Sequential Testing - Yay, or nay?

cocojack10 · April 2010

Did you do the sequential testing?

If termination of pg wasn't an option, and test performed anyway, what was your reasoning?

Dh and I are unsure. For us, terminating the pg based on the results isn't an option. And we expressed this to the doctor... and his opinion was to skip the test, especially that we'll be having so many u/s anyway. Just wanted to see everyone's thoughts/comments.

THANKS!

mrsjessnjorge · April 2010

We did it for the main purpose of the ultrasounds. We got tons of pictures and videotapes of the baby swiming around in there. Awesome!

MrsLeanna · April 2010

yes. Though terminating was an option for us. There are things that can be found out that are more than just birth defects, there can be issues that can affect viability. It's not just down's that they look for. Personally, I would want to know and have as much information as possible.

For a lot of us, it's a bonus to get another u/s but I'm sure you get lots of those anyway

cocojack10 · April 2010

MrsLeanna:
yes. Though terminating was an option for us. There are things that can be found out that are more than just birth defects, there can be issues that can affect viability. It's not just down's that they look for. Personally, I would want to know and have as much information as possible.
For a lot of us, it's a bonus to get another u/s but I'm sure you get lots of those anyway

Knowing is half the battle, right? I was thinking to do it just for peace of mind... or if God forbid something is wrong, we can begin preparing mentally and emotionally. That is why we are up in the air about the test.

And yes, it appears that we'll be getting an u/s at each appt! Had another one yesterday and it was awesome!

MrsJOSEnADRI · April 2010

I was undecided about doing these tests. We were going to skip them. But, after the vanishing twin and the bleeding/spotting, I decided to at least do this screening to be prepared if our baby has special needs and I really just wanted to get another ultrasound to make sure everything was okay after the spotting. Our insurance covers it and we did get to see the baby again and hear the heartbeat. That was all worth it! The other screenings and genetic testing, we're not going to do. The onlly thing left of the screening is another blood test and ultrasound next month.

southmiamiwifejen · April 2010

MrsJessNJorge:
We did it for the main purpose of the ultrasounds. We got tons of pictures and videotapes of the baby swiming around in there. Awesome!

This! I didn't think too much about the possibility of there being something wrong. We talked about it a little bit and terminating was always an option for us if something truly severe had been detected. In the case of a more mild abnormality, like downs, we would have never considering termination, but I would have wanted to know about it and to properly prepare myself for that reality before the baby was born. That's not something I would have wanted to be surprised with at delivery.

Gator09 · April 2010

I am a big believer in these tests. We did have a problem and as you know did choose termination, however had it not been as serious a problem they could have been prepared to do surgery on the baby once it was born. Obviously it is hard to be prepared with anything considering birth but if I had the choice to know if my kid may need surgery once it is out at least you have a little heads up. That was also the case with my friend who found out her child had some liver problems and club feet. She was able to prepare for what would come after birth.

MellyMelB · April 2010

We did the testing by blood test only the first time around, with Sophie, and I did not want to. DH talked me into it. My mindset was that termination was not an option for us so why find out? He said that it was best to be prepared that there was something wrong so that we could mentally, emotionally, and financially prepare. So we did the test - and thank goodness everything was Ok.

This time around we did it again but it was called sequential testing and we got a few ultrasounds in addition to the blood test - this time it was actually two blood tests. One at 12 weeks and one at 15 weeks. Same result this time around - everything was OK.

EliStar · April 2010

I think it's important to be able to prepare beforehand if something turns out to be wrong - I would want to know if I was going to have to be financially and emotionally prepared for a special needs child as early as possible. It wouldn't make a difference, but at least you'd know.

TayLynn · April 2010

We did the sequential screening (bloodwork @ 12 wks, NT scan, bloodwork @ 16 wks) for the reassurance that the baby was okay. After the miscarriages, I needed that reassurance. The way that I understood the sequential screening is that it has the lowest false positive rate of the other genetic screenings. I didn't want to be scared into having an amnio.

We would not have terminated the pregnancy. But if there indications of genetic problems, we would have followed the baby closely with more Level II u/s. We would have also followed up with specialists to get a better understanding of what to expect at birth and beyond. For example a cardiologist could have explained what kind of problems if any a heart defect would have, and if surgery would have been in the baby's future.

I like to be prepared with information. I think if there was a problem, then it would benefit me to understand exactly what we were dealing with prior to birth when emotions are so intense.

Jackie, is the squential screening bloodwork reliable with multiples? I know the AFP test can be affected with multiples. But maybe that is something they adjust for?

cocojack10 · April 2010

TayLynn:

Jackie, is the squential screening bloodwork reliable with multiples? I know the AFP test can be affected with multiples. But maybe that is something they adjust for?

Doctor didn't give me any indication either way... but I'm not sure.

britishbride05 · April 2010

Termination wasn't an option for us, either. We opted to take the tests because, god forbid, something did happen to the baby, we wanted to be prepared.

My BFF, the one I posted about awhile ago, decided against the sequential testing... and the baby will now be considered "special needs" and they have to test her for down's syndrom and other genetic things that would've been flagged during the testing. they would'v ebeen able to plan accordingly- or at least as much as they could- and save money.

StephE623 · April 2010

We did. I jumped at whatever chance I got to see the baby again. Either way, I would have wanted to know if there was something wrong.

RNjack · April 2010

This was a very touchy subject for me and DH. We ended up doing it just for the fact that we would get to see the bay and get video and pictures at the same time. though I specifically told the tech & doc that I didnt really care about the results as termination wasn't an option for us...UNLESS, it was something incompatible with life. I have seen this many times where the baby is born with some weird genetic disorder, some trisomy, and is incompatible with life. the baby is born alive but only lives a few hours. I NEVER would want to see my child suffer like that, they can't eat, can barely breathe, dont move. It really is a sad, sad case and if there was an instance where my child would have that I would probably choose to terminate then and there. But ditto what other people...if they do find something you can better prepare for the baby and his/her special needs.

-j

RoseWhite · April 2010

We did it...basically because we wanted to know...but terminating wasn't an option either.

Word of caution though, these tests give wonky results for twins. After doing lots of research on this I decided to go ahead and do them...but I knew that the blood part of the results was NOT going to be as meaningful to us as they are for singletons. For us, the main indicators were the results form the actual ultrasounds (measurement of the neck fold, nose markings, etc).

You can ask on the multiples board...I would say in the multiples community is kind of half and half. Some don't do it because of the results not being accurate for multiples...and some (like me) do it anyway.

Good luck!

Albah · April 2010

SouthMiamiWifeJen:

MrsJessNJorge:
We did it for the main purpose of the ultrasounds. We got tons of pictures and videotapes of the baby swiming around in there. Awesome!

This! I didn't think too much about the possibility of there being something wrong. We talked about it a little bit and terminating was always an option for us if something truly severe had been detected. In the case of a more mild abnormality, like downs, we would have never considering termination, but I would have wanted to know about it and to properly prepare myself for that reality before the baby was born. That's not something I would have wanted to be surprised with at delivery.

This was exactly the case for us!

VandRicky · April 2010

I didn't read any replies, just letting you know what we chose to do.

Termination was never an option for us but we did go ahead with all the testing. (nothing invasive like amnio or anything though) because we wanted to know if something was wrong so that we could prepare for it.

ReiszsPieces · April 2010

We skipped all genetic and voluntary testing. Termination was NEVER an option, so we didn't see the point of extra stress and cash.

melly&jimmy · April 2010

We did the testing with our first two children but chose to skip with the last pregnancy. I didn't want to spend the money or time having it done.

Snshine · April 2010

I did it with Kate, it wasn't around when I had Noah. It gave me peace of mind but would have allowed us to prepare for any special circumstances we may have faced. Why would you not want to do the testing?

cocojack10 · April 2010

Snshine:
Why would you not want to do the testing?

Well, since we wouldn't want to terminate, why even bother w/ the test. OB actually had the same thoughts on the issue. However, he'd be more than welcome to perform it if we decide on that route.

Dh initially was of the opinion "no" testing needed since term. not an option... but then thinking about it, it is good to have the peace of mind that babies are healthy ::knock on wood::

Mari0221 · April 2010

Jackie..Sorry for butting in but with a former twin pregnancy and now mommy I decided to do the testing for piece of mind. Like in the previous posts I to wanted to "prepare" in case there was going to be some time of issue. Like you termination was never an option for me and my hubby. I did the blood work and in the second testing got "bad news" saying my levels for spinal bifidia were high. I'm not sure what they call the hormones. I completely blocked it out. They do take into account that there are multiples and adjust the results accordingly. Needless to say as a multiple pregnancy they monitored the crap out of me and followed to see if anything developed. Thank GOD nothing was found and my girls were born healthy.Just remember I've heard of a ton of false positives like in my case. I suggest you do it in case you want to rule anything out. Since you are being monitored more than a singleton pregnacy you'll have more piece of mind! HTH!! BTW I remember as a nestie you wanting to have a family!! Congrats, you are in the for the ride of your life!!

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