To do genetic testing or not?

Fdpolla92

Hello everyone.
I'm 10 weeks today and at my last appointment my doctor wanted me to start looking in to genetic testing. I'm not sure what I should do. If something was wrong I highly doubt I would end the pregnancy but at the same time it might be good just to know. Does anyone have any input for me? I don't know much about it so would like to know more.

dp1320

It's completely a personal decision. I like to be prepared so for me, it's worth it.

Marchmellow2

How old are you? It's something every pregnant woman 35 and up is offered. Are you 35 and up? If so, then that's why your doctor rec's it. I take it you have another doc appt this week to get your testing?

Fdpolla92

I'm 23. No family history of any issues. My next appointment is at 12 weeks. And she told me that they just told all patients about the testing but it wasn't something I needed. So it wasn't necessarily reccomened.

reware

I just bumped a good thoughtful discussion on this from eatrlier this month - it helped me decide. There are other discussions on this that can help you as well, just use the search function at the bottom of your screen and look for 'genetic'.

babypi

My doctor told me that I have to make a decision by my next appointment too. I live in CA though, so genetic testing is covered as part of a state-wide program for all pregnant women. They want every expectant mother to think on it and decide before the window of opportunity closes, since the blood tests are only available during specific weeks. We still haven't decided what to do, though I'm inclined to have no testing done.

Marchmellow2

Oh! Then in that case don't take it. It will cost a lot of money. Your doctor is probably just letting you know what's available. It's def not needed....unless she told you that it was needed? The blood test is really over marketed and the companies are making lots of money from it. It came out in 2012. So all mothers prior to that were just fine without it. I hope that helps with your decision.

The NT scan and screening at 12 weeks will see if there are abnormalities. That should be enough.

rpaddis24

My hubby has Tourette's so we decided to do it. Plus I'm adopted. I have no idea what's in my bloodline. So we decided to but it really boils down to trusting God for a healthy baby.
I'll be 12 weeks when the testing is done.

Marchmellow2

Ok wait. If it's fully covered then I don't see why you wouldn't do it? It's just a blood test. It's non invasive like other tests. If it's covered and paid for. Do it!

dp1320

Marchmellow2 said:

Oh! Then in that case don't take it. It will cost a lot of money. Your doctor is probably just letting you know what's available. It's def not needed....unless she told you that it was needed? The blood test is really over marketed and the companies are making lots of money from it. It came out in 2012. So all mothers prior to that were just fine without it. I hope that helps with your decision.

The NT scan and screening at 12 weeks will see if there are abnormalities. That should be enough.

The NT scan is considered additional testing - it's not routine (at least at the OBs I've been to in NC, VA and NY).

Marchmellow2

rpaddis24 said:

My hubby has Tourette's so we decided to do it. Plus I'm adopted. I have no idea what's in my bloodline. So we decided to but it really boils down to trusting God for a healthy baby.
I'll be 12 weeks when the testing is done.

The test at 12 weeks is different than the test at 10 weeks that the op is talking about.

babypi

@Marchmellow2
For us, I guess we've had to decide whether or not to have the screening with money out of the equation. So it's totally a personal decision, and I was only offering up what my husband and I have decided will be best for us and our baby.

But here is our basic reasoning. First, the chances of false positive are really high, just like with NT screening. So if you get a positive risk for some genetic disorder, then further, more invasive testing becomes necessary. Since I'm not willing to have an amnio no matter what, because of what we consider unnecessary risk to the baby, a positive would just leave us worrying with no confirmation of false positive or a real problem. Second, the disorders that are tested for in the screening are ones that can be either detected during the regular anatomy scans at 18-20 weeks, or can be dealt with at birth, or in the weeks following if necessary, since we are lucky to be delivering at a hospital with a great NICU. Third, we have no history of any genetic abnormalities or birth defects and I'm not AMA.

Again, that's just our decision. I fully understand the decision to go with the screening, it's just not the right one for us.

EEB88

In the end, it's totally up to you. For me, I want to know so I can mourn for the child I thought I was going to have and prepare (physically, emotionally, and psychology) and get excited again for the one that is coming.

Fdpolla92

Thanks everyone!

Brooke2327

I'm 23 husband is 32 and we have no known genetic disorders in our family. Husband wants testing done but I'm choosing not to do it because it won't effect the outcome of keeping the pregnancy or terminating. I'm also not choosing to find out the gender of the baby either. I'm all up for having surprises B-)

CMDD

It sounds like there's a lot of confusion about what tests are being offered, at what price, and for what outcome. It is important to talk to your doctors about these things.
Also, many of us are not taking the tests to decide if we should end a pregnancy or not. There's other things to consider.
Finally, posting about trusting in God for a healthy pregnancy sounds nice until your baby dies..then what? (Sorry but that is reaaaallly frustrating to me).

Marchmellow2

CMDD said:

It sounds like there's a lot of confusion about what tests are being offered, at what price, and for what outcome. It is important to talk to your doctors about these things.
Also, many of us are not taking the tests to decide if we should end a pregnancy or not. There's other things to consider.
Finally, posting about trusting in God for a healthy pregnancy sounds nice until your baby dies..then what? (Sorry but that is reaaaallly frustrating to me).

Yea that was my first thought too. It sounds nice to trust in God but it's also for preventative purposes too. If something can be prevented like taking a medication to prevent the baby from having an issue at birth, I'm all for that. I'd want to know if there was something wrong with baby to see if there is something I can do to help while baby is still baking.

herdofcows

It depends on how prepared you want to be. In my case with my first we had the NT scan, A/S, and routine blood draws. Everything was perfect. At birth we found out the he had Down Syndrome. Even though we had all the standard screenings they were wrong. This time we are going to have all of those plus the advanced blood test.

It comes down to if something comes up you have time to prepare and learn about what your child has. Ours was a surprise so we had to learn everything afterwards. I missed 6 months of his life being worried and scared of the known....when in reality there was nothing to be scared of. Every tells you about false positives but false negatives do happen too.

GardenMama116

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the testing determines an abnormality, what can be done to fix it? My understanding is that nothing can be done to correct the problem, you are left with choice to terminate or proceed and prepare for the future. DH and I have not made any decisions about the testing.

Brooke2327

I've not heard of anything that they test for that can be "prevented" by taking medicines while pregnant. What things are there? Just curious?


Also if people want to "trust in god" that's there choice to do so and I think it's rude to comment on their faith and the way they handle things. I too am trusting in god to take care of my baby and me. But if he does allow something to happen to either one of us it is for a reason that I may not understand or like but a reason only he can know.


God’s Final Answer When We Ask: Why?
We believe that God is both almighty and that He is good. He created all things and we look to Him for every blessing. It all comes from God and God alone. That’s what we confess in the Apostles Creed when we say, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.”
Well, if God is both all powerful and completely good, goes the atheist’s objection, why is the world He created full of suffering? Yes, we know that suffering comes from our sinful condition and is part of this fallen world, but our answer needs to say more. Could not God have created a world in which evil and suffering were impossible?
Actually, speculating as to what God might have done, or what kind of universe He might have created, is just not fruitful. The universe God did create is the only one we know.
In the movie Bruce Almighty, if I remember correctly, God “allows” a man named Bruce to have all power. For a while Bruce enjoys walking on water, doing miracles, etc. But then the prayers start pouring in (all by email!). At first, Bruce answers them all individually, but after a while he gets tired and just starts answering them all with “yes.” As a result, the world quickly begins to break down in chaos (as I remember the movie). When the laws of physics start collapsing, God intervenes and takes back control – thankfully!
Why is there suffering? God is not the cause of evil, but here’s the key. The world is full of conflicting wants, needs and demands, all by people who are sinfully turned in on themselves. It’s a condition from which we cannot free ourselves.
When we ask God, why am I suffering? we are usually protesting that we don’t deserve the treatment we think we are receiving. We don’t like to admit that we are part of the problem and that the evil we deplore runs right through each of us. Ah, there’s the rub. Evil is not just out there, it’s in here, in my heart and yours. That’s what we have to confess when we are honest with God.
But what does God do about evil and suffering? He comes. He does not give a three part, logical, reasoned out answer. God comes Himself. That’s what we believe when we confess with St. Paul, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). There is no greater revelation of God in our suffering world than this: God Himself up there in Christ hanging dead on the cross.
There God in Jesus went to the bottom of all that ails us, all the sin that kills us. It killed Him, too, but not for long. He lived again, rising from the dead in wonderful, amazing victory. God’s only answer to our question why? is the death and resurrection of Jesus.
So then, also for us, the way to life is through death and resurrection. When we believers in Jesus suffer, we can remember that the pain is only a reminder that one day we will turn in this present mortal body, corrupted by sin as it is, and receive from the Lord Jesus a brand new body. “This perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality … thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:53, 57).
And when the Spirit of God working through God’s Law reveals to us the depths of our sin, He calls us to repent, that is, to be honest with God about our condition and to die to sin so that God may forgive us and raise us to life. This daily dying begins with our Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, continues life-long with confession and forgiveness, until we die for the last time and Jesus raises us to life forever (see Romans 6:1-11).
Apart from the cross of Christ, suffering is an unrelenting evil, but in the hand of God, and remembering the cross of Jesus, can we see our suffering as a tool in God’s hand to strip you and me of the things that don’t matter? So that we concentrate all the more on what He has done for us? On what He has in store for our future? On the things that DO matter? “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Oh, I know we still cry out. It still hurts. The pain and grief, both physical and emotional, can seem unbearable at times. But when we cry out, we are crying to the One who knows our condition. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). We look to Him because He will give us His victory, whether now or later.
There’s my answer, and I’m sticking to it! I’m going to hold onto His Word, receive His body and blood, remember His death and resurrection, and hear His promise, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).
This is the greatest thing our almighty creating Father ever did: to send, in eternal love, His one and only Son for us. JESUS is God’s final answer for us. In Him God’s Spirit now calls those who follow Him to reach out in mercy for all who are suffering. This mercy grows from Jesus giving us a life together through His body and blood given and shed for us. Alive in His name now and forever, we bear witness to all He has done for us by His suffering, death and resurrection.

navyblueladybug

Everyone keeps talking about the NT ultrasound but my OB hasn't mentioned that to me at all. The testing they offered me was called a quad screen. They offer it to everyone and say to check with your insurance company to see if it's covered. I called them and they said if the doctor says its medically necessary, it's covered so I told that to my doctor. He's going to say it is because of my past miscarriage. I just want to be prepared if something was wrong.

Marchmellow2

Well with my my blood test I also got tested for things like diabetes and other things. My screening came back very high with two different things. So to prevent me from getting diabetes which can cause birth defects I'm now not eating sugar. There are other things that this test tests for that aren't just abnormalities. The point I was trying to make is some of these tests are good for not only being aware of abnormalities so you're more prepared but also Early prevention of any of the other things that are starting to happen that could cause abnormalities.

@Brooke2327 I have in no way commented on someone's faith. If that's how it was taken I apologize. It is their choice, know one is telling them not to follow their choice.. So I'm just not sure where you were going with that.

Brooke2327

It wasn't even directed at you @Marchmellow2 I'm just seeing it a lot lately on these boards where mommies are dissing other mommies faiths and for me that's how I am surivivng so I needed to vent and share a little O:-) also I thought the tests for diabetes and such were always done with bloodwork and things like that when I think of genetic testing I'm thinking of sickle cell, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis.

Marchmellow2

@Brooke2327 ah sorry I thought it was directed at me because I kind of agreed with her comment. Either way I totally apologize if it was taken that way.

Anyway... I feel silly even talking about these tests! I am not a nurse or a doctor nor have I ever studied that stuff. So I need to just stop! Lol. I probably have no idea what I'm talking about! Lol

Fdpolla92

I'm not 100% sure what the tests are for. That's why I was wondering what everyone thought. It sounds like it would be blood tests then if there are any red flags basically more testing would be done.

Fdpolla92

I don't know anyone that has had them so I figured someone on here would have,

babypi

Just to help clarify some of the confusion I thought I'd share some information from the California Prenatal Screening Program. Keep in mind this is one of many different types of genetic screening tests available, but since CA is paying for this particular screening, they have chosen to only include diseases that have a 60% or greater chance of being detected accurately. Many other screenings include additional markers with lower accuracy ratings.

That being said, the test looks for Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, anencephaly, open spina bifida, abdominal wall defects, and SLOS.

The blood test to check for diabetes risk is separate and standard for first prenatal visits. It's part if that massive blood draw I'm sure many of us got, when they look at A1c, amongst as many other things as your doctor/midwife deams necessary.

Anyway, I hope that just helps with some of the confusion. It's not meant to change anyone's mind about genetic screening, just throwing out some info.

VesperLove

This isn't directed at anyone in particular, just a general vent about this particular argument. I get really bent out of shape when I hear people say that they aren't doing genetic testing because "we would never consider aborting, no matter what the outcome might be." To me, stating it like that makes it sound like those of us who ARE doing genetic testing are by default also considering abortion as an option ... which isn't always the case.

I think it's fine if a person's reasoning for not doing it is simply because you don't feel it would change anything or that you don't need that information to best prepare yourself for a special needs child. For others, like me, I fully believe that it would change many many things -- not necessarily my decision to carry the pregnancy to term, but how I better prepare myself for what's ahead.

I've mentioned this on another thread and I'll quickly mention it again. DH's best friend had a daughter about a year and a half ago who now suffers from severe epilepsy. It went unnoticed until about 2-3 months and has progressed tenfold from there. It is likely that she will be in a wheelchair her entire life, will not be able to communicate, and will need a great amount of assistance for the rest of her life. 

This particular disorder was not one that would be caught with genetic testing, but that doesn't matter. We have watched this couple suffer greatly with trying to come to terms with these medical issues while at the same time trying to care for her. That is incredibly hard for them. They struggle as parents, as individuals, and as a couple. 

We have decided that we don't want that. No matter what the outcome of the testing, we'll keep the pregnancy ... however, we can better prepare ourselves for the potential life changes ahead if our child has special needs. We won't have to deal with the shock, learning, preparation, etc, at the same time we're trying to care for the child we now have. You cannot prepare for everything, obviously, but there is most definitely a level of acceptance, education, and preparation that can happen when you know in advance.

PaneVino

Brooke2327 said:

I've not heard of anything that they test for that can be "prevented" by taking medicines while pregnant. What things are there? Just curious?


Also if people want to "trust in god" that's there choice to do so and I think it's rude to comment on their faith and the way they handle things. I too am trusting in god to take care of my baby and me. But if he does allow something to happen to either one of us it is for a reason that I may not understand or like but a reason only he can know.


God’s Final Answer When We Ask: Why?
We believe that God is both almighty and that He is good. He created all things and we look to Him for every blessing. It all comes from God and God alone. That’s what we confess in the Apostles Creed when we say, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.”
Well, if God is both all powerful and completely good, goes the atheist’s objection, why is the world He created full of suffering? Yes, we know that suffering comes from our sinful condition and is part of this fallen world, but our answer needs to say more. Could not God have created a world in which evil and suffering were impossible?
Actually, speculating as to what God might have done, or what kind of universe He might have created, is just not fruitful. The universe God did create is the only one we know.
In the movie Bruce Almighty, if I remember correctly, God “allows” a man named Bruce to have all power. For a while Bruce enjoys walking on water, doing miracles, etc. But then the prayers start pouring in (all by email!). At first, Bruce answers them all individually, but after a while he gets tired and just starts answering them all with “yes.” As a result, the world quickly begins to break down in chaos (as I remember the movie). When the laws of physics start collapsing, God intervenes and takes back control – thankfully!
Why is there suffering? God is not the cause of evil, but here’s the key. The world is full of conflicting wants, needs and demands, all by people who are sinfully turned in on themselves. It’s a condition from which we cannot free ourselves.
When we ask God, why am I suffering? we are usually protesting that we don’t deserve the treatment we think we are receiving. We don’t like to admit that we are part of the problem and that the evil we deplore runs right through each of us. Ah, there’s the rub. Evil is not just out there, it’s in here, in my heart and yours. That’s what we have to confess when we are honest with God.
But what does God do about evil and suffering? He comes. He does not give a three part, logical, reasoned out answer. God comes Himself. That’s what we believe when we confess with St. Paul, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). There is no greater revelation of God in our suffering world than this: God Himself up there in Christ hanging dead on the cross.
There God in Jesus went to the bottom of all that ails us, all the sin that kills us. It killed Him, too, but not for long. He lived again, rising from the dead in wonderful, amazing victory. God’s only answer to our question why? is the death and resurrection of Jesus.
So then, also for us, the way to life is through death and resurrection. When we believers in Jesus suffer, we can remember that the pain is only a reminder that one day we will turn in this present mortal body, corrupted by sin as it is, and receive from the Lord Jesus a brand new body. “This perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality … thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:53, 57).
And when the Spirit of God working through God’s Law reveals to us the depths of our sin, He calls us to repent, that is, to be honest with God about our condition and to die to sin so that God may forgive us and raise us to life. This daily dying begins with our Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, continues life-long with confession and forgiveness, until we die for the last time and Jesus raises us to life forever (see Romans 6:1-11).
Apart from the cross of Christ, suffering is an unrelenting evil, but in the hand of God, and remembering the cross of Jesus, can we see our suffering as a tool in God’s hand to strip you and me of the things that don’t matter? So that we concentrate all the more on what He has done for us? On what He has in store for our future? On the things that DO matter? “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Oh, I know we still cry out. It still hurts. The pain and grief, both physical and emotional, can seem unbearable at times. But when we cry out, we are crying to the One who knows our condition. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). We look to Him because He will give us His victory, whether now or later.
There’s my answer, and I’m sticking to it! I’m going to hold onto His Word, receive His body and blood, remember His death and resurrection, and hear His promise, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).
This is the greatest thing our almighty creating Father ever did: to send, in eternal love, His one and only Son for us. JESUS is God’s final answer for us. In Him God’s Spirit now calls those who follow Him to reach out in mercy for all who are suffering. This mercy grows from Jesus giving us a life together through His body and blood given and shed for us. Alive in His name now and forever, we bear witness to all He has done for us by His suffering, death and resurrection.

Amen!

BethP321

Someone in the very early comments said it's for women 35 and up. Actually the new thing is that they're offering it for every women. You have to do it between 10-12/13 weeks I believe. It's not covered by your insurance, but since there's no history of it in my family and the risk for young women is very low (I'm 19...) So my risk is low. She said that it's not a must have, but it's my choice. I will love this baby whoever he or she may be. I just don't want to wait 30 more weeks! grow baby grow!

CMDD

kyleneum13 said:

This isn't directed at anyone in particular, just a general vent about this particular argument. I get really bent out of shape when I hear people say that they aren't doing genetic testing because "we would never consider aborting, no matter what the outcome might be." To me, stating it like that makes it sound like those of us who ARE doing genetic testing are by default also considering abortion as an option ... which isn't always the case.

I think it's fine if a person's reasoning for not doing it is simply because you don't feel it would change anything or that you don't need that information to best prepare yourself for a special needs child. For others, like me, I fully believe that it would change many many things -- not necessarily my decision to carry the pregnancy to term, but how I better prepare myself for what's ahead.

I've mentioned this on another thread and I'll quickly mention it again. DH's best friend had a daughter about a year and a half ago who now suffers from severe epilepsy. It went unnoticed until about 2-3 months and has progressed tenfold from there. It is likely that she will be in a wheelchair her entire life, will not be able to communicate, and will need a great amount of assistance for the rest of her life. 

This particular disorder was not one that would be caught with genetic testing, but that doesn't matter. We have watched this couple suffer greatly with trying to come to terms with these medical issues while at the same time trying to care for her. That is incredibly hard for them. They struggle as parents, as individuals, and as a couple. 

We have decided that we don't want that. No matter what the outcome of the testing, we'll keep the pregnancy ... however, we can better prepare ourselves for the potential life changes ahead if our child has special needs. We won't have to deal with the shock, learning, preparation, etc, at the same time we're trying to care for the child we now have. You cannot prepare for everything, obviously, but there is most definitely a level of acceptance, education, and preparation that can happen when you know in advance.

THIS. Also, if you do decide to end your pregnancy that is 100% your choice and okay. These tests can tell you if your child will die seconds after being born..or in my case anywhere from while being born to a day after. I'd MUCH rather know that then give birth and be stunned when my child passes away after delivery. And, it's only because I've had this experience that I can say I can understand where all of you are right now. My first pregnancy I wasn't going to do the testing until they thought there might be a problem and strongly suggested it. 

CMDD

I guess I struggle with the God platitudes because I was told so many times to trust in God that my pregnancy would be healthy and when it wasn't no one then knew what to say. Almost like they were uncomfortable with the fact that I trusted God and he let me down...? If it works for you, great. But that thinking just doesn't jive with me.

LandOfNope

This kind of testing wasn't available when I had my son. Is this a test that reveals gender? Does anyone know the cost?

mavgirl_73

There is another aspect to the testing or not testing. While you might find out that you have an increased risk at 10-13 weeks you will know if there are physical abnormalities at your anatomy scan. Until this pregnancy we have chosen not to do the testing. Now that I'm closely approaching 35 we have decided we will do the testing. Greater risk, greater reason to consider things, at least in our minds. We are religious however I do not believe that "god will prevent things from happening" rather "god will give us the strength to accept what we are given." Zero judgement on termination, everyone has the right to do what they feel is best for them. Having known people who've made that decision it is not easy and it's difficult for them everyday.

VesperLove

LandOfNope said:

This kind of testing wasn't available when I had my son. Is this a test that reveals gender? Does anyone know the cost?

Depends on the testing company. Many will reduce the cost to $99 for those whose insurance doesn't cover it or who don't have insurance. They charge an arm and a leg to insurance companies (hundreds of dollars or more) but that then subsidizes the cost for those whose insurance doesn't allow it.

Example:

I just talked to the people at Progenity who do the Verifi test (one of the main companies that do this testing). They said that you would get the test done, they would bill you directly, you submit it to your insurance. If insurance denies it, they will appeal it. If insurance still denies it, they will reduce bill to $99 which you pay them directly.

I already know my insurance won't cover it - I'm not over 35, don't have a family history of any genetic issues (nor does DH) and doc said it was "optional" which means not medically necessary for me.

ETA: Yes, this test can also tell gender if you want to know.

nik6499

I'm not a religious person, nor do I pretend to be. I am a clinician and a healthcare professional and as such I am doing the genetic tests for various reasons, none of which are related to how much I want this pregnancy to be successful or how I want my life to be with a 'perfect' baby. I am 35 and have had multiple losses which may or may not be related to genetic anomalies. I want to know what I may be facing so that I can make an educated decision about what is best for myself and my family. I have several friends who have special needs children and some of whom are now advanced in years and are having to make care plans for their child with the potential of their inability to fully care for them. Now does the fact that I want to have some inclination regarding these potential struggles mean that I want this pregnancy any less than someone who doesn't want testing because they would never terminate a pregnancy? No it means I am an older adult and I need to ensure that I am fully abreast as to what is coming, to the best of my ability. In the event of a condition that is incompatible with life I feel it allows my partner and I time to discuss how we want to handle that. This is not a decision that should ever be viewed as one that people are using as an easy way out or a way to avoid the hard work. This is a choice we all have and I encourage people to make a decision after doing valid research into the benefits and drawbacks of screening. I don't believe in blind faith, and if you do and are comfortable with that, that's great. But again this is a personal decision that everyone can make and it shouldn't be clouded with perceived judgement. Only you know what is right for your family.

mavgirl_73

Just to clarify it is possible to be a person of faith AND be a medical professional and a clinician.

PaneVino

We are supposed to trust God in everything, good and bad. He didn't promise us that we wouldn't have pain and suffering. He says that we absolutely will have pain and suffering.

I'm sorry for your loss and what you've been through but you CAN trust Him. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We don't always understand why bad things happen but we know that He makes all things work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose! The key is being able to trust Him in the hard times too. If we only love and trust Him when everything is going great what kind of faith is that? I've been through my fair share of hard times and it's not always easy to do but he has always proven faithful.

Sorry accidentally put quote on the bottom.

CMDD said:

I guess I struggle with the God platitudes because I was told so many times to trust in God that my pregnancy would be healthy and when it wasn't no one then knew what to say. Almost like they were uncomfortable with the fact that I trusted God and he let me down...? If it works for you, great. But that thinking just doesn't jive with me.

Praying41

We made the decision early on that no matter what happened we would not terminate a pregnancy and we felt it was no use in knowing what could be and having anxiety over it before it actually manifested itself. Plus with the risk of getting a false positive, we could end up worrying for nothing n that's obviously not good for baby. I tend to be a worrier so I'd rather not give myself another reason for it. I also believe in miracles... This baby was a huge miracle...so even if something was wrong, I believe God can give us a miracle and heal the baby but even if not, it's still our miracle child and nothing will change that.

This is truly a very personal decision and you need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself and DH.

Brooke2327

rain0831boww

It sounds like there's a lot of confusion about what tests are being offered, at what price, and for what outcome. It is important to talk to your doctors about these things.
Also, many of us are not taking the tests to decide if we should end a pregnancy or not. There's other things to consider.
Finally, posting about trusting in God for a healthy pregnancy sounds nice until your baby dies..then what? (Sorry but that is reaaaallly frustrating to me).

YES on EVERYTHING! Talk to your doctor about what is offered and what insurance covers. I mentioned this in some other boards and I hate to sound repetitive. During my first pregnancy, my husband didn't want me to do any testing even though I did. Caved in. When I went in for my 21 week ultrasound I knew after looking at the technician's face, I knew that something was wrong. several days later after getting an amnio (since I had miscarried) and delivering my baby, I wish so badly I had it done. To have some kind of idea, to have been prepared for any outcomes. I was 25 and have no family history either. Anyway, got testing done this time around because you can say you have your "Trust in God" all you want but once you have to deliver your stillborn or put in the position to decide whether continue the pregnancy because of a very serious disorder, your views shift, you think differently, everything changes. Not putting anyone down with their faith because I am Catholic and still have faith but going through certain things puts you in a very dark place.