Need Advice

[rosie698]

Hi all,

I posted yesterday but only got one response so I will try again.  I am very torn as if to get or not get the blood serum screaning test for forms of retardation.  I was just wondering how many of you have done the test.  I have heard about a lot of false + on this test and for that I am very leery.  I have been very stressed and anxious this pregnancy (I think it is the hormones) and worry that bad news would really upset me.  Also cant these problems be detected on ultrasounds?

Thank You for your help

[lmrsoldier]

I had the test done with all 3 of mine, and according to my docs, if taken within the right time frame, you are less likely to get a false positive. They detect the things an u/s cannot, like things that are genetic, but if you don't have a history, you are probably in pretty good shape anyways. I would say if you would love the baby no matter what, and don't have a history of bad genetics, don't get the test. It's your choice for certain, but it won't harm the baby, and it probably won't change your mind either way. Good luck with your baby!!

[rosie698]

Thank you so much for your help.  I agree with all of you!  It is a very personal choice and my husband and I both also said we would have the baby no matter what the test showed.  Medical science is wonderful but sometimes I wonder if we know too much or are put in the position to play God if that makes sense.  I think moms of the 1950s and 60s had a lot less stress not having to worry all of these tests.

[BritanyG]

Some of them can be detected on ultrasounds but in the end it is up to your preference. I opted to get it next week but my husband doesn't want me to. We both have our reasoning, i want to know if there is even a slight chance but the my husband brought up a good point that no matter what we will still have the baby and still love the baby an take care of it so why get the test done because then it just makes you more nervous.  We still haven't decided which way to go but it more of  a personal preference type of test. some might want to know and some might not.  it doesn't tell you that your baby is gonna have problems, it only gives you a risk factor like 3 in 1,000 chance your baby will have a degree of a problem, so you won't even know for sure until your baby is born. It's just statistically speaking.  Hope this helps.

[smc1975]

It's really a personel choice, you have to do what u feel is right. Im choosing to have it due to not knowing i was pregnant and getting a mmr shot and being on different meds, so my dr recommends it. so the choice is up to you. Sorry im sure that hasnt helped. good luck in whatever deceision you make.

[JoyRenee]

The thing about those tests is that they only tell you the probability that your child could have a genetic abnormality. They don't actually tell you that your child has one!

I've heard of women getting the tests and the doc tells them the probability for down syndrome or tay's sach or whatever is really high. Then they ask if the woman wants to terminate, she says no, and ends up having a perfectly healthy child.

I wouldn't waste the money on a test that is non-conclusive in the end. And if it were me, I wouldn't abort my baby if they had down or some retardation, so the test wouldn't even matter to me.

A lot of the data is also based on your age, weight, medical history, etc. Ultrasounds can pick up a lot of things but not everything and it depends on if baby is cooperating. I think you should just relax.

Having a healthy baby is the norm, not the exception!

[MOM23ANGELS]

I had the test done... With all 3 of my pregnancies and it came out fine.... Most of the time, as long as it doesn't run in your family, you are fine....... I would get it done..... But that's my opinion....