Genetic Testing Anxiety

Question

Due to my age (36), my OB recommends getting genetic testing and especially the amniocentesis. I'm very worried about the invasive nature of the test. I have two healthy children and never did these test before. Anyone else have anxiety over this? What was your experience with the test?

Janbaby2 · Answer

Im 37 & prego with baby #2. I had the quad screen test done at 16 wks came back normal. Was offered amnio, but declined, I dont wont a needle poking at my belly, plus slight chance of miscariage with it.

angelab2012 · Answer

Ive got to say i am 38 just had baby numver 5 ten wks ago shes PERFECT and healthy.. Even tho the rusks are a tad highet with age its still LOW. If ud keep its NOT worth the risk of the health or you and your baby from miscartiage, them breaking the sack having a sick premie bcuz the test.or infections... I think these tests shouldnt be ALLOWED.anymore.i refused especially after my mom had amnio done then her sac broke she lost the fluod and my only sister passed away. Thats not always the case either, but im personally against that darn test especially if ur keeping the baby either way :) best of luck

angelab2012 · Answer

Ive got to say i am 38 just had baby numver 5 ten wks ago shes PERFECT and healthy.. Even tho the rusks are a tad highet with age its still LOW. If ud keep its NOT worth the risk of the health or you and your baby from miscartiage, them breaking the sack having a sick premie bcuz the test.or infections... I think these tests shouldnt be ALLOWED.anymore.i refused especially after my mom

omgmomma · Answer

I'm 38 and my Dr wanted me to do the test also. Instead I had a Harmony test done. It's a simple blood yes that takes about 2 weeks to come back. You can find out what the sex of the baby is also. You just have to ask for that to be done. It's safer than a giant needle poking near your little one.

momma2my2ndbbyboy · Answer

I had a simple blood test done and im 28.. all was well. it was just a blood test that they took from my arm. It chked for all sorts of disability.. Good luck n follow ur heart

jenthelpn · Answer

You can have a simple bloodtest to check for chromosomal issues around 10 weeks. It also will tell you the sex. I had the test done and I'm 39....I've also had many ultrasounds to confirm that baby is fine......

Monika_G · Answer

Hey, I have to comment on this one because I feel like the modern medicine wants to scare the heck out of all of us. 

I'm 37 years old and 33 weeks pregnant for the first time. I've seen genetic specialist and she recommended amniocentesis even though all my blood test results were normal!!! 
I have already told my doctor before that I wasn't going to let anyone poke my belly with a needle no matter what results I was going to get.

Please ladies, keep in mind that all those tests are not so accurate. My pregnant friend was told that her baby would be born with a Down syndrome and she had a perfectly healthy baby boy!! Can you imagine what she went through during her pregnancy??

Keep your options open and follow your heart. Don't let doctors drive you crazy...
Wishing you all the best and a healthy pregnancy.

Flickan · Answer

I turned 35 2 months before my baby was born. Due to fibroid issues we need to hurry up n try for more so they can do a hysterectomy. What my Ob told me was that once you hit 35, the odds of it will START increasing but not drastically until after 40. That even at 40, the odds of a downs baby is only 1 in like 200. So don't let them pressure you into a tealst. Plus they have newer non evasive tests that is determined from a blood draw. Unless they have reason to suspect other than age, and if you wouldn't terminate the pregnancy based on the outcome, don't stress yourself over the test and don't put yourself at risk. That is my 2 cents for what its worth.

Angeleyes3201 · Answer

Thank you! Very good input from all. Still not sure what to do, but weighing my options carefully.

nola0805 · Answer

There are reasons to do genetic testing besides potential termination - For example, it can be helpful for the doctors to know in advance if there is something wrong, to make sure that the needed specialists are there at the birth.  Also some women would simply prefer knowing in advance to prepare mentally.  

It is ultimately up to you and if you want to know in advance if there is something wrong.  Also, it will more likely than not bring you peace of mind - even though you are 36 - the odds of having a healthy baby are still more than 90% - so keep that in mind.  

Also, there is now a new blood test that screens for the 3 most common genetic disorders (Trisomy 13, 18, and 21) - this is non-invasive and carries no risk to the baby.  My doctor advised doing this test and only considering an amnio if this test showed a problem or if the 20 week ultrasound showed concerns.  Everything looked good for me, so I skipped the amnio (and I am 43).

annat33 · Answer

I wouldn't do it I don't like the idea of them poking around my baby and whatever will be will be ill love my baby no matter what but its your choice if you want to know right now.