Down Syndrome screening

[jhopeful]

Is everyone getting the Down syndrome screening?  I am torn about it.  The testing they want me to do is an ultrasound and bloodwork at 12 weeks, then a second ultrasound and bloodwork at almost 20 weeks, then they compare them.  I feel that all these tests are going to do is make me very anxious!! What if one of the babies "might" have it, then I am stressing about it for the rest of my pregnancy, rather than enjoying it.  I don't know what to do!

[jhopeful]

That is totally how I feel!!! We have been trying for 2 1/2 years and I will be truly blessed with these two little miracles no matter what!!  I am just going to enjoy the pregnancy and look forward to meeting them both.

[jennlaurin80]

i am not going to get the screening done...i will worry too much and stress out. Ive waited 4 years to get pregnant...im going to try to enjoy it as much as possible and try to stay stress free. The way i look at it is...if there IS something wrong...what can i do to change it? Absolutely nothing ...

[jhopeful]

The more and more I think about it and reading all your comments.  I won't be getting any screening done!  I am keeping these babies no matter what and all the screenings will do is add stress on to us.  The whole screening is based on percentages and "maybes".  I have also read that they blood tests are not as accurate with twins (or more).  So I am telling my DR, NO THANKS!  

[Kristyingeorgia]

We are not getting any prescreening done at all unless its something that will impact the babies while they are in there. It wouldnt make a difference if they have downs ect. we wouldnt terminate the pregnancy or anything like that so I would rather wait and see then be stressed out 7 months before I need to be.

[lori0615]

I don't think we will get the test, I don't want to put stress on my baby. I did have an amnio with my son who is now 6 but that was cause my water broke and half of the water came out than it sealed back up, they wanted to do the test in case i went into labor so they could see if his lungs were developed, they were not, plus they put blue dye in the womb to see if i was still leaking fluid and I was not. They said i got lucky. Then I went another 3 months pregnant and he was born 2 weeks early at 8lbs 1 ounce.

[mjmom69]

I don't think we're going to have the tests. It won't change anything for us and we are so blessed to even be pregnant at our age (I turned 41 yesterday). We're just praying for a healthy baby and whatever happens we'll be ok with, we'll love our baby no matter what. There is nothing they can do to change anything except, as some have said, make us worry. I can understand wanting to know though.

[jhopeful]

That is the only reason why I want to do the testing is to see my babies again!! and with a better ultrasound machine.  But I also don't want to be very anxious and stressed about it to, when it could be for nothing!!!

[Chez_lee81]

In our state in Australia these scans and blood work are standard prenatal care. We take if for granted that these tests are done and just don't worry about it. Its an extra chance to get a peek at your baby.

[trying_x_3]

If you don't want to do it, then dont!! Just tell your ob and don't let anyone try to talk you into doing anything you don't want!! It's your decision and you'll make the one that's right for you!!

[jhopeful]

Trying, I think I would be more worried getting it done! My feeling is that it took us over two years to get pregnant, I will be blessed with whatever I get in the end.  I like the idea of another ultrasound though.  =) I definitly would not do any of the other testing that is invasive.  I agree with you Kele, I am just excited that I will have two little ones in 7 months, I don't want to be stressed that there is a possiblity of a child with Downs.  I don't need time to adjust and plan.  what happens, happens.

[kele1129]

We did not do any testing wiht our son and we do not plan on it in this pregnancy either. I would rather be excited for the next 7 months than upset. I know people say that if there is a problem, you have time to adjust and plan but honestly I would just be upset and focused on that one thing the entire pregnancy.

[trying_x_3]

I getting it, I actually know some down-syndrome kids and my husband used to work with some of them when he was in highschool. I just feel like after 2 back-to-back miscarriages, I'm gratefull for whatever God gives me at this point. Ask yourself this, would you be more worried if you had the test done, or if you didn't? Once you answer that question, talk to DH and see what he says and then your OB...I told my ob this was the only screening test I was doing since it was only an ultrasound and bloodwork whereas some of the other testing has to many risks for me to even consider them...DH agrees with my decision. Ultimatley it's up to you though!!