- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
2nd Trimester
Mental Retardation/Spina Bifida Testing
Tomm. I have my OB appt. and the Dr. asked me to think about having the blood test for this done (don't remember the name). I'm not by any means in tune with the medical community but I've heard from others that this test gives false positives. It's also my understanding that if the baby would actually be positive for either of these, there isn't much that can be done, if anything, about either one. Is this correct? Dr. told me about 60% of her patients choose to take the test. What's everyone else's views on this?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Mental Retardation/Spina Bifida Testing
This is off topic, but is your name Alissa, spelled that way? Because that's my name too, spelled that way.
It's rare that you see that spelled the way ours is
I had the AFP tetra screening which tests for all sorts of chromosomal defects(trisonomy) and spina bifida. Its a blood test given around 16 weeks. I'm not sure about positive or negative all it does is give you a ratio. For example, I'm 29 and a woman my age has a 1 in 700 chance of having a child with downs (so I was told). The results should come back the same or higher. Mine came back as 1 in 5896. edit::: So my results show that there is a good chance the baby does not have chromosomal issues but it is not guaranteed. I just have a good chance of the baby being negative for downs.
My suggestion is TAKE IT. No harm in seeing the ratios. They will only draw out blood for this screening. If for some reason your results come back unfavorable, you can then choose to do an amnio (optional)
I had the tests. They were helpful, in that I was given more information to make better decisions about the future of the baby's health. If something comes back high, then the anmio will confirm or deny any complications.
I had complications early on, and I wanted to know if the baby was healthy. Its just another reassuring test IMO.
Where did you find out the odds for your age? Any websites we can go to??
https://www.pregnancy-info.net/chromosomal_downsyndrome.html
This shows the odds for down syndrome
The ratio was given to me by my doctor. Sorry! If you get this test, they will give the ratios for each age. You just have to request it. However, I'm sure you can find something on google with the same stats.
There are no false positives or negatives in the blood tests. You get odds.
The only way to get absolute/diagnostic answers is from a CVS (which does not test for SB) at 10-13 weeks or an Amnio later on.
The blood test are completely non-invasive. If you want some reassurance and don't think that your risks are high then go for it. You can then decide based on your odds if you want a certain diagnosis from a more invasive test.
The nice thing about taking tests like this is that if they come back that you are at a higher than average risk, there is an opportunity for more testing, like an Amnio to confirm.
We just had our NT scan on Friday which combines b/w and an u/s scan to tell you your risk of downs and trisomy 13 & 18. I'm so glad we did. I just feel so great knowing that are risks are pretty low.
Actually my Dr. advised me that there is a very high, false positive rate, and actually told me not to bother based on my NT results. ?He said it would most likely just add confusion.
?
I had both first and second trimester screening done. I screened postive for both and we had an amnio at 17 weeks and our DD does have Down Syndrome. These tests do have a false postive rate and if they aren't done with other tests, meaning 1st trimester screening they aren't as accurate. My 2nd trimester screening I did was the quad screen. My age is 30 and my odds for DS should have been 1:779 I think or close to it, and my odds were 1:45 for the quad and the 1st trimester screening gave me 1:5 odds.
Having gone through this myself and doing so much research on it, I wouldn't do the test if you are a worrier. I say this b/c you can get great results and still have a baby born with special needs and you can get bad results and your baby be born a "typical" baby. It is just a screening that will give you the odds, but its not diagnostic. Saying that, I am glad I did the tests this time around b/c we are prepared now for the outcome. We can be at a great hospital that is equipped to deal with any health issues that might arrise and we can mentally prepare ourselves for having a special needs child.
Good luck whatever you decide!
I've heard that there can be complications with a vaginal delivery if your child has Spina Bifida, so having the test will let you know if you should have a c-section for the health of the baby.?
My rule is, if insurance covers it, count me in.?