Amnio testing

Amandalee1184

I just found out 2 weeks ago we are having twins, and initially I told my Dr I would do the amnio testing. Now I am debating over why should I if none of these issues run on mine or DH's sides of the family? I don't feel the risks are worth it for a low percentage of our babies actually developing a problem. Am I just being naïve? Also, other friends of mine that had singleton pregnancies were able to have a simple blood test before amnio was offered, is the blood test not as accurate or discouraged with twins? I know these are questions for my dr, but I won't see her for another 2 weeks, and I just want info from experienced ladies that have already dealt with this possibly.

Hunter22

I'm a little confused, why is your doctor saying you need an amino done? I can't speak to the actual procedure but I always thought it was one of those don't do it unless you have to type of things. Best of luck and I hope you have a good conversation with your doctor when you go back and get some more clarity as to why they want you to have one.

jocie2581

I wasn't offered amino until my sequential screen testing results came back with an elevated risk of downs syndrome.  Even then we opted for Maternit21.  I don't understand why you would automatically need to get amino.

Amandalee1184

Maybe I should clarify, she said it was completely optional. But I would much rather start with a blood test to even see if there is a risk. I don't know why she didn't offer it, and since this is my first pregnancy I didn't even know if it was an option with twins or if it's routine to just go to amnio. I was also too stunned over the twin news to really process any information until recently as I do online research.

PinkinProvence

Unless there is an increased risk factor (advanced maternal age, etc.), I would never do an amnio. There are a lot of tests like genetic, Materniti21, and NT scans - I am not sure why an amnio would even be offered before these were done and showed an increased risk of an issue.

carrotcake06

When I had my NT scan, I was offered CVS even though nothing abnormal had come up w the NT. it was offered bc I was thisclose to being AMA.

I declined bc the NT came back low risk, as did the quad screen, etc. if any red flags had come up during routine non invasive testing, I would have seriously considering further testing.

kgs0505

The only reason I had an amnio was because I had fetal laser surgery and in the process they removed over a liter of excess fluid for twin A. They always do the testing when they do the surgery. I didn't particularly want it done.

Camille78

I spoke to my dr as well about having tests that can be done for genetic issues since I am 35 and used my own eggs for IVF.  My dr said that a blood test will not work with twins like it does with a singleton because you have extra hormone levels and it is not 100% accurate and false positives happen with twins all the time so it isn't worth it.  My dr did say that I could see a specialist that will do a more detailed ultrasound where they check the spine and fluids, etc. - but again, that is not 100% accurate.  If you want 100% accuracy the only way to go with twins is the amnio.  However, ask yourself if it really matters - are you going to have these babies regardless?  If there is something wrong a dr will be able to see abnormalities in a regular ultrasound.  My hubby and I decided it wasn't worth the risk because genetic disorders don't run in our family and we were screened prior to IVF.  So, IMO if the dr doesn't recommend it, don't do it.

Jfila13

You can do the Materni21 test for twins. We did this, the NT scan, and a level 2 Anatomy Scan. When all came back normal, we did not feel the need for an amnio. I am 40 yo and used my own eggs for IVF.

megankp84

I refused all screening tests that could not offer us a definitive answer as I knew I would never agree to to an amnio. It wasn't worth the risk in my mind. If we were having identical twins then I may have felt differently, but there was no way I wanted to put one healthy baby at risk if there was an issue with the other. We did have an a/s and everything looks good, but obviously that's not definitive either. If I were you I would do research on the risks of amnio testing (especially with multiples) and speak with your partner about what you would do if something did come back. Good luck