Anyone else forced to see genetic counselor?

JenWhite123 · August 2010

MY OB is basically forcing me to see a genetic counselor. B/C I will be 37 when I deliver, I am AMA and my OB won't do my 2nd u/s. They are forcing me to see a genetic counselor for a consult and then again for the 2nd u/s. I am NOT happy about this.

We are going to keep the baby regardless and don't want to stress prior to birth about any potential issues w/ our baby.

I am even considering finding a new OB - although I wonder if all OB's are forcing their patients to see a genetic counselor.

Anyone have any experience in this area?

Daisiesinmygarden · August 2010

No. We chose to see a MFM doctor and the genetic councelor came in at that time and spoke to us and called us with our results. My OB didn't push us in either direction, just made it available at the appropriate time.

carladillon · August 2010

I wouldn't say we were "forced", but we were referred to a perinatologist for some screening, including the level 2 anatomy scan (the regular ob's equipment is not as detailed). We declined the NT scan, but did have the genetic counseling as part of the level 2 u/s. Have you shared your concerns with your OB?

stever · August 2010

Sounds pretty typical. We saw a genetics counselor when we had the NT scan, then we moved and had to see another genetics counselor attached to our current OB.

It's nothing to get upset about as it's really not a big deal. Jut don't do it if you're really that bothered.

KD288 · August 2010

I was not forced nor was it even suggested that we see one. I was 36. Now not sure if that because I had every test under the sun when going through IF bur irregardless. If it was me I would seek a 2nd opinion. Only because no one should be forced into anything they don't want. Case in point a friend of mine recently was 20 weeks pg and was told the baby had some (can't remember exactly what the name was) illness and would not survive very long outside the womb. Anyway they convinced/forced her to terminate the pg. They did. Turns out the lab was wrong. The baby had no major issues. Moral of the story do want you feel is best for you and DH and if that means new OB so be it. He'll if I listened to my first, even 2nd dr I would have given up TTC a long time ago! Go with your heart.

Puckchick07 · September 2010

It was never suggested to me to see a genetic counselor. I was 36 when pregnant, 37 when I delivered my daughter. .

rsd12 · September 2010

I was happy to meet with the maternal specialist again - I was two weeks shy of turning 36 - but I was referred because our 1st was born with a birth defect, but also age was a factor - (& I also went with my 2nd). There ultrasound equipment was much better than the one at my doctors lab.

Personally, I feel blessed that we had time to plan for our childs birth & that the specialists were available for him when he was born & that they kept an eye on him while in utero.

We also had a major scare with our 2nd after he was born because I felt that I did not need the AFP blood work because age was not a factor. Wow, that is so much scarier than having the blood work done during the pregnancy. We thought he might have spine issues.

I guess I don't understand the whole not stressing during a pregnancy thing... this is your child - don't you want to be prepared for his/her birth?

I know this can be stressfull & overwhelming - but that is what being a parent is - but so rewarding!

leffe1 · September 2010

I was not forced or referred to anyone. I also declined the NT scan for our own personal reasons. We had the level 2 and found there were no problems. I was also 37 when I delivered. I would not feel comfortable with that practice and would probably seek another OB.

rsd12 · September 2010

Just want to add that with my 2nd & 3rd pregnancies I never went through with anything that was invasive, we did things based on results, so the NT scan looked good, blood work looked good, level II 18 wk u/s looked good - no need for invasive testing like an amnio.

vanverth · September 2010

I was 40 when Michael was born, had a high AFP and never saw a genetic counselor. It was not even suggested. In reality, a doctor can not force you to receive any services that you do not want to. They can refuse to treat you if you do not follow their recommendations, however. I would need more reason for the genetic counselor besides "you are over 35 and I said so." Would he send you if you were 34 years and 6 months, 34 years and 11 months? Is there a pop-out thermometer that pops out on women when we are 35 that indicates that we are "done."

YaraC · September 2010

Nobody can force you to do anything. If you feel like you are being strong armed into doing things you don't want to, find a new OB who is more to your liking.

That being said, it is not uncommon to be referred to a perinatologist for anything more than very basic ultrasounds. I know that in my OB's practice everyone goes to the MFM for the level 2 u/s's regardless of age.

pahokie · September 2010

We were not forced to see a genetic counselor. Do you have a family history that might be causing the OB some concern, or did they say is was strictly because of your age? If you like this doc otherwise, can you come to an agreement that if anything potentially problematic shows up on any of the testing you will then meet with the genetic counselor?

We were referred to an imaging center for the 20 week u/s, but from what I understand that is fairly typical. That u/s is actually an anatomy scan used to gauge development of the baby's systems, so the equipment in most OB's offices is not specialized enough to detect the level of detail required.

peeper72 · September 2010

We were aggressive about prenatal testing - our choice - so, no, we weren't "forced". FWIW, a medical professional legally can't force you to do anything - as long as you are conscious, you have the right to request or deny anything you like.

dianah36 · September 2010

Puckchick07:
It was never suggested to me to see a genetic counselor. I was 36 when pregnant, 37 when I delivered my daughter. .

This. You should NEVER be forced to do anything you don't want to do.

fiazo · September 2010

I was 40 so it was recommended to me. We did it. They pretty much just gave us a questionaire prior to that & based on that as well as NT results they tell you what risks are. Based on our results we decided against doing an amnio as they were pretty good numbers.

mtnrider · September 2010

peeper72:
We were aggressive about prenatal testing - our choice - so, no, we weren't "forced". FWIW, a medical professional legally can't force you to do anything - as long as you are conscious, you have the right to request or deny anything you like.

This was us too. I requested a referral to a perinatal specialist even before my OB had the chance to mention it. I had an amnio and was able to put my mind at ease for the rest of the pregnancy. But it should be your decision, did you try telling your OB no? If so, what did he say? My OB was really open to suggestions all the way through the pregnancy including the day I delivered (he wanted to induce me but I told him to do a c-section due to the risk of failure). Are there other OBs in the practice you go to? Maybe they would be more open to honoring your wishes?

RaeAnt · September 2010

The only thing my ob/gyn did was label me AMA on my chart. She offered the testing which we declined. She said that unless i had health issues or there had been issues in my family or his, there really wasn't a need for it. They do several routine U/s through so unless something showed up odd, she wouldn't push it. it was more for my piece of mind than anything. Oh, i was 36 at the time.

Anyone else forced to see genetic counselor?

Re: Anyone else forced to see genetic counselor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards