Chromosome testing, anyone not do it?

sloturtle · December 2012

I went to my 10 week appt yesterday and also had an u/s. Baby seems to be doing well and had a heart beat of 165 (and moving about like crazy). The Dr. also brought up Chromosome testing (NT screening and MaterniT21).

I haven't decided to do these test or not. I need to look at what the insurance covers (or not), already come across some surprises. I also need to speak with DH to get his thoughts. I am leaning toward not doing it. I feel it could stress me out and I found out last pregnancy being stressed doesn't make for a great pregnancy.

Anyone else chosen not to have the testing done? Dr. didn't seem overly concerned about me having it or not.

Also, anyone else offered a Cerebral Palsy testing? All these tests are new to me.

LucyP2013 · December 2012

So actually NT scan and MaterniT21 are very non-invasive tests - NT scan measures a little pocket of fluid on the back of baby's neck between 11 and 14 weeks. What you are looking for is a measurement of less than 3mm - more than that can indicate baby might (key word: might) have a trisomy. It can't give you definitive results - can just let you know higher or lower risk. I've heard great things about materniT21 - high accuracy - simple blood test for mom - lets you know if baby has a trisomy. I definitely would have opted for materniT21 but it's not a good option for me as I had a triplet that didn't make it past 6.5 weeks - if that triplet had a trisomy - it could still show up indicating a positive test - even if both of my twins are totally fine. We have been struggling with doing more invasive CVS testing - REALLY struggling - but are leaning away from doing it (our window closes at the end of next week.) My NT scans for both twins came in at 1.1mm - a very good result. We are waiting on first trimester bloodwork results (which will be also be less accurate with twins but we opted to go ahead and have the test.) GL to you whatever you decide!

danieleandwayne · December 2012

I wasn't going to do any testing and was going to rely on the 20 week U/S only. But then my mom really wanted me to get tested for DS (she is a PITA at times) and offered to pay for it when I said it wasn't important to me to get it done sooner than the 20 week U/S and have to pay for it (my insurance doesn't cover genetic testing), since I wouldn't abort if it was positive.

So, since she was paying for the test, I got the MaterniT21. But otherwise, I would have waited for the 20 week U/S, which will be covered by my insurance.

soaringflutes · December 2012

I had it done (and my baby is fine). I chose to do the tests because the results could have affected how I'm being treated in my pregnancy.

bunches916 · December 2012

With my first pregnancy, I did all the tests and my NT scan showed that I had a high probability of having the DD with abnormalities. It stressed me out during that entire pregnancy. Up to the point where DD was in my arms and I was still looking for any abnormalities in her. But she turned out to be a beautiful and healthy baby girl. With that said, DH and I made a personal decision not do any testing for this pregnancy. I still have a slight fear for my baby's health, but I still love this baby all the same. Good luck in your decision.

sloturtle · December 2012

Thank You ladies for your advice! I have the weekend to think about the testing. Hope you all have a H & H 9 months

mbw410 · December 2012

I opted not to have any of the testing done.

sloturtle · December 2012

After talking with DH last night, we have both decided not to do the testing. We both feel a child is a gift and we are going to accept what we are given.

1220winterbride · December 2012

jrtmom:
Prior to my loss I wasn't going to do any testing other than the NT scan. I lost the baby at 9 weeks (discovered before the NT scan at 12 weeks) and opted to have genetic testing done on the fetus. I learned I lost the baby because of a chromosomal abnormality. Now, I will be choosing to have as much non-invasive testing done as possible so that I am prepared ahead of time. I would not choose to terminate unless the testing came back 100% for something absolutely horrible and painful for the baby. My only reason for the testing is because I am over 35, have had a loss due to a chromosomal abnormality, and I want to be as prepared as possible so that I know and fully understand any potential special needs my baby might need.

I totally respect you choice and decision. But i will have all non invasive testing bc i would want to deal with and prepare before delivery.

Mrs.CJ · December 2012

pavlovcat:
I haven't gotten any testing. 1) We would never terminate the pregnancy regardless of the results, 2) If the tests showed increased risk of baby having a genetic disorder it would just stress me out completely and possibly for no reason.

I think if there were 100% accurate, non-invasive tests out there, I'd probably have had them done just so I could be prepared mentally if something was wrong.

My husband are in the same boat. We would not terminate the pregnancy so it's hard to say if it's worth doing for us.

CJ

amnesiacaj · December 2012

We're not getting any extra tests done. I hadn't even considered how they would be paid for (insurance or not) until reading the other posts.

Primary reason for not doing the genetic tests is that we wouldn't terminate, and anything that is horribly wrong would become evident as we went along (through miscarriage or u/s). My cousin had a baby that was born with physical abnormalities (part of her insides were on her outsides) and there was nothing that could have been done at any point before birth to make it any better. They had several hours to enjoy their little girl and say goodbye. They knew something was wrong (via ultrasound) so it wasn't such a shock.

We'll know what we need to when we need to. No need to borrow trouble, or stress about what we can't control.

Of course, that is what works for us, and Moms need to do what they need to do. Good Luck!

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