Anyone else decide against genetic testing?

ASalton1

I'm 14 weeks and 3 days with my first pregnancy and my fiancé and I decided against genetic testing unless it was completely necessary or if the anatomy scan came back with something abnormal. I was told by my doctors that false positives occur quite often and that it was up to us. (We don't have any of the risk factors) My fiancé has two children from a previous marriage and was told that his first would have Down's syndrome (70% chance) and he was born perfectly healthy. I've also had a history of false abnormal PAP smears and was told I had precancerous cells on my cervix (after further testing I am fine and my PAP smears are all normal now). I just worry about receiving a false positive and being a wreck until the baby comes, I would rather just stay hopeful unless I am told other wise? Does anyone else feel this way?

egarrison918

Im also 14 weeks and 4 days.. i am not going to do it. I will love the baby no matter what and i see no reason to do testing.

Pontot31

We did.
We also did with our first.
I also figured it would cause more worry than it was worth.

ASalton1

I'm glad to know I am not alone, I had a friend that made me feel as if not precipitating in genetic testing was reckless and was a part of prenatal care. As if me deciding against it was like not providing prenatal care to this baby. I already love this baby so much and even if testing came back abnormal I know in my heart I wouldn't be able to terminate so what's the point.

dramaphile

We declined because neither of us had any history or risk factors, and I wanted to spare myself the anxiety of false positives and the risk of an amino or CV. If something comes up on the anatomy scan, we'll do the necessary tests, but it's better for my peace of mind to not go through the tests at this point. I absolutely understand those who want the tests, it's just not for me.

MargaretC5

When my do dr talked to me about it with for my first she asked would you do anything differently if you knew something could be wrong with the baby? I was not going to terminate the pregnancy and there is not much else you can do besides worry, so we skipped it with both DS and this LO.

anneof2

I refuse testing with all my pregnancies, even though I am high risk. My doctor is not concerned that I turned it down. I will love my baby no matter what.

lyankowi

Yep turned down genetic testing for DD and this one

wulfpackgirl

I wasn't going to because I didn't want to know if something was wrong because then I would worry the whole pregmancy. But finding out the sex so early really turned me on to it. Now I'm so glad I did it. Everything came back normal so far and we found out it's a boy. I feel like a weight has been lifted. I know there could still be things wrong but for now I have more of a peace of mind. And all it took was one vile of blood.

wulfpackgirl

I wouldn't do an amnio though. Not something invasive.

Knottie02638953

My doctor offers a newer test that's over 99% accurate. We debated for a few weeks and eventually decided to go ahead and do it. I'm a worrier and a planner, so if something did come up as a possible issue we wanted to be able to be informed and prepare ourselves, especially if it were something that would have caused the baby to be not viable. We weren't high risk, but I'm still glad we did it and it's less for me to worry about.

Joyou5

We decided against it. Even if we were given a 100% guarantee of the results we wouldn't terminate. So why would I want to risk it? Also, I've been told by several people that the odds of causing a miscarriage with the amino testing is significantly higher than the odds your baby actually has a genetic issue. I think mainly two types of people do the testing: people who would terminate, and the anxious people who have to know everything asap.

CarrieOct15

We had the nuchal translucency scan, but declined further genetic testing since the measurements were normal.

shortiebs

Nope didnt see a reason to. If the baby has abnomalities i think it would change very little to know now vs later on

jholmberg85

I had the ultrasound and bloodwork but denied any amnio or other invasive procedures as we would never abort a pregnancy for any reason. However, we wanted to be prepared if anything was abnormal. I'm glad I did this too because my PAPP levels are lower than normal, which can cause small babies and premature birth or stillbirth. Had I not known this I would not be getting the extra care in my third trimester that I would need to keep me informed on the progress of the little one.

urby87

We opted out, too.  The waiting and the potential for false positives would probably just cause extra worry and stress for naught.  We are going to love the baby no matter what.

HeatherFaye718

We opted out as well. We already knew that we would not terminate the pregnancy so we didn't feel the need to test.

kesmeredith

dramaphile said:

We declined because neither of us had any history or risk factors, and I wanted to spare myself the anxiety of false positives and the risk of an amino or CV. If something comes up on the anatomy scan, we'll do the necessary tests, but it's better for my peace of mind to not go through the tests at this point. I absolutely understand those who want the tests, it's just not for me.

^^ agreed! I didn't want the extra stress of a test that really only gives you probabilities and is known for false positives.

dogsombrero

We opted out with our first (did the nt scan though) but chose to this time. We were advised because of twins and very close birth spacing we should do it "in case" my body was depleted of nutrients like folic acid which can cause neural tube defects. It will run $99 if insurance doesn't cover it. If we were lower risk I would chose not to again.

maura+c

Joyou5 said:

We decided against it. Even if we were given a 100% guarantee of the results we wouldn't terminate. So why would I want to risk it? Also, I've been told by several people that the odds of causing a miscarriage with the amino testing is significantly higher than the odds your baby actually has a genetic issue. I think mainly two types of people do the testing: people who would terminate, and the anxious people who have to know everything asap.

I have never said anything remotely rude on this blog and have always been open minded, but I'm not going keep quiet on this one. Please speak for yourself when you post a comment and be aware not everyone has the same opinion as you. I did do genetic testing on my first and now this pregnancy. I am a special education teacher and I would never terminate my pregnancy under any circumstance! I am not an anxious person who needs to plan everything, as I didn't even find out the sex for my first baby and had to buy everything after he was born. My reason for doing the testing is that I don't want any surprises in the delivery room and want to be prepared for whatever might come. I feel you may voice your opinion, but have a little tact while doing so! I'm am pro-life all the way and that comment really wasn't appropriate.

PrimRoseMama

MargaretC5 said:

When my do dr talked to me about it with for my first she asked would you do anything differently if you knew something could be wrong with the baby? I was not going to terminate the pregnancy and there is not much else you can do besides worry, so we skipped it with both DS and this LO.

#lurker : there are some issues that often result in termination that genetic testing reveals. I am pretty sure no one goes into the testing with the aim of termination. I personally know some women who chose to terminate based on devastating results. I know it's normal to have the "I would never!" Language on the BMBs.

However, you never truly know unless you are in that situation.

OSUJaydee

Joyou5 said:

We decided against it. Even if we were given a 100% guarantee of the results we wouldn't terminate. So why would I want to risk it? Also, I've been told by several people that the odds of causing a miscarriage with the amino testing is significantly higher than the odds your baby actually has a genetic issue. I think mainly two types of people do the testing: people who would terminate, and the anxious people who have to know everything asap.

I think this is little simplistic. I get all the non-invasive testing offered. I've not been in a position to need more invasive testing, but I've never met anyone who did invasive testing that did it without thinking hard about it. I feel pretty strongly that I would never terminate, though I am educated enough to realize there are unforeseen circumstances that could change my mind. I'm also not anxious and I don't have to know everything ASAP. This is my sixth pregnancy. I've lost three in the first trimester. My other two were high risk and I was very glad in both instances that I had all the information about my babies available so that we were fully prepared in the delivery room to take care of them. For some people, knowing the results of the tests can allow them to make an informed decision to deliver in a hospital with a higher level NICU.

I completely respect anyone's decision to not have any testing done. But I expect the same respect for my decision to have testing done, and it would be nice not to be falsely classified into one of only two groups of people who,choose to have testing done when it truly is a more complex issue.

wimamaof2

My DH and I are not doing the testing. Why go through the risk? What if we got a false positive and had to do further testing that can potentially harm our baby?
No matter what, our baby is already so loved and we are so blessed to have him or her in our lives.

ASalton1

Thank you for all of your input and opinions. I did not mean to upset or offend anyone with my question and I apologize if I did. Everyone has the right to make whatever decisions they feel are right for their unborn child.

oliarnmom1517

My husband and I made the same decision for the same reasons..Decided it just wasn't worth it since everything looked ok..

maura+c

ASalton1 said:

Thank you for all of your input and opinions. I did not mean to upset or offend anyone with my question and I apologize if I did. Everyone has the right to make whatever decisions they feel are right for their unborn child.

I just wanted to let you know that I truly am not upset about your post. It was just that particular person that put me into two unreasonable categories that made me comment. I think you have every reason to opt out of genetic testing. You are absolutely right when you say "you have the right to make whatever decision for your unborn child." Good luck with your baby!

OSUJaydee

ASalton1 said:

Thank you for all of your input and opinions. I did not mean to upset or offend anyone with my question and I apologize if I did. Everyone has the right to make whatever decisions they feel are right for their unborn child.

Your question was fine and didn't offend me. I completely respect your reasons for not testing. I was just responding to what seemed like the simplistic and negative categorization of those of us who have chosen the testing.

ShianeNicole

We also have not done the testing for many reasons already listed.

happylife7

We will not be getting any genetic testing done. Anatomy scan came back and all looked fine. Nothing wrong with getting it done just not a fan of how common false positives are and don't need any extra worry in my life! We will love baby no matter what!

Soyyoyary

I think its kind nice not to have the stress of waiting on results etc.. But I will say this with 1st I had amino it was horrible experience, it was 13 years ago things are different, but my decision to do it was all test came back 85% down syndrome. I wasn't going to terminate, but we read, take class etc to learn things before our babies are born. I wanted to be prepare. I would never do a amino again, but I stand by my decision with DS..

katiechickie

My hubby and I decided not to do it. We were told of the high chance of a false positive. Also, I was a little pissed that earlier on in the pregnancy, I was told the reason women get it done is so they can decide if they want to terminate if something's wrong. We will love this baby no matter what and it makes no difference to us. We also don't have risk factors, and I didn't want to be stressing out over a false positive

CEB37

katiechickie said:

My hubby and I decided not to do it. We were told of the high chance of a false positive. Also, I was a little pissed that earlier on in the pregnancy, I was told the reason women get it done is so they can decide if they want to terminate if something's wrong. We will love this baby no matter what and it makes no difference to us. We also don't have risk factors, and I didn't want to be stressing out over a false positive

Genetic screening does not produce a positive/negative test result, so there is no chance of a false positive.  The results are odds/percentages (i.e. 1:1000) based on certain markers. 

Further, most people get the testing so that they can be prepared and educated, have the proper medical personnel ready, etc., not to terminate their pregnancies.  However, there are certain conditions that are incompatible with life and unless you are standing in those parent's shoes, you have no place to judge (or be a "little pissed").  I can't imaging having to make such a difficult decision or judging anyone who does.

ahowell88

This is our third baby and we have never done genetic testing for many of the reasons listed above, but mainly because it would not change anything to me finding out in the first trimester vs. finding out at the anatomy scan. That still gives time for planning, preparation and special classes, if needed.

KSabyan

I'm 15 weeks and 4 days. I'm not doing that testing unless something comes up abnormal. I will love my child no matter what and I've heard of many false positives.

CEB37

So much misinformation...it's astounding. 

Sydvicious08

Nope. My MIL tried to scare me into testing with our first because my husband had an uncle with Downs...however, he was a late in life baby(she was over 40) and the only one in the immediate family for at least 4 generations. She quit pressing when I asked her what exactly she thought we would do? Did she want us to terminate her first grandchild? She also tried to talk the technician into telling her if we were having a boy or girl (we are team green with all of ours).
However, I don't blame anyone for opting to do it. It is scary to think about either way.

VexyMommy

My doctor didn't ask this time around oddly enough.  Her office took blood for glucose testing (they no longer just do a finger prick after the terrible tang) and filled up about 4 vials.  I asked what they needed all of the blood for and they said that some of it was for genetic testing.  I found it annoying they didn't ask first, but since I don't strongly object to it I didn't say anything.

urby87

VexyMommy said:

My doctor didn't ask this time around oddly enough.  Her office took blood for glucose testing (they no longer just do a finger prick after the terrible tang) and filled up about 4 vials.  I asked what they needed all of the blood for and they said that some of it was for genetic testing.  I found it annoying they didn't ask first, but since I don't strongly object to it I didn't say anything.

They took a bunch of blood at my first appointment, too.  I didn't ask what all they were testing for, but I know it wasn't for genetic testing because I was given the option (I declined).  I also know that it was not for glucose testing, because they had me come back later and do a finger poke after drinking the syrupy glucola.  One thing I do know that they tested for was thyroid levels, because mine came back high and they put me on medication for it.  They probably check iron levels, too, so they can advise properly in regards to nutrition and/or vitamins.

NDimanov

CEB37 said:

katiechickie said:

My hubby and I decided not to do it. We were told of the high chance of a false positive. Also, I was a little pissed that earlier on in the pregnancy, I was told the reason women get it done is so they can decide if they want to terminate if something's wrong. We will love this baby no matter what and it makes no difference to us. We also don't have risk factors, and I didn't want to be stressing out over a false positive

Genetic screening does not produce a positive/negative test result, so there is no chance of a false positive.  The results are odds/percentages (i.e. 1:1000) based on certain markers. 

Further, most people get the testing so that they can be prepared and educated, have the proper medical personnel ready, etc., not to terminate their pregnancies.  However, there are certain conditions that are incompatible with life and unless you are standing in those parent's shoes, you have no place to judge (or be a "little pissed").  I can't imaging having to make such a difficult decision or judging anyone who does.

The Maternt21 test gives you positives or negatives......not odds or percentages. There are some tests that give you positive/negative results.

ash413

katiechickie said:

My hubby and I decided not to do it. We were told of the high chance of a false positive. Also, I was a little pissed that earlier on in the pregnancy, I was told the reason women get it done is so they can decide if they want to terminate if something's wrong. We will love this baby no matter what and it makes no difference to us. We also don't have risk factors, and I didn't want to be stressing out over a false positive

You were told women get it so they can decide if they want to terminate?!?!
What an incredibly ignorant and hurtful, not to mention baseless remark.

Did you ever consider that maybe couples (because there is generally dad involved too) would just like to be prepared on order to make any necessary changes if needed.
If I knew that my child would likely not leave the hospital with us due to chromosomal abnormality, I would make huge changes to my birth plan. Including having family in the waiting, probably hiring a photographer to take what would likely be the only pictures of our child

My DH and I did choose to do genetic testing, NOT "to determine if we would terminate", but to be prepared for all possible senerios.
I respect your decision not to have testing , but that doesn't mean you love your baby more, just because we chose to.

It would do you well to learn that not everyone shares your ophions or experiences, and learn some tact.