gentic testing

[brightstart]

I went to see my doctor yesterday and asked about the free cell dna test and was told that he didn't believe in them  he asked me if it was something wrong would I abort I said no but I would want to be prepared he than said he felt the 18 week scan was enough and he would not give me the lab slip for the test do you guys think I should press the issue

[cometgrl97]

Save your money! I had the Panorama test done...I'm 36 yrs and I got a false positive on trisomy 13. Had to have an amniocentesis and all came back fine!  Thanks Panorama for all the worry! They are usually able to see any markers on US. Unless there's a family history of chromosomal disorders I wouldn't recommend it. It's good at detecting downs:trisomy 21 and trisomy 18) but everything else is a calculated risk...from my personal experience.

[Lil_Vees]

I agree that you should push the issue (I had it automatically, am 38, was very happy with it). Your doctor sounds judgmental, with personal beliefs (even if you would choose to end a pregnancy, that's your choice, not his) crowding out scientific evidence and standard medical practice. I wouldn't want those qualities in a doctor personally.

[Ribbitribbit]

I would certainly press the issue.   I had the more standard blood test combined with the ultrasound (92% accuracy) with good results and then went back to my doctor and requested the free-cell test also (99% accuracy) also with good results.   My doctor didn't have an issue with any of the tests.    If anything, it gave me peace of mind.

Your doctor's "personal beliefs" should not interfere with something that could help you provide the best care for serious medical issues that your baby could have.

Frankly, if it were me I would change doctors.

[emily2699]

I refused the test as I would still proceed with the pregancy regardless of the result.

My husband however wanted the test to at least prepare for what might be coming and my midwife explained the blood tests only tell you your % chance of it.

If your above a certain % / classed as high risk you would then need the ambiotic fluid test which has a 1/4 risk of miscarriage.

If it is something you feel strongly about speak to your midwife as she will most probably know a more understanding doctor at your practice to get an appointment with as I doubt your the first he has refused

[Pray4me2015]

I took the Harmony test and I am so glad I did. I am 34 now but will be 35 at delivery. Before I took the test I got to speak with a genetic counselor and I learned so much. Extra chromosomal issues causing fertility issues for your child, Tay Sacs,  Sickle cell, ... Since I am considered high risk and will be 35 at delivery my insurance covered all the testing 100%. If you can get it, I would recommended it.

[mags242001]

I ur 36 insist to ur doctor that u want it or switch doctors. At one point I had decided to not have it done cuz I did not think I would get rid of the pregnancy if something was wrong but my husband brought up a good point. He said well what if we find out that something ifs wrong n they can treat it while ur pregnant like other vitamins or medication or maybe knowing we will know to be more careful with the pregnancy. So I did. Everything was normal so I had such a sense of relief. I'm glad I did it. Especially since I'm older n the possibility of something being wrong is higher then in younger ppl

[Flickan]

Is there an option to see another doctor in the office? They are there to support us and our babies and be our partner in our pregnancy.  Just because he doesn't believe it doesn't mean he should keep you from having it done if that is your choice.

[Moluko]

Every doctor is different, some don't use it much, others use it when necessary, and there alre also some that use it routinely.  I've had 2 diferent OBs so far and neither offered me the DNA testing either (I'm 36). But other tests came back as low risk for birth defects so I didn't press the issue.

[2015Harmony]

I'm 36... I brought it up to my dr, he said he highly recommends the free cell testing, he actually said he wished it was done more frequently not bcuz of the genetic results (although that's the reason it's done) but it eliminates or lowers the need for an amniocitisis test which is more invasive & carries more risks. But every dr is going to have their own opinion. If u want it u should get it done & Ur dr should support Ur decision. I'm really glad I had the test done, gives U some peace of mind or as u said helps for U to prepare.

[brightstart]

I'm 36

[mags242001]

I did the NIPT. Doctors don't really recommend  (not sure y but I don't see how it would hurt doing it) to do this type of testing unless ur over 35 or have a history or these type of desease or if something on the ultrasound looks wrong. But if u don't met one of those they think it's not needed n so does ur health insurance. So if u don't that insurance does not cover the cost. On mine Since I'm over 35 it covered most of the cost $2500 I just paid $100

[mags242001]

R u over 35 years?

[2015Harmony]

I did the free cell DNA test. I liked it, it's just gives you peace of mind. The nice thing is it is just a blood draw to do the test. Takes about 7-14 days to get the results. It doesn't just test for downs but many genetic issues. Plus u can find out the babies gender as early as 11wks.