I am saddened to see your sad face in your question. My twins had markers of trisomy 18 all the way through my pregnancy. I never got the amnio, simply because I was not going to abort them, or give them up, if they WERE born with trisomy 18, downs or anything else. My question to you is: do you plan to even keep your unborn baby? Why did you get the amnio? My niece has downs and is the most wonderful child ever. Know that there is ALOT of support for parents of children chosen to have down syndrome. Look up the national down syndrome congress website - each state has its own chapter. Just, please do not give up on your child, do not stop loving your child, just because he/she may be chosen to have downs...you would be missing out on the chance to have a wonderful child. Good luck with whatever happens. PS - both of my twins were born with no issues at all. My niece never showed any signs of down syndrome in utero, it was noticed at birth. You never know what is going to happen. Educate yourself and be ready for whatever may come.

I am sure you have many questions about your amniocentesis results, and are very interested in learning more about children and adults who have Down syndrome. First of all, let me say you are entitled to feel however you feel about the diagnosis, and that your feelings may change from moment to moment or day to day. 

You may feel fiercely protective of your pregnancy and lash out at those who impose ignorant opinions about the challenges faced by children with Down syndrome; and you may feel upset with others who impose equally strong opinions about babies with Down syndrome being the greatest gifts a family can enjoy.

I have a son who was born with Down syndrome, and have met many children and adults with DS since he was a baby, so I am among the second group. I was fortunate that my OB/Gyn and his nurse each were raising sons with Down syndrome when my son was born, so I had the most up to date, positive and accurate information available. Still, it was quite a struggle figuring out how I felt about my son being born with Down syndrome. Also, I'm embarrassed to admit that I did not quite believe what other parents of children with Down syndrome told me when my son was a newborn, and underestimated him even when he started showing signs of being a bright, imaginative, creative, and ambitious person. 

Down syndrome was not as much of him as I expected. He seemed to be just who he was supposed to be all along, as unique and wonderful as his older sister. It was not long until I started thinking every family should include a little brother or sister with Down syndrome. That's just how it is with babies - they claim you so early, you never really stand a chance.

However, being pregnant is very different than holding a real baby in your arms. It is much easier to think of the diagnosis first, rather than the person he or she will be as they grow up. Many parents make decisions that to me, are heartbreaking. My hope is that all parents will have access to accurate information when they receive a prenatal diagnosis, so that when they consider their options, they have a better idea of the options that are available to their families and children. Their sisters, brothers and classmates are strong advocates as they grow up, but children with Down syndrome contribute as much to their combined quality of life as their family and friends.

There are several excellent resources listed in the article:

Expectant and New Parent Information on Down Syndrome

www.bellaonline.com/articles/art68926.as...

Among the resources discussed are:

Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother's Guide to Down Syndrome, by Nancy Iannone and Stephanie Meredith, described as a "practical guide for expectant moms" for those who have had a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and are seeking support as they move forward with their pregnancy, available at no cost at: www.DownSyndromePregnancy.org

For parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and are weighing options about their pregnancy, there is a newly revised edition of the informational booklet, Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis, available at lettercase.org/products/ . 

Every medical professional sharing results of an amniocentesis should have this resource on hand within a year.  Local and state affiliates of the National Down Syndrome Society www.ndss.org - info@ndss.org or the National Down Syndrome Congress www.ndsccenter.org should now have a few copies available for local parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis or test results that suggest a greater likelihood of a Down syndrome pregnancy.

I have found that those who do research on DS after a false positive triple screen series are much more likely to invite classmates with Down syndrome to their mainstream children's birthday parties or sleepovers. A little education and raised awareness about the accomplishments and contributions of children and adults with Down syndrome helps all our families. Every public library should have books about Down syndrome available to new or expectant parents, and those already raising a son or daughter who has Down syndrome.  I often list resources and information at www.twitter.com/downsynadvocacy

Thank you Pamela321 i will go look at those websites soon as i can during breaks at work. 

Yes Mommieof2sweetgirls  thats exactly why, i feel so much like everyone once i told them the diagnoses, they treat me like my daughter will be an alien compared to their kids, and they dont know what im going through or will be. So i just wanted to be able to talk to anyone that does know how im feeling.    Oh i couldnt help but notice your 22 weeks pregnant also, and your gonna name her Faith? and due 6/22/11?    It caught my eye because my middle name is Faith and i was born 6/22/86.  Congratulations!

Hey!  I have a daughter with Downs.  She is 8 and her name is Elise.  I am the author of the blog Just a Little Bit Downsy (www.superdownsy.blogspot.com) I just wanted to let you know that I would be thrilled to answer any questions that you may have.  My daughter is one of the very biggest blessings in my life.  I am thankful for the impact she has made on me!!  Feel free to contact me at underwater9800@gmail.com

Dear Tiffanyfaith-  I just found out today after the amnio that our baby has down syndrome. We are devastated and so confused. I am 18weeks and just hoping for someone to tell me they had a healthy baby after a positive amnio however, I know this is wishful thinking... I thank you for posting your question as I know how extremely personal this decision is. My husband and I were blessed with healthy identical twin girls in March of 2010. I am 41 yrs old and thought this 3rd baby would be our last, I'm just so confused and just trying to process everything.