35+ & Genetic Testing

LMNOBaby

Hi all!  Anyone else 35 or over and all of a sudden feel like the oldest person to ever have a baby?  I'm 34, but will be 35 when the baby is born and every time I talk to a doctor, my age gets mentioned.  When it comes down to it, I can handle the constant age mentions - but how about all genetic testing?? Anyone else being referred to genetic counseling and maternal fetal medicine? I've currently got a Cell-free DNA test scheduled at 11 weeks (a week from now), which, from what I've read, is a newer genetic test that takes the place of some more invasive ones.  But, I keep reading about others, like the first trimester screen, which is a blood test and ultrasound to measure the thickness of the back of the baby's neck, and then there's the CVS and the NIPT.  Should I be inquiring about these tests as well?  Or are some of them standard that happen later down the road and I just need to be patient?  I'm just feeling like there's suddenly so much more to be worried about than I'd thought...the doctors make it seem like having a healthy baby is a pipe dream at this point!! Anyone having more reassuring experiences?  Just wanted to share, see if anyone else was in the same boat.  Thanks!

annabenanna

I just turned 34, and I opted for the NT screening, which involves the blood draw + nuchal translucency ultrasound.  I opted for this because insurance covers it, whereas the newer tests would have to be paid out of pocket.  My OB wasn't that worried about my age, as a matter of fact, when I mentioned it, she said I was pretty young compared to the rest of her patients.  I'm also doing the Ashkenazi Blood Panel because SO is Jewish, and if by any chance I am a carrier for any of the common Ashkenazi diseases, then he would have to be tested too.  

Other than that, my OB wasn't too worried!

Paturkey

I'm 35, will be 36 when LO is born and I'm just doing the standard NT scan. My age hasn't been an issue yet and it's common in my family to be AMA (my mom was almost 38 when I was born, her mom was 37 when she was born). Take a deep breath and ask your doctor for more information if you're worried/curious about additional testing

agogo1

NIPT and cell-free DNA screening are the same thing (blood work that screens for a number of genetic abnormalities). NT scan is the "first trimester screen" that you mentioned which involves blood work and measures the thickness of baby's neck. Many moms, regardless of age, opt for one or both of these. 

ScootsMcG

I was 35 when my last son was born and will be 37 when this one arrives.  It seemed like the last time, the only difference was that some of the screening tests were covered by my insurance because I was AMA and at a slightly higher risk.  My midwife offered the screening tests but left it up to me if I wanted to use them.  I chose to have the MaterniT21 last time, but don't think I'll do any additional screening this time around.  And yes, even when I had my first son at 31, I felt super old in my birthing classes....my OB told me not to worry about it and that I was on the younger end for a lot of areas in the country:). 

kelliott09

I'm 35, will be 36 when baby is born. I'm going in for genetic counseling next week. It was offered by my doctor, not required. The reason for the counseling appt is just to go over all of the different options available as far as tests they offer, what the risks are, etc. I'm doing the testing so I can be prepared in the event that something should be wrong, but mainly because I want to find out the sex early.  

queen_frostine

I am 34, and my due date is two days before my 35th birthday. My doctor has been calling me "advanced maternal age" anyway. I chose to get the MaterniT21 (waiting on the results) because I want info. We'll get the NT scan, too. They did not give me any guidance on suggested tests, just gave me basically a list and asked me what I wanted. I'm probably going overboard.

mommymaggieh

Every time I go to my OBs office, I feel like I'm too old to be pregnant (I just turned 36). Seems like the waiting room is always full of these young, adorably pregnant chicks who are still size 2 with cute little bumps.

My doctor has been incredibly reassuring - he had me do a high-risk consult, but then reviewed their recommendations and is the one ordering all tests, etc. His attitude is pretty much that he's not going to worry until there's a reason to, the risk of there being something wrong is low, and I shouldn't worry either. Right now, everything looks good and there's no reason to think I'm growing anything other than a perfectly healthy baby. The risk is increased after 35, and more so if you have family history to take into consideration, but it's more likely that you won't have any issues than that you will. Try not to stress out!

Chefandwife620

I am 37 going to be 38 when I have our cutie. I had my dna blood work last week and waiting on that, also tomorrow I have my ultrasound. My ob is happy to deal with AMA and happy when the older moms are pregnant, I guess she has had a run of pregnant 15 year olds. I feel old this time around my body is like what are you doing to me?!

JessK81

I'm 34 but will be 35 before baby's due date. I did NT scan/blood work with my son a few years ago and will do it again with this baby. Since NIPT is more common and should be covered by my insurance, I opted for that as well. My OB hasn't mentioned anything else being different as AMA this time around. 

ball4768

I'm 35 and I feel like I'm way more concerned about my age than my OB. She told me that she has lots of patients my age or older and she herself had twins at 35. 

Meanc0

I'm also 34 and going to be 35 by my baby's due date. I think your doctor is being insensitive. It might be in part because where I live it's very common for women to wait until 35 to have babies, but my nurse midwife has never mentioned my age as a concern and the hospital I'm at categorizes me as low risk. Even with theoretically increased risk, the odds are super low. I'm getting non-invasive screening done because, why not, but I think they offer that to everyone.

TheMillerHighLife

I am 35 and found out today that I will need to have all kinds of testing done because I've hit "the mark", as it was put to me.  And yes, I do now feel like I'm the eldest lady in the world.  They made it seem like a big deal because I am high risk due to pre-term delivery, and said they would want to do the blood work before they place the cerclage to make sure everything was ok, in case I wanted to terminate the pregnancy because of abnormalities. It was a very odd conversation to have for sure.

LMNOBaby

Thanks so much, ladies, for your kind words and information!  I can't tell you how reassuring it all is.  I'm currently going back and forth with my insurance company to see if the cell-free DNA test is covered...but I'm planning on calling my doctor today to see what other tests might be available, should this test not be covered.  I think sometimes the doctors forget that although they do this all day, every day, this is all new to me! I'm already a bit of a worrywart, so I knew pregnancy would be a bit stressful on my nerves, but lately I've just felt so overwhelmed trying to make sense of all these tests.  So again, I appreciate all you sharing all your thoughts and experiences!! I'll be sure to post whatever I learn, maybe it will be helpful to someone else!

rebeccuh

I'm 37, and while my doc mentioned that I'd have an extra ultrasound and the quad screening, she said that since we don't have any concerns as far as family history goes, and my overall health is good, she wasn't recommending any other tests. She said I could get NIPT if I wanted to, but it was totally up to us to decide. I think if it's covered I'll do it, but if not I'll skip it. 

deecee9580

I am 35 and did all of the genetic testing.  my doctor recommends an amnio because of my age but I don't want to do such an invasive test.  I'm waiting for my results.. should have them within the next few days.