Would love some advice ladies. Some of you may have read my earlier posts this week about how our baby girl was almost diagnosed with an aortic interruption, but turns out she just has a cervical arch which basically means the aorta goes higher up into her neck but typically there are no life threatening symptoms. It's so rare there are maybe 20 cases recorded and because it's so rare they can't typically connect it with genetic abnormalities.
All my blood tests came out normal and clear, but we were given the option of genetic counseling and taking the non invasive Maternit21 test to rule out other genetic abnormalities. I mean it's not going to change anything for us, and we already have a lot to worry about for her heart to continue to grow normally so i worry about the likelihood of more false positives and spending the next 4 months in even more fear.
thoughts? What would you do? I'm 31 and with no history of genetic abnormalities in my family.
Re: Maternit21 Question
Personally, if it's not going to change anything for you, I wouldn't do it.
We were told a couple weeks ago that one of our girls had shorter arm and leg bones compared to her body which is a soft marker for DS. Last week we had an amniotic fluid reduction done for TTTS and we still asked to not have an amniocentesis done.
I know some people like to know so they can prepare, but for me, it would just be one more thing to worry about, and I have enough on my plate right now.
That's just my two cents...
Its not a perfect detection rate, but its pretty darn close. 99 percent for downs and T18, and 91 percent for T13.
GL with your decision.
I would do it, just to be as prepared as you can for when your baby is born. I think it will not only give you longer time to adjust, it will give you time to have a plan in place for future services your child might need.
I am 24 and have no history of genetic abnormalities. My baby had severe markers for chromosome anomalies. Luckily, every test so far has been clear. Unfortunately, chromosomal abnormalities can be a crapshoot regardless of age and family history.