Has anyone opted for the testing for Down's?

AndreaKae27 · December 2013

If so, was it worth it? My friend did it with her firat and it came back that her son had Down's Syndrome. He doesn't.

From what I've read on it, it's not very reliabe. Just curious about any experiences you all have had.

rockopera · December 2013

I don't think you have all the information here. You don't test "positive" for Downs. There are a number of tests that assess the PROBABILITY of various abnormalities, with then the options of more specific testing. Including ones far far far worse than downs.

I had both the NT scan and the chromosomal blood test.

AndreaKae27 · December 2013

Perhaps her doctor didnt give her the odds. She told me they told her yes. She had to wait a week or so (and was very stressed out from it) and then later found out he didn't.

I opted to not have it because my deductible is crazy. $4800.

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

I didn't have any of those screening tests. I would never get an abortion so DH and I wouldn't want it for that reason. I know some people get them to be prepared but I would rather not stress about something that is not necessarily true. If we have a child with special needs we will learn more then.

24karat · December 2013

I opted out both pregnancies...we didn't have any risk factors and didn't want the extra stress since it only gives you probability.

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

RedheadBaker said:

I didn't have any of those screening tests. I would never get an abortion so DH and I wouldn't want it for that reason. I know some people get them to be prepared but I would rather not stress about something that is not necessarily true. If we have a child with special needs we will learn more then.
It has nothing to do with whether or not you would abort. That's naive bordering on offensive.

Actually out of all the people who have a high percentage of having a baby with down syndrome 90% abort the baby. It's a fact, I'm sorry you find it offensive. My sister has a baby with down syndrome so we get to find all the facts, the bad and the good.

RondackHiker · December 2013

Jbosarge85 said:

RedheadBaker said:

Jbosarge85 said:
I didn't have any of those screening tests. I would never get an abortion so DH and I wouldn't want it for that reason. I know some people get them to be prepared but I would rather not stress about something that is not necessarily true. If we have a child with special needs we will learn more then.
It has nothing to do with whether or not you would abort. That's naive bordering on offensive.

Actually out of all the people who have a high percentage of having a baby with down syndrome 90% abort the baby. It's a fact, I'm sorry you find it offensive. My sister has a baby with down syndrome so we get to find all the facts, the bad and the good.

It's offensive to say you'd never do the tests because you wouldn't have an abortion.

Tons of women who don't want abortions do those tests, many of them because they want to make sure their baby has proper health care from birth.

And some women learn that their baby is incompatible with life at the scan, so even if they planned on carrying to term, things change.

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

All of you are saying that you would test not because you wouldn't abort but so you would be prepared. I also mentioned in my comment that reason. I didn't say just the abortion I just know that is one reason people find out. It's just if you get a high percentage (which there is a high chance of false positive) you have to get an amniocentesis which is very invasive and can cause a miscarriage, I know it's not a huge number. But I don't want to risk it. My sister and a good friend of mine both had down syndrome babies, both had heart issues, but none of them were offered in utero heart surgery. My niece, her heart fixed itself before they left the hospital, my friends daughter had surgery at 7 months old. My sister didn't know until after my niece was born that she had down syndrome because she didn't get the test either. And I've asked her if looking back she wished she had and she said no. Even if you know that your baby will have down syndrome there are different severities and there is no in utero test that will tell you that.

dragonfly711 · December 2013

Hubby and I are in are 40s and hubby has a nephew that has Downs.

We decided to do the NT scan as well as the materni21 test.

We wanted to know what are chance is. Even if our baby was Downs we would still have the baby.

We just wanted to know so we could prepare. Baby's with Downs can have heart issues so we would want to make sure Dr know at delivery just in case.

dschneider1583 · December 2013

I am getting it done, I am not all that concerned and wouldn't ever choose to end the baby's life. My insurance covers it so I am getting it done. I am not really at risk for anything but am doing to find out.

dschneider1583 · December 2013

Jbosarge85 said:

All of you are saying that you would test not because you wouldn't abort but so you would be prepared. I also mentioned in my comment that reason. I didn't say just the abortion I just know that is one reason people find out. It's just if you get a high percentage (which there is a high chance of false positive) you have to get an amniocentesis which is very invasive and can cause a miscarriage, I know it's not a huge number. But I don't want to risk it. My sister and a good friend of mine both had down syndrome babies, both had heart issues, but none of them were offered in utero heart surgery. My niece, her heart fixed itself before they left the hospital, my friends daughter had surgery at 7 months old. My sister didn't know until after my niece was born that she had down syndrome because she didn't get the test either. And I've asked her if looking back she wished she had and she said no. Even if you know that your baby will have down syndrome there are different severities and there is no in utero test that will tell you that.

I totally get where you are coming from. Makes sense to me!

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

RedheadBaker said:

All of you are saying that you would test not because you wouldn't abort but so you would be prepared. I also mentioned in my comment that reason. I didn't say just the abortion I just know that is one reason people find out. It's just if you get a high percentage (which there is a high chance of false positive) you have to get an amniocentesis which is very invasive and can cause a miscarriage, I know it's not a huge number. But I don't want to risk it. My sister and a good friend of mine both had down syndrome babies, both had heart issues, but none of them were offered in utero heart surgery. My niece, her heart fixed itself before they left the hospital, my friends daughter had surgery at 7 months old. My sister didn't know until after my niece was born that she had down syndrome because she didn't get the test either. And I've asked her if looking back she wished she had and she said no. Even if you know that your baby will have down syndrome there are different severities and there is no in utero test that will tell you that.
It's quite obvious you have no idea what you are talking about. Quit while you're ahead.

I suppose you are the expert?

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

I get wanting to know to be prepared but no matter how much you prepare every case is different. I just personally feel it's not worth the stress of "what if".

rockopera · December 2013

The tests are ARE NOT ONLY FOR DOWNS.

There are fetal abnormalities that are far far worse. Abnormalities that are completely incompatible with life. And there are circumstances where not only fetal health, but maternal health, are very much in danger.

The argument that "I wouldn't abort a baby with downs so there is no need for testing" is so incomplete and naive it is ridiculous.

RondackHiker · December 2013

rockopera said:
The tests are ARE NOT ONLY FOR DOWNS.

There are fetal abnormalities that are far far worse. Abnormalities that are completely incompatible with life. And there are circumstances where not only fetal health, but maternal health, are very much in danger.

The argument that "I wouldn't abort a baby with downs so there is no need for testing" is so incomplete and naive it is ridiculous.

Exactly

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

@redheadbaker it's not stupid or naive to say that you would never abort, because I can say 100% I will never abort my baby. It doesn't matter what is wrong. I was saying no "what ifs" is not knowing until the baby is born how severe the disability is. There is nothing wrong with me not wanting to have those tests because I don't want the stress and it won't make a difference if I want the baby of not. It's my opinion, and that's what the op was asking. My midwife office only offers amnio if the testing comes back abnormal so that would be the only choice for me.

RelativeChaos00 · December 2013

RedheadBaker said:

I didn't have any of those screening tests. I would never get an abortion so DH and I wouldn't want it for that reason. I know some people get them to be prepared but I would rather not stress about something that is not necessarily true. If we have a child with special needs we will learn more then.
It has nothing to do with whether or not you would abort. That's naive bordering on offensive.

It's the exact same reason we had none of those tests done with our first. The Doctors told us flat out there was nothing that could be done if we were positive for anything before we had the baby. While I suppose some people may do it to be prepared, there was zero chance we would have an abortion so we felt it was a complete waste of time and money as well. If we weren't willing to end the pregnancy if something was positive we saw no reason to do the tests. I find very little offensive or naive about it; it's just practical for some of us.

RelativeChaos00 · December 2013

Quite simply, no. We save as much as possible before the baby gets here anyway, if the baby needs surgery he or she will have surgery, and if it would kill me to have said baby I would still have the baby.

AnnaKaie · December 2013

We opted out for several reasons. We didn't make that decision lightly though. It was with much discussion and time. We decided not to and happy in our decision

Cat&S · December 2013

We will do as much testing as insurance allows. I am not high risk (AFAIK), but I believe in having as much information as possible. My coworker just had a daughter with cystic fibrosis...I take nothing for granted.

kateitho · December 2013

We will have the test. With my history of losses and my history of Marfan Syndrome, it seems stupid not to have as much information as possible. Marfan syndrome can cause congenital heart defects, and I would opt for a cesarean at the Children's hospital 4 hours away versus laboring in town and potentially losing my baby after birth. I feel like no mother would knowingly put off preventative measures to keep her child healthy and safe after birth, so why would I put them off before birth?

erbear · December 2013

I agree that saying you won't have the tests because you'll never terminate is both offensive and naive. It's not a Downs test. Downs is not as serious as some of the other mutations and abnormalities that are tested with 1st tri screenings. Many are incompatible with life and/or fatal to the mother and the baby. So you have no fvcking clue what you're talking about.

OP: I had a quad screen and an NT scan with both pregnancies. Both came back with a low risk, thankfully, but to me knowledge is power. Had we had a high risk, we would have pursued a CVS or amnio to get answers and gone from there.

RondackHiker · December 2013

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening.

And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER.

So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live.

Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

AndreaKae27 · December 2013

I would have given it more thought had my deductible not be as high as it is (my fault...) I'm already dreading what they will charge me at my next visit. I still have time as well to do it. I will talk to my OB when I go in on the 3rd. I trust her opinion.

Rosebean · December 2013

We never did the screening with DS. My OB actually said "if I were one of your closest friends, I would tell you not to get it because it is just added stress". He said this because the screening gives you false probabilities. My cousin had this problem. She was given high numbers from her screening, then was sent for an amnio test a week later. She stressed that entire week over the possibilities, as well as the risk. In the end, her son was negative and was born without any complications. I didn't want the added stress. We would accept what comes as it happens. To each their own on why they do not or do want the testing. It's perfectly personal. We will not do testing this time around either.

mamaloaf · December 2013

My mother is an OB. She and I discussed this right away. She recommended getting the screen simply because should it reveal that the baby has a neural tube defect, then the delivery could be handled with the special care that it may need. We also discussed the worry that the ratios and false positives can bring, but to me knowledge is power and I would rather be prepared.

tinkerbell019 · December 2013

These screenings/tests have the ability to detect issues far worse than Downs. My first pregnancy, the first tri screening showed NT measurement was thickened, doc recommended we have further testing, as it may have been heart defect, etc. - non-invasive/blood work came back normal. We opted for the CVS, as mom knows best, still had a feeling something was not right. Unfortunately, we were given a diagnosis of Triploidy Syndrome (XXX, 69) a lethal condition - a third set of chromosomes can not be detected by the bloodtests. Lost our angel at 13 w & the pregnancy was determined to be Partial Molar (which is a risk to mom). I am very glad to have gone with instinct and had the further testing. Currently, we are 5 weeks into our next pregnancy and will be opting for screening/testing as we see fit.

RelativeChaos00 · December 2013

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening. And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER. So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live. Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

PrimRoseMama · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening.

And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER.

So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live.

Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

What the actual fuck? I know a woman whose baby suffered amniotic band syndrome. The bands were slicing her baby's limbs. Every kick & movement was excruciating for this baby because the bands were tight & cutting off circulation. That baby was suffering & eventually the bands sliced the cord. This mother was going to terminate. That's not murder. That's mercy. Had this baby made it to term their quality of life would have been next to zero.

It's not up to you to behave like a condescending asshole when you've never experienced a living nightmare. There but for the Grace of God & various other benevolent deities go any one of us. You just never know.

Pull your head out of your ass, think with compassion & stop acting like a judgmental, ignorant twat. Jesus Christ. Ignorance like this makes my blood boil.

RondackHiker · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening.

And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER.

So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live.

Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

@RelativeChaos00
You're a dumbass.

I'd rather have a dumbass like you think I was a murderer than to leave my older child without a mother. This lady faced that choice. I think her daughter is pretty happy mommy is still around.

You don't get bonus points from God for sacrificing your life.

Meery82 · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening. And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER. So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live. Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

Oh, hell no. You did not really just say that. I am so thankful that I have never had to make that heart wrenching decision and I hope I never do. I truly feel for the women who have. That has to be one of the hardest decisions to make. And then you come along and spew vile bullshit such as this. Get the FUCK out of here and never come back, you hateful, stupid bitch. You fucking disgust me.

curlylocks3 · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening.

And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER.

So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live.

Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

Well aren't you a little ball of nastiness with a Christmas bow on it. You've never been there and, God willing, you never will be. But show a little bit of compassion for the parents who have had to make this heartbreaking choice.

crystaljoanna · December 2013

Wow. I have nothing to add except that you need to be prepared so you are at the best medical facility for your baby. My niece has CHARGE syndrome. There were signs of it before her birth but there are no tests currently available to 100% detect it. My sister's docs shrugged off the signs seen in ultrasound and she was induced and delivered at a local hospital. When the baby was born, my niece was immediately transferred to another hospital and a day later transferred to a third hospital where she stayed for 4 months and my sister stayed at the Ronald McDonald house while her other two children stayed with her husband and grandparents so husband could provide for the family. 25 surgeries later, my niece is now 2 years old.

The chaos involved with the multiple transfers was scary. My sister had to stay in the first hospital knowing her little girl was across town. She would have given anything to have known so at least have been at the best hospital
for her child's care to begin with. Doctors who are aware of the condition would have been made available and ready as she was induced. While ultimately nothing might have changed, the emotional upheaval of the transfers and coordinating care would have been lessened.

Do the screening. Then line up the most knowledgeable OB, MFM specialist, pediatrician, and hospital in the event you learn of a specific condition through the screening. That way, the hospital community is ready and your child receives the best possible care.

momthatlifts · December 2013

I just got the quad blood screening done on monday ...Super nervous waiting for results next monday. But at out a/s Tuesday she looked fantastic so praying God stays on our side.

momthatlifts · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening. And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER. So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live. Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

Hmmm, have my baby suffer and die from a life threatening disease or birth defect for what would be a short miserable life<spare my baby the pain and suffering.

I think it is way more selfish and WRONG to birth a child knowing they are going to die and SUFFER from it than it is too spare yourself and your baby the grief.

momthatlifts · December 2013

and yes there are actually other reasons for abortion other than "i'm too young and unstable"

seells · December 2013

We opted for the testing. I am adopted. It's like playing Russian procreation roulette. You never know what genes you're gonna get!

erbear · December 2013

RelativeChaos00 said:

RondackHiker said:

There's a poster on feb 14 who found out that her baby had an issue incompatible with life at the screening. And that there was a life-threatening complication to HER. So, for those who'd die to deliver your baby... Does that "never ever abort" apply if baby is terminal as well as mom? Or if the condition will end the mom's life before the baby reaches viability? There's zero reason to "die for your baby" if you're going to die before baby can survive outside of your womb, or when baby will never be able to live. Again, it's naive to say you'd never abort.

Murder is murder, in my book. If the baby will die on being born then that's how it will happen, not at my own hand. Be offended if you like, it doesn't really matter to me.

Are you serious? Because holy shit if you are. How dare you.

argonne · December 2013

JKBMA2014 said:

and yes there are actually other reasons for abortion other than "i'm too young and unstable"

And...it doesn't matter what reasons a woman, her doctor and family have for a legal, safe medical procedure. Until we require forced organ donation, abortion should be legal. I like the right to my bodily autonomy. I know, I know...big word for the anti-choice crowd.

melsmity143 · December 2013

If my insurance offers it, absolutely!

Even if I found out my baby had a higher chance of having down syndrome, at least I can prepare myself and research resources to ensure my baby has the best chances at living a normal, fun, and wonderful life. I don't find it stressful - I find it challenging and new. Every child is a blessing and deserves a prepared momma and daddyo!
XO!

Has anyone opted for the testing for Down's?

Re: Has anyone opted for the testing for Down's?

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