I know that the majority of the prayer requests posted here are for troubled marriages, but my family is need of prayer.<P>My 20 yr. old sister recently found out that she is expecting her second child. One of her test results came back abnormal for downs syndrome. She had an amnio done, but the results won't be in until Feb. 11. <P>My sister seems to be handling this well, but my mother has been leading conversations to the direction of "this can be taken care of". This terribly disturbs me. <P>My sister is just about 6 months along.<P>I don't know much about downs (sp?) syndrome. If anyone has any stories or information they wouldn't mind sharing with me, please email me (Linda) at crazyvan@hrfn.net . <P>Thank You, <BR>Linda <p>[This message has been edited by Linda Beth (edited January 31, 2000).]

Linda Beth,<BR>I will remember your sister and your family in my prayers. God bless you.

Linda Beth,<BR>I also went thru this. When I was 27 I got pregnant for my third child. I was also told that the test for Down Syndrome came back inconclusive. I had an amnio done 6 days later. <P>I'll have to say that this was the scariest time of my life. But I knew that God wouldn't give me more than I could handle. I was going to keep the baby no matter what. I had already heard the heartbeat and seen the baby in the ultrasounds. <P>I waited for 2 agonizing weeks to find out that the precious baby I was carrying was ok. My son was born perfect. But to me, even if he had Down Syndrome he would have been perfect because he was a gift from God. <P>When I talked to the genetics specialist, he told me that if the preliminary blood test is not done at exactly the right time, it can give false results. So try not to worry. Think positive. <P>I will pray that God will bless your sister with a healthy child and that she will make the right decision for herself and her child.<P>Prayers,<BR>Mitzi

Linda Beth,<P>I am by no means an expert, and I have been out of the field for some time, but I do know that no test is 100% for Downs. The AFP test must be followed by an amneo, which obviously is taking place. The AFP should also be followed by what is called the triple marker screen which includes an AFP and two other markers which can not recall. (I believe one is a beta HcG)<P>Either way, tests are still not 100% diagnostic. I now that is not very helpful, but your sister needs to do what she feels is best for herself, the baby, her family and possibly how she feels about her faith.<P>I can tell you I have known several Down's Syndrone children, and they are by far the sweetsest most beautiful kids in the world.<P>Lord please bless Linda Beth's sister who may have to make a difficult decision in regard to her preganancy. <P>Please provide her with all the information neccessary for her to know if her baby will be born healthy. <P>Please give her the strentgh and courage to do what is best for her and her child. Only she and her family can make this decision. Please let her and her family be comfortable with what ever decision they make, and know in their hearts they have done what was right for them.<P>We ask this in the name of ther Lord, Amen.<P>Your sister will be in my prayers.<BR>

Just wanted to update and thank everyone for their concern....<BR>My sister's test results are in and she was told the baby is okay. She has to go in for some kind of test early next week...not really sure what for.<P>She does have gestational diabetes though.<P>Thanks again and God Bless,<BR>Lynn

Thank you Lord Jesus for caring for this unborn child. Please be with Linda Beth's sister throughout her pregnancy. We ask in Jesus Name for the tests to go well, and this child be born healthy. Thank you Lord, IJN AMEN