1st Trimester Screening test?

[aniram]

Did anyone have their 1st Trimester Screening test yet? I am scheduled for next week. Just curious what exactly that is.

[Jonelle143]

I am actually scheduled for mine on 8/6. What they will be doing is measuring the baby's neck and spine, and doing lab work on you to estimate your percentage of possibility that the baby could have down syndrome or trisome 18.

Thats what my NP told me is what is gonna happen...

[KM604]

I actually opted not to get that done.  My OBGYN said it is optional and he doesn't do it at his office so I would have to go to another doctor.  Plus, they will test for down syndrome at around 16 weeks.  I guess for me, if the baby has down syndrome it isn't going to matter so whether I find out now or at 16 weeks it won't make a difference.  Plus, everyone I talked to said they didn't get any extra testing done.  But my OBGYN did say they would do blood work and an u/s, which would show the neck and spine measurements, as well as test for down syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities.

[aniram]

Thanks ladies. I am going for my test next Friday, 8/1. Will keep you posted how it will go.

[Gina209]

I didn't even know there was a 1st Trimester testing?? I've heard of the NT Screening which is done in your second Trimester betwen 16-18 weeks..to test for Down Syndrome and other stuff...but didn't know about any testing in the 1st?

[Atlantisea]

I am also having my downs screener on the 1st August. Good luck to all!

[KM604]

From what my OBGYN explained, is that they offer these tests during your first trimester and then complete them again in the second trimester (when he would normally do it) to be sure that everything is ok.  Also, because sometimes women may consider terminating the pregnancy if there is the possibility of any abnormalties.  I personally wouldn't even consider it (termination), but the doctor said that they will test for all these later in the pregnancy like you said, around 16 weeks.  But by then it is usually too late.  He also said that since hubby and I don't have a history of DS or any abnormalties then he says the odds are with me.  I'm not putting anyone down for getting it done, but honestly I am TOOOOOO much of a worry wart and I think by me getting this done and waiting for results would just worry me way too much.  

[Gina209]

Thanks for the explanation! I know my doctor asked us during our first Trimester if we wanted the testing done at 16 weeks and we said yes...but as far as I know we haven't had it done yet. Then again everytime I see my doctor I'm always sent to get tons of blood done so maybe I was and didnt even know it!
Thanks!

[sadiesmommy]

I go for mine on August 1st. I never had it done with my first baby until like a lot of you are saying until week 16 or 18 but the office has changed their policy and now they do it at 12 weeks or as close to it as they can get you scheduled. I have no history nor does my husband so I am not gonna worry about it (ha - at least i can say it with a staight face) but no really, there isn't too much reason for you to stress about it unless there is a history.

[KM604]

My doctor said that if I want to get it done, obviously I need to do it in the first trimester - but he said they test again in the second trimester and I guess if they have both results then that means 95% of the abnormalities (including DS) have been screened for.  They also do a more in depth u/s - Gina you would probably know if it had been done because they would have spoken with you about the neck/spine measurements.  Anywho, everyone I talked to said they didn't get it done or to not worry about it since I wouldn't terminate it anyway so my husband and I agreed it isn't necessary.  I do however want the screening done, I'll just wait until I'm 16 weeks to do it.  Hope everything turns out ok for all of us!

[Hope2OneDay]

Just a heads up...I had this test done yesterday, but insurance didn't cover it. They said they would only cover it if I was 35 years old or would be 35 at the time I give birth. Our insurance is weird, though. We have to pay a certain amount before everything else is free anyway, so we just did it and will let it go toward that fee.

I know some people's insurance will cover it no matter what, especially if you are at high risk and the doctor requests the test for that reason.

I would just call your insurance company to check on it, because you don't want any surprises when you get to the dr's office.

To be honest, I mainly did it because I wanted an ultrasound! I knew it would be around 18 to 20 weeks before I'd get to see my baby again! :-)
But either way, the nervousness was still there. The whole "what if" factor. Luckily, everything looked good on the ultrasound, and I will get my blood results back next week.