Testing.

[B1128]

When does the Doctor normal start testing for downsyndrom and such? I am 21weeks and will be 23weeks and 3days my next visit. Is it something we need to bring up or is it something the Doctor will mention? We haven't heard anything about it at our last couple visits, and being on here obviously nothing quite goes the same as the baby books say, but I am just curious if this test or any others should be brought up by us at our next visit?

[B1128]

Thank you all. I will bring it up just to see what he says. We had our ultra sound the 29th and will see our doctor on the 18th and he will be able to let us know of anything that may look unusual. He is very attentive and kind to us, so he will let us know if there is a real purpose to go ahead and do any tests if nessiccary.

[check3]

There's a few different options in the first trimester, though I'm not sure if they are available everywhere.  There's the quad screen that picks up some genetic abnormalities like down syndrome. Sometimes at your anatomy ultrasound around 20 weeks they can pick up what they call "soft markers" which can be the fluid in the neck, bright bowels, heart defect and stuff like that.  I'm not aware of any other noninvasive tests that can be done at your stage in pregnancy. Though that doesn't mean there's not, I'm not a dr. I only know that much because I had a prenatal down syndrome diagnosis with my first son.

[B1128]

I may ask and see what he says. I found it odd to not even hear about it or anything after I have read as well as seen on here all about the different tests. I don't know that there is a real "reason" just knowing to know seems sufficent, no? It is something to be totally prepared for at birth and not be side swiped. We want to be prepared for something if anything were to be needed. So our baby has the best care. I know nothing of any illnesses and or the things we would need to do to be the best parents as well as best hand to our baby if God for bid anything were to happen. It would not be to terminate, knowing would be to prepare ourselves correctly as well as being able to give our baby what she deserves.

[XcroftyX]

The test im talking about is when they take fluid from the back of bubbas neck. They will already know your chances from your 1st ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks. You should be aware that checking the fluid can potentially harm the baby in the womb, so really question why you need to know.

[XcroftyX]

Not sure if your in the US or UK ( Im in England ) it should be around 21/23 weeks, but normally they wont be concerned unless your an older Mum.....39 years+

[aisafdzgmz]

At yur next appointment if they don't say anything which i find odd cuz now they offer it to everyone at least where im from but if not request an appointment with a geneticist they'll tell yu about all the terrifying possibilities they can test for

[marijana19]

I was told by my doctor that genetic testing is done between 11-13 weeks. He only mentioned it because I have HME syndrome thats hereditary. I didnt do it though.

[maslimatza]

I did the triple test at 12 weeks and I'll have a special ultrasound at 22 weeks. This week - 19 - they did a blood test as well. I see my dr every month.

[kayleebug13]

I know everywhere is different, with mine  its really your choice unless the doctor thinks it's necessary.. but I decided to get it done and they test before 18 weeks got mine done around 12 weeks. . If he hasn't metioned it at this point I would just go ahead and ask.

[katie_1989]

My dr told me to decide by 18 weeks..but they would test at 22 or 23 weeks. I dont know if that is standard. My dr seems to be very cautious about doing anything too early.

[yer_mom]

It may be different for other places but I'm a first time mom. They did blood work before 12 weeks. Then again in the second trimester. They also checked the fluid behind the neck which can be a indicator at my anatomy scan around 14 weeks.