Who is getting CVS testing? Why OR why not?

pmercedes

i will be 12 weeks coming up soon and I'm 23 . I have no risk factors however at my office they do or for everyone and insurance covers it. I'm still on the fence though . Whose getting it or has had it ?

KYmama9286

We are not and did not with our previous 3 kids. Personally, we saw no reason to have it done and while insurance pays for it, it seemed totally unnecessary.

And, FWIW our oldest has medical special needs and a rare genetic disorder. None of which would have shown up on the test/there wouldn't have been anything we could have done differently. We did realize there were some issues at our 20 week scan which gave us plenty of time to prepare as much as possible and though I ended up being high risk for part of my pregnancy by the time I delivered I was low enough risk for my midwives to do my delivery vs my high risk drs. Hth- its a very personal decision.

ETA: I was also low risk going into my pregnancies, I was healthy and 23, 25 and 26 for my pregnancies, 28 now.

ChantelDean2010

My doctor with my first said that there are A LOT of false positives with that test. Matter of fact I have a friend who was told her child would have Down's syndrome, they were sent to a specialist who said he couldn't tell via ultrasound yet... But by 16 weeks baby looked perfectly healthy. Born on time and is healthy as can be but she spent her entire pregnancy stressed and worried and preparing. So with this baby we are opting out again. No thank you! The 20 week ultrasound/anatomy scan will show me all I need to know!

GingerPop79

My SO and I decided against the CVS test for the same reason as @ChantelDean2010‌.

TIARA0322

This has me thinking. I was going to do it and don't really have a need to do it. I didn't with my first 2 and they were full-term healthy babies. I don't want to go through an unnecessary scare if I don't have to.

bechickie

Absolutely. There are always going to cases of "your baby may have a chance of this" etc and that uncertainty sucks but it's worth the risk to me to hear "your baby HAS this" and knowing you have the option to terminate and try again. My partner and I are both clinicians ourselves so for us it's not a question. We are getting the test next week and have made the decision that we will terminate if the baby has a serious health problems or disability. Oh and we are in our 20's and have no risk factors. The bonus is that we can also find out the gender straight away and start planning appropriately.

adtaylor2015

We will not be getting it done because of the false "positive" rate. Also, a woman I know, in her 40s, got this test and miscarried 2 days later. The results from the test came back and the baby was perfectly healthy. I'm not willing to risk that.

excited2bmommy09

ChantelDean2010 said:

My doctor with my first said that there are A LOT of false positives with that test. Matter of fact I have a friend who was told her child would have Down's syndrome, they were sent to a specialist who said he couldn't tell via ultrasound yet... But by 16 weeks baby looked perfectly healthy. Born on time and is healthy as can be but she spent her entire pregnancy stressed and worried and preparing. So with this baby we are opting out again. No thank you! The 20 week ultrasound/anatomy scan will show me all I need to know!

Yep, we are not doing it for this same reason. We have known more than one couple that were told they were going to have a Down's baby, spent the entire pregnancy stressing about it and then had a perfectly healthy baby. As if pregnancy isn't stressful enough! 

rablissful

I'm not having any prenatal testing done (not even an N/T scan). If there's something wrong we'll see it on the 20 week scan. It is NOT worth the stressing out. It would kill me to have a false positive and terminate when my child was perfectly fine. These tests are nowhere near accurate enough yet for me to bother with them.

ChantelDean2010

bechickie said:

Absolutely. There are always going to cases of "your baby may have a chance of this" etc and that uncertainty sucks but it's worth the risk to me to hear "your baby HAS this" and knowing you have the option to terminate and try again. My partner and I are both clinicians ourselves so for us it's not a question. We are getting the test next week and have made the decision that we will terminate if the baby has a serious health problems or disability. Oh and we are in our 20's and have no risk factors. The bonus is that we can also find out the gender straight away and start planning appropriately.

Don't you worry about a false positive? My friend would have terminated a perfectly healthy baby! That's what is terrifying to me!

MoveByFaith

We decide against it simply due to the ambiguity of the test and the unnecessary cause of excess stress.

jheni

I won't even consider getting this test because of the risk of a complication or miscarriage from it. It's a small risk, but still there and definitely not worth it to me. Like others have said, there are sometimes false positives too, so if your intent is to terminate the pregnancy based on the information this test gives (as someone else mentioned they would do), it is possible you'd be terminating a healthy baby.

However, there is a newer test that tests for chromosomal abnormalities and gender, and carries no risk of miscarriage since it is merely a blood test. It has various names such as the Harmony test, NIT, or MaterniT21, so you might want to ask your doctor if they offer it. They commonly do to women over 35 or with other risk factors, but I've heard of younger women getting it, too.

It's important to remember that these tests are not foolproof and are meant to be used only as tools to screen for chromosomal abnormalities; they tell you how likely it is that your baby has this or that, not that they definitely do. Some parents would rather have that info ahead of time so they can prepare for a possible special needs baby, while others would rather not have the extra worry during the pregnancy, since it could turn out that you're baby is fine. While CVS is more accurate than the blood test, it is still not 100%, and carries the risk of miscarriage.

Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps!

adtaylor2015

Just wanted to add- with my son, I did the AFP blood test which came back as a high risk for Down syndrome. We did the level 2 ultrasound and they checked for markers then asked if we wanted to proceed with an amniocentesis and asked if we were thinking about aborting. We declined any further testing and we already decided we would not terminate the pregnancy. We stressed and worried the rest of my pregancy. We have a perfectly healthy boy. No downs, nothing. Those tests cause a lot of unnecessary stress. They aren't accurate enough.

ccook83

We did not have any testing done with our first and we won't with this one either.  Why cause yourself the stress?  You'll see if anything is wrong on the 20w scan, and my husband and I both agree we would not do anything different regardless so what's the point.

kaylaef

I am not because it wouldn't make a difference food for us. We will not terminate and I would not have the amnocentosis done. So it would make no sense.

cjstats87

We get the 12 week nt scan...but the results won't change us having our nugget we just want to be as prepared as possible! I think if there was anything that comes up as "wrong" from the test we would have the harmony blood test but not anything that has a risk of miscarriage...it isn't worth it to us! The plus side is you get to see your nugget growing!!

kimberlykh

We are doing the NT scan and Harmony test. Both have no risk to the baby and are quite accurate. I wouldn't terminate, but if there is anything wrong I would want to know to be prepared.

watermullen

My doctor told us we needed to talk it over and let her know this week if we wanted to do the CVS test. We don't know a lot about it still, but from what we do know we are leaning towards a no. With the risk involved we just don't see the need for it. We are having this baby no matter what. Learning that there is something wrong with our baby during the pregnancy isn't going to change anything for us.

slp213psu

Before I was pregnant the first time I thought I would never get the tests because I wouldn't do anything (terminate) with the information.
The doctor presented it as having the knowledge to prepare yourself and not being surprised at birth. That made sense to us and we decided to go ahead. We will be getting it this time too.
That being said, my brother's SIL (wife's sister) had the advanced maternal age risk factor, had the tests, and they were negative. The baby was born with Down Syndrome. Nothing is 100%.
Update edit: sorry I misread, I did the NT test, not invasive. That's what I'm doing this time too.

mandaelder

My doctor said it only gives you a risk percentage (75% risk of defect etc) and recommend I only do it if I it would change my mind on the pregnancy (termination). I have no plans to terminate and know if I got the test would just stress. So I'm not testing and just relaxing and being happy about my growing peanut. I'm turning 29 , first pregnancy and in Canada (test is free).

va74momof2

I have always opted out of these tests as well, although my new OB is making me go to a "education" appointment where I can opt out of the testing but still get the ultrasound...which I think would be nice for selfish reasons that I just want to see the baby again.

Two True Stories.
1) my friend was told that her son had a problem and probably would survive birth. She chose to keep the baby and worried the entire way through because they kept doing ultrasounds to monitor the problem. He was born perfectly healthy and whatever the problem was was gone by his birth...they could never find on any post birth scan!!

2). My cousin was having a perfect pregnancy...ideal according to the doctors. At 8 and a half months her water broke and she went labor in McDs...which we all laugh about...except something went wrong. Her placenta had detached from the wall and was torn. By the time they got her into surgery, there was signicant brain damage to the baby and she almost died. Both survived, but Her son is severely brain damaged and struggles with all kinds of life threatening issues (he's now 10). No test could have or will in the future predict this would happen!

megans35

I have a question. Why would you choose a CVS test over a blood test? CVS is so invasive and with possible complications. I'm getting the MaterniT21 test on March 9th and the NT scan.

pmercedes

@megans35‌ I had my blood tests already . But they doc upon leaving was like okay see you in 2 weeks for cvs then just kinda left . I didn't know what it was at that point so I didn't ask for it . Now I'm thinking I don't want it

megans35

Gotcha. Hmmmm. I haven't done much research since I'm a FTM and I'm taking it a step at a time since I don't know what I'm doing. I thought the blood test and CVS or amniotic fluid test basically told you the same thing.

pmercedes

@kimberlykh‌ so those are different than CvS? I'll ask for those

pmercedes

@megans35‌ I'm a ftm too that's why I'm so confused cause they took a boat load of blood at my last appointment for tests and stuff

kimberlykh

Yes, they are different. I didn't think they really do the CVS unless there is a reason. Here is the sheet from my doctor that explains the all. The Harmony isn't always covered by insurance though, but you can call and find out. I was covered last time bc I had great insurance and this time bc I'm over 35.

kimberlykh

Can you see the pics?

irenejean

We're doing the NT screening, and if that shows an elevated risk, I'd like to get the cell free fetal DNA test done. Whether we do CVS or amnio will depend on how the results from those tests look and what the OB and genetic counselor think. 

@kinberlykh, thanks for sharing the info your doctor gave you!

lillyzzay

We decided against it (as much as we want to see baby on the ultrasound again!). FTM, and I wouldn't terminate anyway. We decided that if we did do it and got a positive, we wouldn't follow up with the amnio, so what was the point? We're going to love the heck out of this baby no matter what

ceaker15

My doctor told us that this is a simple blood draw to test. How is that harmful to the baby? We have to decide in 3 weeks when we go back for our 12 week appt...

mathesq0

ceaker15 said:

My doctor told us that this is a simple blood draw to test. How is that harmful to the baby? We have to decide in 3 weeks when we go back for our 12 week appt...

They typically do blood test that screen for down syndrome etc. Then if they find anything they may offer cvs or amniocentesis. ....The last two are invasive and aren't just blood test and carry some risk for miscarriage. Some people might opt to have cvs and amniocentesis regardless of blood test....but no a cvs is not a blood test

pmercedes

@kimberlykh‌ I can't ;( I'll pay for it though if that's less invasive

LIMomToBe

I had the first trimester screening and ultrasound.  The ultrasound didn't indicate any abnormalities however the test indicated a 1 in 14 chance of Downs Syndrome.  Originally I was going to do the M21 as well due to my age (39) however after meeting with genetic counseling I would like the most accurate results possible and am waiting for an appointment for the CVS.  it must be done before 14 weeks and I have until Monday.  I suffer from anxiety and I need the peace of mind.  I hope this is helpful.

kjs08

I had to get sequential screening done, which included the n/t test at 12 weeks, which came back that baby is within normal ranges for not having Down's, and a blood draw at 16 weeks, and I forgot what the 3rd part is. I have a genetic mutation that can cause blood clots so I had mine done to get a better idea of my risk of having a blood clot while pregnant, even though I've never had one. We were told we can get CVS or an amnio if we want, but because they're invasive, they don't always suggest getting them done if I don't show signs of needing it. 

musicmomma00

We won't... No need to fear what we can't change! Though I do understand that some mamas feel that they would benefit from preparation time in the event that something showed up. Just not our style. To each her own!

engenderlove

Many of you are confusing the first trimester screen with CVS. The NT scan gives you a likelihood of a baby with Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18 based on a complicated algorithm. Based on those results you'll be referred for CVS.

I know this because I had CVS today. My NT scan came back positive with a risk of 1:60. The CVS is extremely accurate and gives you a definitive yes or no answer on whether the baby has either of those conditions. It looks at the actual chromosomes and looks for the duplication of chromosome 21 for DS. It is NOT a "you might have a chance of a baby" is it is an answer.

The cvs carries a 1:300 chance of miscarriage. That's actually quite low risk. You have a higher chance of miscarrying naturally in your first trimester. Just wanted to clear that up.

engenderlove

And yes. It hurt.

aprilmay92

I'm not for multiple reasons. First, whether or not my babies has downs or any other issue, it's not like I'm going to terminate the pregnancy. I'm gonna love it no matter what. Second, as other people have said, there's too much risk of it being wrong and me being stressed out during the entire pregnancy for nothing. And last, I would NEVER risk a miscarriage for something that MIGHT be wrong with my baby.

jmhartley

We did the Verifi test by Progenity (a simple blood test that comes back in 7-10 days) and the NT ultrasound. The Verifi is definitely worth looking into if you're interested in knowing more. We wouldn't have terminated the pregnancy regardless of the result but wanted to be prepared. False positives are always possible but very rare with this test. It takes baby's DNA directly from the bloodstream and detects all chromosomes to test for downs and other abnormalities. Results were super easy to read and understand. It also has 99.9% accuracy for gender at 10 weeks if you chose to know which is higher than an ultrasound.

kelbel90

This is my 3rd pregnancy and we've never gotten any testing done. It doesn't make a difference to us, we'd rather just find out at birth.