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2nd Trimester
Spina Bifida blood test
Ok, ladies, here's the deal. I was supposed to go get my blood taken yesterday (or today - it is a walk in lab) to test for spina bifida. But when I look online about this, it says that there are a lot of false positives or negatives that turn out being positive. In other words, what's the point? I already had the NT Scan done which was optional. But this test didn't seem to be optional - although I read that it is.
I am 37, finally out of my first (scary) trimester and really would like to just enjoy my pregnancy versus getting more blood taken - which happens to be a HUGE phobia of mine. Especially since I don't feel that there would be much I could do about it if the baby DID have it. Not to mention that curing or treating spina bifida wouldn't even happen until after the baby is born.
I am planning on calling my doctor's office but wanted to ask you ladies as well. What's the point? Would you do it or insist it not be done since there isn't much you can do about it? What advice would you offer?
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Re: Spina Bifida blood test
Honestly this isn't a Negative/ Postive test. They are measuring a specific protein which is found in the blood. This protein directly correlates to your gestational age. They then determine a ratio of risk. people maybe Increased AFP but neg SB and vise versa because without looking at the baby your not gonna know.
I would NOT have it done. I had that 16 week bloodwork, but did not understand all it tested for until after the fact. I got a postive screen for DS and my doctor immediately wanted me to have an amnio. I did not get an amnio and I'm not going to worry about this positive that is likely a false positive. I would not end my pregnancy even if I knew for certain my baby had DS. I will love my baby regardless and just hope/pray for a healthy baby.
I will never have this bloodwork again. And if I'd known more, I wouldn't have had it this time either.
My doctor has me do this bloodwork even after I explained I wanted no genetic testing...
Talk it over w/ your SO. If the outcome of the results won?t impact you @ all, don?t put yourself through the blood draw. Just my opinion! GL!
I agree. I think it depends on if you would continue the pregnancy or not. I didn't do any genetic testing, as I would keep the baby regardless. There are a lot of false positives for SP and for DS. If you would like to be prepared more, I guess it could be helpful, but just know that they won't be able to conclusively tell you if it's positive or not. The 20 week U/S will be more telling. Again, it depends on what you would do with the info. you learn. Good luck!
Does your doctor have any reason to believe you are at a high risk for this or did they see something on your ultrasound? My friend's baby has a form of this and I think they found out about it at the 20-week ultrasound, then had to follow up with some other tests.
It's definitely something to find out before the delivery though. She has needed a lot of extra care throughout her pregnancy and she had to deliver via c-section.
I have to respectfully disagree with everyone who says that you should not do the blood work if you know you will continue the pregnancy no matter what.
DH and I would NEVER terminate our pregnancy for Downs or for Spina Bifida or for any of the other things that the blood work screens for; however, we chose to do the bloodwork.
Why?
Because if our odds for having any of the disorders were increased, we would definitely want our doctor and ultrasound tech to know that going into the "big ultrasound" - to make sure any relevant soft markers were carefully scrutinized.
And because, if there is something wrong with our LO, we want the right team of doctors and specialists in place to ensure the safest possible delivery to give him/her the best possible start in life. We also would like to be prepared for a litany of other issues that come along with caring for a special needs child.
I certainly understand and respect people who do not do the bloodwork, but choosing to do the bloodwork does NOT mean by default that you would consider terminiating your pregnancy.
I agree with this. Forewarned is forearmed. I don't want to have to devote time after the baby is born to reading up and learning about a specific birth defect. I would want to make sure my baby is getting the care it needs from minute 1.
They can sometimes treat/cure SB while still in utero. It's good to know to be well prepared for the delivery too.
I will suggest you discuss with your Dr and s/o and get as much information before deciding if you will take this test or not.
I did take this test with my last pregnancy and the test was what helped my drs diagnose me early on (18 weeks) as carrying a baby with anencephaly (the worst kind of NTD and not compatible with life). As much as my situation is very rare I did appreciate being given the opportunity to know early.
Again I will say talk to a Medical Professional and make sure you understand what these tests are for before making a decision to forgo it.