Thoughts on first trimester screening

lduell25

How many moms are planning on doing the first trimester screening? I didn't even know this was option until my first prenatal visit last Friday. I know the chances of a genetic abnormality is incredible low, but I can't decide if it would put my anxiety at ease to know everything is fine. Very conflicted with this decision.

Frogger5

Try this: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12469547/first-trimester-screening#latest

PinkRoses53

We did it with my son and will do it with this one.  I am in the mindset of arming myself with as much information about my baby as possible.

JenRN1115

Did it with both girls and will again this time. It's always better to know and have all the services available if needed.

catmagick

Yup. Definitely doing it. Better to just do it than to wish you had in hindsight.

pghctwife

We decline all optional tests each time. I have know way too many people whose results were high risk when nothing was wrong, and for some this impacted the rest of their pregnancy - worry, stress, high risk, extra testing, and even early induction (leading to a Caesarian). And I know of 2 times where the results were low risk but the babies actually were born with ds. So either way I wodnt believe the results. And finally the diagnostic tests (amnio and cvs) carry a small but real risk of miscarriage. My mother had a stillbirth immediately following an amnio, as did my aunt. Years ago, but still not something I could ever consent to given that (to verify results).

luvindanimals

We didn't do it last time. We were worried insurance would cover it. Everything was fine with DS.
We are going to do it this time though. Wouldn't mind seeing my little blueberry one extra time. It's a decision that has to work for you. My dr did say that if it turns out there is something she can, "get her ducks in a row" for what she does next. I am not sure what she would do differently but I am listening to her recommendation.

mrsfillier

GIANT TRIGGER WARNING
I absolutely i am going to have it done. Unfortunately i am one of the unlucky few who have gotten a devastating result from IPS screening and i can say with 100% certainty that all those women who like to claim "it wouldnt change anything" are wrong.
Being told your baby will be dead by 20 weeks changes everything and had i not had that testing and time to prepare myself it would have been a lot worse on me.

ELauren88

We declined the first time, and I think we'll be declining again. No real strong feelings either way, we just opted out.

tasteslikeshiny

I am sort of an odd ball on this topic. I allow my Dr to test but only he has the results. He has been instructed not to inform us of anything (it's against our religion to change the path we are on anyhow so why worry) but I do like him to know because if he needs to prep for something at delivery then I am fine with that

lduell25

Nice to hear so many have decided to do it. We are thinking about doing it. It's just all so scary being this is my first pregnancy. So much uncertainty.

Trampslikeus

@mrsfillier‌ Hugs, and thank you for sharing that... And you're right. Easy to be self righteous about that stuff until you're actually faced with it.

alvell

I declined it with DD, and I will be declining it this time around too. I can understand how it might have some benefits, but I don't feel like it would be best for me. I think if I went through with that and got some news like, there MIGHT be a problem, or there definitely is a problem that there is no solution to, I would be sick with worry for the remainder of my pregnancy. Personally, I believe that the Lord is in control, and if He chooses to give me a baby with abnormalities, or even if the baby does not survive, ultimately I cannot control or change that. I will love this baby just the same. I know my opinion isn't necessarily the popular one, but it's right for me. 

smjohnson8

This really annoys me! I called my OB this morning to schedule one (because I realized that they didn't include an ultrasound in my 12 week visit) and the receptionist acted like she had no idea what I was talking about. She just kept saying it's only a blood test, so I asked her to have a nurse call me back. And then I called my insurance to make sure it was covered and they acted like they had never heard of it either! I know I explained it correctly and used the right names/descriptions. What is going on!?! I'm contemplating changing OB's if they call me back and say they don't offer it.