Don't think I want all those tests...how about you?

breachwaybaby · March 2011

I'm 35, 36 at the end of the month, pregnant with my first. My midwife has talked about all these extensive tests available to women, esp. for those of us over 35...I don't think I want them. Is there anyone else out there that feels the same? Am a wrong for not getting them? Just don't know if I want the worry that goes along with some of them. I'm hoping there is someone else who has been thru a pregnancy at 35 or older that didn't get the Downs testing and Amnio...things turn out just fine right?

kikijbunny · March 2011

Hi there! We actually just had a couple of discussions around the testing topic in the last few days, with many of us chiming in on how we handled the "to test or not to test" question. See the links below:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/49872832.aspx

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/49967455.aspx

Welcome to the board, and congrats!

stever · March 2011

kikijbunny:
Hi there! We actually just had a couple of discussions around the testing topic in the last few days, with many of us chiming in on how we handled the "to test or not to test" question. See the links below:
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/49872832.aspx
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/49967455.aspx
Welcome to the board, and congrats!

What Kiki said. It's very well-covered territory and often gets people riled up. That said, I am of the "knowledge is power" mindset but wish you luck if you choose to forgo any testing.

Peppernut · March 2011

Chances are, everything is just fine. You might want to indulge in the 20-week ultrasound, 'cause that one's fun and it's not like you have to wait for answers.

We tested, because I am the "need to know" type. Everything is optional, though.

Welcome, and good luck!

BarefootContess · March 2011

This will be my fourth baby, all born after I was 35, and I decline all testing -- except for the detailed anatomy scan. There is a lot to be gleaned from that scan and about the pregnancy in general (placenta location, for example). My OB has never given me a hassle about it.

dianah36 · March 2011

Peppernut:

Chances are, everything is just fine. You might want to indulge in the 20-week ultrasound, 'cause that one's fun and it's not like you have to wait for answers.

We tested, because I am the "need to know" type. Everything is optional, though.

Welcome, and good luck!

This!

ciarhwyfar · March 2011

I have no trouble with blood and ultrasounds. I have no interest in invasive testing.

mcwhittaker · March 2011

It's your pregnancy... and you won't find many ladies on the 35 + forum that are going to judge you for doing what you feel is right for you.

We all did what was right for each of us individually.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

nmh2001 · March 2011

I really like the nuchal scan but that's probably because both times I had it I got a really low risk for downs so it gave me the confidence not to do an amnio which I was terrified of. I don't see any harm in getting the nuchal test done since it's just an ultrasound and blood test. I was one of the people who posted earlier this week about whether or not to do an amnio and in the end I decided not to do it because this test gave me the confidence that my risk for downs is low.

gracie076 · March 2011

My husband and I decided just to do the blood tests but not the amnio. Good luck to you!

eli_and_jeff · March 2011

I'm 36 and I've decided to do the NT scan but that's it. It's non-evasive (just a blood test and an ultrasound at 11 weeks and 75% accurate). After crunching the numbers, I realized I'd have a hire chance of having a miscarriage from the invasive tests (Amnio, etc) than I do of having a child with a birth defect. But I've had two miscarriages in the last year, so that's a much more real fear for me than the 1 in 385 chance of having a child with a birth defect.

I'd really recommend speaking to your midwife and finding out what she recommends. My doctor was able to give me all the raw data. and it really put things into perspective for me. While he didn't make any recommendations, he was able to give me enough information to make an informed decision.

DixieTN · March 2011

I'm 39 and I agree. After much research, we've decided to decline the extensive testing as well. No need for more undue worrying. They aren't that accurate and have many false positives. We are having the NT Scan as it's included in our 12week US as protocol. Have decided against the CVS and Quad Screen. Not interested in the amnio, unless they can convince me we are in dire straits and danger if we don't have it. And I find that unlikely. I have a couple of friends who both tested highly probable (I love that, probable) for downs. One chose to terminate. The other continued and had a healthy baby boy with no issues. It's certainly a personal choice. I was all gung ho testing til I did some more research. I would like to opt for the detailed US later though if offered.

pregaftertubal · March 2011

OMG Dixie, that would have been so hard (your friend that terminated)! God bless them!

To OP, you ultimately have the final say! If your dr. is REALLY pushing you to get the tests done I would seriously consider changing docs! My DH and I decided to not test with any of our 4 kids and I just had a baby at 39 (didn't test for her either). I had the regular sono at 18 weeks but that was it. Also, my dr. did NOT recommend getting the blood test for markers done (can't remember what it's called) because she said at our "age" those tests always come back positive. Regardless if its false or not. So I would ask about that also!

Good luck to you and stick to your guns, whatever you choose!

pregaftertubal · March 2011

Oh and bytheway, she is healthy and wonderful!

mcwhittaker · March 2011

I have to say that i'm surprised that anyone would terminate without doing an amnio since the results are 99.9% conclusive.

Perhaps the story was a little misinterpreted?

Regardless of termination or not.. it's best to at least be armed with the knowledge so there are no surprises and the doctors have what they need on hand in the delivery room in the event of a problem.

I think many people when making the decision to test or not, don't think of that aspect of the puzzle.

You are not a bad person if you don't want to test... but it may not be in the best interest of you or your baby when the time comes to deliver. Consider all aspects of the decision before simply saying "it won't change anything". That is not a fact, it will change how the doctor prepares for your giving birth if they're armed with the knowledge of potential complications.

jenn&chris2 · March 2011

HI & I actually had my first appt yesterday & I just turned 36 & my doc recommended Integrated Screen to test for Downs, Tri18 & NTD & I read the phamplet they gave me & did some research b/c I didn't want to do the Amnio & all this test does is an u/s & blood work in the 1st Tri & then more blood work in 2nd. I figured there is no risk to the baby nor I so I'm going to do it. My u/s is scheduled for 3/25.

So if you have to get something I'd see if you can look into this screening if you can.

Vixter25 · March 2011

I am 42 and pregnant with my 3rd. I have been so beat up by doctors telling me how old I am. I am seriously in better shape now than ever. Anyway, I did the blood test and was told it would be positive because of my age but our specialist said that is not true. My results came back as low risk therefore, I did not do an amnio which scares the heck out of me. You have to make the right decision for you and your family. Hope all goes well!

oliverncherie · March 2011

I'm 36 and I chose to decline all tests except for the 20 week ultrasound. I actually ended up having to go to a perinatalogist because of fibroid issues, and they went through about an hour of genetic counseling. They asked about family history, so perhaps consider your family's history of genetic problems if any, and make your decision from there?

jenn&chris2 · March 2011

Again, Like others I believe it's your decision & what you want. GL

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