Prenatal testing

[SMFeb2017]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are your thoughts on it? I am thinking of skipping it as my understanding is it is mostly to test for Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, but my thought is that even if there was a 100% chance of having a child with Down syndrome I would not terminate the pregnancy-- which makes me feel no need to test. Other reasons I am missing?

[AnnieBrooke]

It seems like the knowledge gained from testing would be important for other reasons than the "I would not get an abortion in any case" argument makes it out to be.  This is not one test just to see if a baby has Downs.  Telling a doctor that you do not want information seems to me like you're letting your fears run you.  I would take any and every test offered.  

[SMFeb2017]

Thanks everyone! It's good to get all this feedback. I have been so anxious and stressed with this pregnancy because I had a hematoma that I fill that it will just add so much more unnecessary stress. I have read so much about the false positives. I do get the idea of preparing but also think it would really make me unwell. I know I will love my child either way and figure it out. I'm leaning toward not doing it, but have an OB appt tomorrow so I'll hear her out and decide. I'm supposed to do it no later than next week.

[remy75]

Exactly, kinetic Kim
Plus here I think doctors spend too much time 'scaring' women in late 30s or 40s from having babies. Most of the time pregnancy and baby are perfectly normal and genetic diseases and abnormalities can happen at any age.
I'm 41 and pregnant and while most people don't judge there are the few that do because of some sort of societal stereotype that you should only have kids in your 20's. Who cares what those people think. I found the man of my dreams later in life and we have a healthy beautiful baby girl and another one on the way.
Good luck. Whatever you decide is up to you.

[remy75]

I didn't bother with the tests either as we wouldn't have an abortion either. And I agree the 20 week scan should show any anomalies that might need surgery before or after birth anyway. Good luck!

[swatts919]

I passed with both of my pregnancies and that's what I suggest just because for me I know I would worry too much about what to do or how to do it with a child that has disabilities I feel that's a bridge I would cross if I got there because I would never terminate my pregnancy but having a sister in law that got a false positive she didn't enjoy her pregnancy she was so depressed all the time my mother and a good friend also had false positives

[EricaGerhart88]

In opinion there is no need for the test. I felt the same way u do in both my pregnancies and I opted out of the test. But all that matters is your feelings. At the end of the day ask yourself this question: does it matter if my child has down syndrome? Once u answer that, then u will know what's best for u and your child

[SMFeb2017]

I didn't say I don't want information, I just want to make the correct choice for me is. If it so happens to be not getting tested, than so be it. My doctor gave me all the pros and cons of testing and not testing. I have a couple more days to decide, but likely will not. I respect people making their own choices and am happy to see mixed options here, which is why I solicited answers.

[Dee1956]

Thanks Annie, knowledge is power!

[Jessicause]

I did the testing with my first child and recieved a false negative. I didnt know it was a false negative though so I went through a whole load of emotions that were quite unnecessary. I also feel no matter what the test I would keep the baby so this time I opted out.

[hkjen]

Definitely go with what is right for you, but actually 'false positives' are very rare.  These tests indicate your risk level i.e. 1/5, 1/500, 1/5000 etc. Based on your risk, you will be allocated as 'high risk' or 'low risk'.  If you're classified as high risk you will be offered further testing to get a definitive answer.  

Being "high risk" is not the same as being "positive".  You can have an extremely high risk level of 1/5 but that still means you have a 4/5 chance of the baby having no disorder. The vast majority of women who are high risk will have babies without any problems. It is simply a way of identifying which women should be offered further tests.

[KineticKim]

The tests are not accurate enough for my personal piece of mind. I know way too many people with false positive results. Then the doctors talk them into amniocentesis which is risky for baby. There are a million resources out there to help after the baby is born. Knowing during pregnancy is just stressful. Once your holding your baby in your arms you can handle anything. I knew my daughter had a genetic disorder from my ultrasound and I honestly don't know if it was helpful. I had 3 months of high stress and worrying.

[ihaveafuzzymutt]

I figure any serious problems, like heart defects which will need help right after birth, will show up at the 20 week scan. That would still give me enough time to prepare mentally. Plus, there are so many false positives; and sometimes people do all the tests and still get surprised.

[sweetbee3]

I decided to pass on the test. And did the same with my first 2 pregnancys. I just feel there is no point in knowing.  I will love my child regardless  of issues she may have. Skipping the test is your decision.  

[lkaykirk]

Don't do it. I didnt. My mil and aunt did them and they came back false positive. I opted out both times.

[mrsolah]

My husband and I chose not to do the test because same as you if anything would have come up as posting we would have had the baby just the same. I also work with children and adults who have disabilities so I felt fairly confident with my knowledge if we were to have that come up. But for us it will be something that we deal with at birth if we have to cross that bridge.

[hkjen]

Patau not Patel...

[hkjen]

I tested because I would rather have time to research/prepare whilst I was pregnant than trying to get my head round it while also trying to care for a new baby.


Also there are trisomy disorders like Edwards and Patel's which are so serious that the baby will likely be still born or die within hours of birth. That is really something that you and your medical team would need to be prepared for.

[luckycharm_317]

Well i mean it would be good to test in my opinion i just got tested last week for that and even if my baby would come out that way i would still keep it but atleast you have the time to get use to what your life will be like after better than if you dont test and then your baby comes out with doen syndrome and you have no idea what to do cus u didnt give yourself the time to research about it get me ?