is pretty grim til you put it in Vegas. It got my though those 2 weeks.
The numbers you mentioned and of course, I am not a Dr nor do I know your history, just can definitely relate to the worries and concerns, you are going to have a healthy happy baby. Those measurements could be off due to the date of conception being off just a day or 2.
So, the very best to you and God Bless you and your baby.
Sorry so long and this was the best I could shorten it. There is more, but, that is another story.

I have a great three year old (perfectly healthy), and worried non-stop through the whole pregnancy. About... well anything I could think of to worry about! :)

Then, in my second pregnancy, I went in for my four month sono, and not only had the baby passed away, but from the measurements, it seems she'd been deceased for a whole month.

I was devastated.

Now, I'm in my sixth month of my third pregnancy. And I thought I'd be out of my mind with worry at this point. However, after our miscarriage, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder through a chain of events that never would have occured without our loss. That child saved my sanity, and I will be forever grateful.

I'm on medication approved for taking during pregnancy this time around, and my fears, although they exist, are so much easier to put into perspective.

I am able now to be thankful for every day that I can spend with this child, and though I don't ever want to have to let her go, I know that life is uncertain for anyone - none of us is promised more than this very moment. I can either spend this moment in fear or appreciation for this life within me, and as often as possible, I am going to choose to appreciate.

Having a three year old has also taught me that it doesn't get easier! You worry for them all the time. A poet (I can't remember who it was now) once said that motherhood was like having your heart constantly walking around outside of your body, and I wholeheartedly agree.

If you can learn to appreciate each moment now (within reason - worries still come, but you're in control, not the worry!), you will be light years ahead.

You are a good Momma! Keep it up, girl! I'm thinking really good thoughts for you and your little one :) Your child matters to me, too :)

I can imagine that it is very stressful... Just the kinds of foods you eat can have such a large affect on your baby's development. It is ridiculous how much pressure pregnant women are under.

Just try to do everything right and not stress out too much. If anything, worrying too much will do more harm than good. Try to relax... Don't freak out until you have to.

I was told after my 2nd trimester screening that my daughter had a high chance of having down syndrome. I was afraid of the risk to my baby to get Amnio, and I worried myself SICK until the day she was born-- and wouldn't you know it... perfectly healthy, even after all that worry. =P

Just so you know, those tests are pretty...meh.  I've known a lot of people who get told "Your baby *WILL* have -long list of complications/diseases-" based on the test results and the baby is born 100% 'normal'.  In my opinion, those things are a joke at this point, and i never bothered to have them done for that reason.

Wow, Thank you all you ladies for your stories & kind words. The doctor from the perinatal clinic finally called me back yesterday with my blood test results. After my blood test, my chances went down to less than 1%. She did offer other testing for other syndromes and that if I still wanted a yes or no answer that she would still do the amnio up to 20 weeks.

After having the time on the weekend to think about it, I told her...I went through 2 years trying to concieve & 3 failed IUI's. After my first round of invitro I am very lucky and blessed to have gotten pregnant.

I could never terminate a pregnancy because of down syndrome or anything else for that matter. I didn't see myself as raising a child with disabilities, but if it were the case, so be it. I see it as it is what it is. I pray for a happy healthy baby but will accept what will be.

My best to you all!