Tests, tests, tests...

[Jamie Rec]

I keep hearing different opinions on the CVS, Amniocentesis and the blood tests to determine the possiblility of Downs Syndrome and other problems with a growing baby.  Some people opt against it, believing it's too dangerous and others say it is a must have, especially over 35.  I am 36 and while I would love to know, I am also scared to damage my baby.  While I really want to have a healthy baby and want to know that this is the case, I also am a bit hesitant of these tests as well.  Please give me your input, both as medical professionals and as parents that have made these difficult decisions and your thoughts about it before and after the fact.  Thank you!!

[JourneyJoJo]

We decided to have the NT scan and blood tests (12 wks & 16 wks) and, based on those results, we were going to decide whether to do the CVS or amnio.  If the NT and first set of bw was abnormal, then we were going to do CVS.  If the NT and first round were normal but the second set indicated abnormality, we were going to have the amnio.  Our decision was based on wanting to know what we might potentially be facing.  We had also made a decision about what we were going to do if the result of CVS or amnio was abnormal.  Fortunately, all of the results came back normal and, while we could opt for an amnio based on age alone, we decided not to given the risk of m/c was higher than the risk of an abnormality.  We're now waiting for the results of the Level 2 u/s.  

All of these decisions are very personal and can be stressful.  I found that once we got the results of the first scan (NT + 2 bw), I started to relax more and enjoy my pregnancy no matter what happens now.

[tivey]

I would have a blood and NT scan and then make a decision. I am 37 and my stats came back high something like 1 : 6000 or something like that so I decided not too and all scans since (I live in Singapore so I have scans every 3/4 weeks ) and all is fine so just weigh it up and see what you think. It is a personal decision but don't feel bad if you don't have every test they offer - trust yor instincts. good luck.

[Ange855]

Hi,  I had an amnio and I believe it ruptured my membranes.  I lost my baby girl and will never forgive myself.  Please think long and hard.  


Ange

[Jamie Rec]

Thank you all for your responses.  It seems it is truly a personal decision and as I go to my appointments and get the regular screening, I will remain hopeful that the results come back shining and it shows no or very little risk.  Otherwise, I still have a lot to think about.  Thank you again!!  

[sherrysb]

I had the NT Scan and the quad test, because the risk of me having a baby with downs (according to the preliminary tests) were less than the risk of me having a miscarriage with a CVS or Amnio.  So i opted not to have the invasive tests.

[rubyinparadise]

One way that some women decide is that if they know they would not terminate the pregnancy no matter what, then they might choose to skip both the screening and the diagnostic testing altogether, and just hope for the best.

The screening is believed to be harmless-- ultrasound and bloodwork. But "false positives" also happen that create a lot of worry. Also, "false negatives" are quite rare but do also occur.

The diagnostic testing carries risk of miscarriage-- it is invasive but it is also conclusive.

I did what many women did, and based my decision on whether my screening results were better or worse than the risk associated with diagnostic testing. I went ahead with the 1st tri. screening, and my numbers came back good so I skipped CVS.

It will be the same approach for 2nd trimester: I will have the blood work in a couple of weeks, and a "Level II Ultrasound". From there if any concerns are raised, I may opt for amnio. Amnio does make me nervous because of the risk associated with it, but I am the kind of person who needs to know, and dealing with a "question mark" from ambiguous test results would be very hard for me. So I will do amnio, but only if it seems necessary based on my numbers & 2nd u/s.

Best of luck with your decision. You might want to go in for genetic counselling now, and talk it all over with someone from the clinic that does the testing. That helped me to figure out my options. I just called them and booked an appointment-- at many places it is free-- they won't charge you or bill your insurance for it.

[adgal]

I am 40 and currently 23 weeks pregnant.  My first trimester screen came back with a 1:13 chance of my baby having downs.  I did opt for the amnio.  My personal experience with it was a positive one.  I ensured I was referred to a clinic that specialized in amnio. I also quite literally interviewed the perinatologist who would be performing the procedure. Normal risk of miscarrige with amnio is 1:200.  This Dr. had been doing them for 15 years and his stats were 1:1600 or something like that.  I would not have proceeded had I not felt extremely confident in his ability and that I was in very good hands.

I am happy to say that my baby boy is healthy and perfectly normal.  I had no complications with my amnio and it was no more painful then getting freezing at the dentist office (and I hate needles with an absolute passion!)

All that being said I would never advise someone to have or not have these tests.  I think it is one of the most personal decisions you will make in your pregnancy. You have to weigh the odds, and why you want to know and make your decision from there.  Many will say if you aren't going to terminate there is no point.  For me, it had nothing to do with that, I wouldn't have terminated regardless (although I would never judge anyone who made a different decision).  For me it was because I would have been a wreck worrying and stressing the entire rest of my pregnancy.  

When you have your first trimester screen you need to remember it is simply a screen.  It is not diagnostic.  It is intended to help you decide whether or not you want to proceed with further, more invasive testing.  In my case I am happy I made the decision I did, and whatever you decide, make sure you feel good about it.

Best of luck to you,
Amanda

[Jamie Rec]

I haven't had any tests yet, I still am waiting for my first prenatal. However, I've been doing a bunch of reading and talking to friends that all have different points of view.  So I wanted to reach out to a larger ranging community of moms/moms-to-be to get a wider range of thoughts on it.  

Thanks for your comments and I look forward to others to post their range of opinions.  Thanks all!!

[Heather5]

I decided not to have the amnio for two reasons. First of all, it does carry a small risk for miscarriage, and I've already had enough problems with miscarriages in the past and just didn't want to take any chances. And second of all, my NT scan and blood results came back really good, with only a 1 in 4,700 chance of having a baby with down's. So to me, it was an easy decision. Have you had your NT scan and blood work yet? If not, I would probably wait until you have that done before making a final decision.

Oh, and I'm only a year younger than you at 35.

Best of luck with everything!

[Quinns momma]

I am 34 and had the first trimester NT lab work and scan. Everything came back great. 2nd trimester I opted to do the quad screen and sure enough that dang test came back to show an incresed risk of downs syndrome.  For me I decided to do the amnio. I wanted to know one way or the other if my baby was going to be born with DS. Amnio results showed a perfectly healthy baby boy.

The blood work offered is simply screening to let you and your doctor know that there is possibly an incresed risk. It is then for you to determine if you desire further diagnostic testing such as the CVS and amnio.

I am still happy I made the decision to do the amnio. I hate the not knowing and it is great to have a healthy baby growing inside me.  BUT I really do not think I would ever do the quad screen again since it has such a high rate of false positives esp when you are 35 and over.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.