Hello 2nd Tri!

QuigleyCat1

I'll be joining you in about one week and really looking forward to it.  I have a question for you.  The test you can opt to have that may determine chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects (cannot remember what it's called!).   What were your thoughts on this?  Did you opt to have the bloodwork taken or not?  And for either answer, what was your reason?   Thank you ladies!  Hope everyone's having a nice day so far!

Heather&Carl

I decided not to do it, because it really doesn't matter with me if anything is wrong with the baby in the long run. Some people do it so if there is something wrong with the baby they can be more prepared when the baby is born. And there can be postive negative tests results and I don't want to worry about that the whole time.

alicia023

We did not have it done b/c no matter the outcome we are still having this baby, and DH was worried that if we get the test and the docs say that there might be something wrong that I would stress and then it would stress the baby out so in our opinion it wasn't worth it.

Moiselle

The test during 11-15 (i think) is the NT test.  Here they take your blood and then measure the space in the back of the babys neck.  Google Nuchal Fold Test.

At week 15, I took and AFP test which measures the protein in my blood.  They drew blood.

I have never been offered an amnio or CVS bc my test results were very good.

jmurach

We did the testing. We would have had the baby either way, but I would have wanted to be prepared for anything that may have come up. DH is in med school and I work as a speech therapist with special needs children so we knew that we would want to be prepared to provide any extra assistance that our child would have needed.

MidwestTexan

DH and I had the bloodwork done. The results wouldn't have changed our minds about keeping the pregnancy. We just thought that if there were going to be challenges ahead, it would be helpful to be informed. Everything turned out fine, so no worries!

SB524

I had the Quad Screen done at 17wks. It tests for Downs, Spina Bifida, and other neural defects. I had NO idea this was an elective process - I thought it was just a routine part of my appointment. The Dr sent me for "bloodwork" and I did it.

Bernadette5

It's called a Nuchal Translucency test. We had it done. It was covered by my insurance so I figured why not. It wouldn't have changed our minds either way but any extra chance to see our little baby in an ultrasound, we took it!

LoveEeyore

That is SOOO personal. We have not done any testing with either pregnancy. I switched OB's recently, and the new one isn't thrilled, but my reasons were this:

1. False positives happen.  Alot.

2.  They are less accurate for twins.

3.  We will not terminate.

4. We have the child's lifetime to "prepare" and learn.

5. If it is a fatal condition- in which the child will most likely not survive beyond hours/days/weeks, there really is no preparation and knowing myself, I would stop taking care of myself.

6.  At the 20 week U/S they will check for abnormalities and markers anyway.

7.  My life, up until my daughter was born, was completely devoted to children with special needs and their families.  My baby is my baby first.  His/her special needs are secondary.  I want to bond with my baby now, and address his special needs when there is something I can do about it- worry and uncertainty now are not helpful.

That's my reasoning, and I am very passionate.  Other people views, equally valid, feel like they want to know and prepare before the baby is born.  It really depends on who you are, your values, and how you cope with things.

CHETNEY

It was called the Quad test for us.. and I agreed to take it.. but wish I didn't do it. Next pregnancy I will Not be taking that one. There is just WAYYY too many worries that came along with it. and I've seen a lot of false positives. along with false negitives.. For us it would have just been better to wait till the baby gets here and enjoy this pregnancy! From the Quad test my chances for Down Symdrome were 1 in 180. We'll see for sure when baby arrives! Although, because of our results, they had us go in for an early ultrasound wich was cool! But not worth the worries. Good Luck with everything!

QuigleyCat1

Well, I want to thank you all for your responses.  I can definitely see both side of the coin.  Although DH and I will discuss a little further, I think we're leaning toward not having the test for similar reasons of the first couple of poster's responses.  We'll see.  Again, thank you for you kind and informative answers!  I sort of half expected a "flame" or two for a "dumb" question!  I'm really looking forward to joining this board very soon!  Have a good day!