Screenings

jgengo0

What screenings did you choose to have done if any?

I'm thinking I might just bypass the screenings. I am brand new to this, but so far I do not see a reason as to why I should have them done...My doctor didn't really go into depth about the the pros and cons.

 1. I am under the impression that genetic defects occur less often in my age category ( I am 24).

2. I heard your chance of miscarriage increases after an amniocentesis, even more so with twins.

3. If the test were to come back positive for downs, etc. We would not terminate the pregnancy.

Should i still consider the screenings? Are there  positives I should be aware of? 

AlishaMay

We chose not to do any of the genetic screenings, and my doc actually advised against it.  Most of the screenings are based on blood tests and/or ultrasounds.  With twins, if the blood tests come back abnormal, they wouldn't know if the combined normal levels were causing an elevation, or if one or both of the twins has an issue.  The second point that my OB and peri made was that with multiples you often have more u/s than with a singleton, and more in depth u/s too, so many issues that you would be screened for, could pop up down the road on an u/s which will give you a chance to prepare if need be. 

Temp159135562506975

we did the NTS only - b/c it's non-invasive - no risk, and it gives you another chance to see the babies at 12w which is amazing b/c they are big enough to look like real babies but small enough to see all of them at once - it's a great US.

our risk profile was that of a 20y/o so that was comforting... but even if it was not a good risk profile we would have stopped there b/c we would not have terminated with bad news- and are not "need to know" people... would have dealt with the news whenever we got it - at birth, etc.

it's a personal choice - everyone has different opinions/needs, and that's cool... do what is right for you.

caitdana

I turned 25 after we found out we were expecting. Neither DH or I have serious  genetic defects that we know of in our family. It is completely up to you and your SO. We decided to do the 12 week NT scan. It is non-invasive and basically you just get ultrasound and they take photos and then you get your blood drawn and they come up with a score to give you probability of genetic disorders. My OB suggested we get it because the more we knew about these two little girls the more prepared they could be in the delivery room and with the planning care. She told us that some genetic disorders can cause heart defects and so that would alert them to do watch the hearts more closely and such.  We knew we would love and take care of both of them the same no matter what, but since we are high risk for having twins anyway, it was good to know that was one less thing we had to worry about. My dr wont even suggest amnio unless those results came back with questionable values or we had other things going on.

Lilystar82

We did the NT scan because it is completely non-invasive and it was actually really awesome to see the duo for over an hour. We also chose to do the bloodwork panel as well as we felt we'd like to be as prepared as possible for these babies. The NT scan does look for a lot more than just Downs Syndrome and Neural Tube Defects. The results wouldn't have changed our minds about the pregnancy but would've allowed us to be more prepared moving forward. We're planners My MFM wouldn't have even suggested an amnio unless the bloodwork/scan gave us a signifigant reason to worry. It's all about personal preference and what works best for your family, for us we felt we would like to know everything we could.

jgengo0

Thanks so much, I will definitely do the NT scan!