10-13 week question

VitroWedding

So DH and I went to the OB Monday and they mentioned something about getting a Down Syndrome test down around 10-13 weeks. They said it wasn't mandatory, but that some people want to know. I am honestly leery of that because I wouldn't want to harm the baby by doing that test and because I feel like I am going to love the baby no matter what....But I was just wondering your thoughts on this. Do it or skip that test!

aglenn

Most people get an ultrasound combined with blood work for this.  It's not invasive and won't hurt the baby.  I go for mine on 8/8.

MarieH11

  My DH and I talked and we decided not too. It's mostly just to prepare us emotionally and plan financially but I just don't want to do it.

 

tayrob1986

The test is not invasive. I go for mine a week from Friday. All it will be is an ultrasound at a specialists office and bloodwork. If they see something suspicious then they may suggest an amnio or another invasive test...which I will not have. Since the N/T scan cannot harm the baby I feel okay doing it. 

lbwsimpson

I'm not getting it done because it'll only cause me to stress and worry even more if I know there's something wrong with the baby.  Additionally, there's no early intervention that can be done before the baby is born if something were to be wrong so there's really nothing I'd be able to do.  Since we'd love the baby and care for them to the best of our ability no matter what, not knowing and enjoying the pregnancy no matter what is what's best for us.  

irish4jan1

DH and I opted to go for the same tests OB recommended. I would like to know. We asked why one may opt not to test and she said mostly for philosophical reasons. I'm not sure how they planned to test you, but the tests I am getting done are a blood draw and an ultrasound, which won't hurt the baby. It?s your prerogative.

mamaofboys

We never do. I have heard of false positives and don't want to go down that road unnecessarily. As you say, we will love the baby no matter what. We would cross that bridge at birth if it happens.

Jessimurph

If you decide to do it just be aware of the high positives. Your doctor can give you the numbers, but it's not uncommon.

cinderella4282

Due to the age of me and DH (29 and 31) and our lack of any issues in our family history, my mw advised me against the tests. I am taking her advice . . . If something looks abnormal in my dating u/s, she will investigate further.

My SIL was in a study with her daughter and they told her that her baby would have a hole in her heart. She was freaking out . . . and then when the LO was born, she was perfect with no problems.

It's totally up to you and your DH/partner, so do what is best for the two of you.

crystaleyes39

I chose not to do it. They can come back false positive anyways and aren't 100% accurate. I feel like it's an extra stress to worry about in a time that you're not suppose to stress and be happy. But that's just me.

diana.filipi

We do it for two reasons.  1. It's an u/s and I wanna see the baby 2. It is important to us to know the odds of chromosomal issues.

bhankes

When we talked to our nurse about these screenings, she said that they only tell you if there is a higher or lower risk for these genetic disorders.  She said unless it really mattered to us, they do not typically recommend doing them as it causes you to over-stress about something that is not even a diagnoses, just a risk factor.

 

mamaofboys

cinderella4282:

My SIL was in a study with her daughter and they told her that her baby would have a hole in her heart. She was freaking out . . . and then when the LO was born, she was perfect with no problems. 

I didn't do a scan but DS1 was born with a hole in his heart but it fixed itself. If I had been told of it at 10-13 weeks, I would have had 7 months of worry. I'm glad I didn't know!!

peppermintgirl

The NT scan doesn't have any risk to your baby. It's an ultrasound combined with a blood test. I had it done with both of my pregnancies because my insurance covers it and if there were to be a risk of birth defect, we wanted to know so we could explore it further and prepare ourselves for whatever outcome there might be. If there is a high risk of chromosomal defects, you will be given the option of having invasive testing if that's what you want to do.

hillbillysunshine

Know that it is not an invasive test; just an u/s and blood draw.  It also doesn't just test for Downs.  It also detects: congenital heart defects, trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Turner's Syndrome and looks for other markers.  Some of those defects allow a baby to go full term but pass within hours of birth; so some people decide to terminate.  Some people opt not to do them b/c there are a fair amount of "false positives".  Meaning you either go onto have a CVS or amnio for no reason..>OR you opt not to do those b/c of the risk of miscarriage or something but spend your whole pregnancy worrying for no reason.  If you KNOW you won't terminate for any reason, and you don't feel you "have" to know if something is 'wrong' then don't do it.  IF you want to be prepared and/or you would terminate depending on how severe the abnormalities/defects are (if discovered), then you may want to consider it.

Do some research on your own, talk it over with your hubby/SO and even with your OB, if you feel the need. GL in your decision...it's a tough one!

elizxu

My DH and I go next Friday. I asked about the test and it's an u/s and some blood work. Less blood will be taken than the first OB appointment. My understanding is that they take a paternal/maternal profile and measurements of the baby to see what the risk factors of some chromosonal disorders may be. I would prefer to have this test than the amnio where they stick the needle in the sac. We are going to start with this one and unless something shows up avoid the more invasive tests. Yes, we will love the baby no matter the outcome, but some plans may change if anything is amiss. Good Luck!

KRISTA555

It's a personal decision that noone here can tell you whether or not to do.

For us, we choose not to because we wouldn't terminate. My lil bro has down's syndrome and I know how hard it is, but that still wouldn't make me terminate.  We also wouldn't terminate for any other abnormalities unless it put my life in peril. 

Just our personal decision.

marinewifebarker

It's just an ultrasound and a little blood drawn...definitely wont hurt the baby...I go and get ours on Monday!   It wont make a diffence for us if he/she has down syndrome, I'm still going through with pregnancy no matter what, so why not take advantage of seeing this sweet little baby!

DrBeepersWife

DH and I are both 31 and since it is our 2nd pregnancy we are opting to do it (NT Scan.)  Not to determine if we would or would not terminate, but to see what the odds were that there would be something wrong.  Could it cause added stress?  Maybe, but it could also help prevent added stress down the line at delivery.  Also, my peri's office includes a complimentary 3d/4d u/s at 27 weeks. 

Every time I start to question finding out or doing any screening I read this birth story:

https://www.kellehampton.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html

Stefanie061408

My husband and I have decided to not do any extra testing that is not necessary. Our opinion is that we will love this baby either way and we didn't want the added stress if something came back as wrong. (I tend to worry about everything). I also had a cousin who's testing came back that her daughter's chances of having down syndrome were very high. Her and her husband had discussed an abortion....they eventually decided against it and her daughter came out absolutely perfect!