All these extra tests

chaysefaith · November 2013

I KNOW this has been asked before but can't find it now.

Why is everyone getting all these extra tests done? NT scan, that MaterniT scan, I know there's others. I'm seeing all sorts of FTM getting them done? I'm on baby number 3 with doctor number 3 and have never had all this extra stuff done or offered?

hjl050308 · November 2013

I had the Harmony done because I'm AMA.

aesimp · November 2013

I personally think my doctor/hospital sort of wants to make some extra money while providing all the options available to patients. Everything says I should be low risk: I'm 27, no history of genetic issues, etc. but was offered a $250 OSCAR scan (NT + blood) and a $1400 Harmony Test. I tried to convince my husband that these were mostly unnecessary but he argued that since my doctor mentioned it we should consider it. We're doing the OSCAR and not the Harmony.

(I'm international so the way my insurance works is I check if stuff is covered and basically everything is and then I pay and am reimbursed up to a certain total amount. Makes it tough to budget when I have no idea what things could come up.)

tbmadeamistake · November 2013

We were offered down's testing and cycstic fibrosis testing. I can't remember why we said no to the CF test last time, but because we weren't worried last time, I didn't get it this time either. The NT scan we got last time so we'd be prepared if anything was wrong. Same reason this time around. It's standard practice to offer those in my practice (there are other options for the NT scan, but having researched last time it was my best option). I think some doc's are different. I wasn't offered the matern-whatever test, I think that's an elective test for early sex detection.

elsa1688 · November 2013

I was offered cell free DNA testing (generic name for Harmony, maternti21, etc). The tests are new, only about 2 years old. We decided to do it because of a family history of downs. The test also happen to tell sex early, but that is not the primary use. With the bloodwork, they recommend an nt scan also.

LegalLadyBug · November 2013

I only had a blood test done with DD and the probability came back so low we skipped everything else. I did blood work this time again and an NT scan at the same time because my OB said its standard for their office with twin pregnancies.

LegalLadyBug · November 2013

Not sure the name of the blood test...I was never told with DD that it said she was one gender or the other. They pricked my finger and put blood on like 4 circles on a piece of paper to send away somewhere.

mrsgyaray · November 2013

What is the harmony test? I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible. It's so hard to know which ones to agree to.

Cherylwang · November 2013

My doctor briefly told me about the genetic test for downs and suggested to not do it. He asked me would you abort a baby w downs. I said no. He said than dont stress yourself out.

Cherylwang · November 2013

^^ oh and this is my third pregnancy also. I've never done the extra testing

mrsgyaray · November 2013

SNLT1012 said:

I KNOW this has been asked before but can't find it now. Why is everyone getting all these extra tests done? NT scan, that MaterniT scan, I know there's others. I'm seeing all sorts of FTM getting them done? I'm on baby number 3 with doctor number 3 and have never had all this extra stuff done or offered?

I'm FTM and I got a whole packet on just testing! Personally, I feel like they're really pushing it. It's confusing, and I don't feel like there is a lot of education that accompanies it. The language in the packet I got is also scary to make you feel like you have to do it. It's very confusing. My mom kept saying that she didn't think all these were necessary, and I'm really conflicted on which ones to go through with.

StacyH0507 · November 2013

I am pregnant with twins and the only test I was offered was the one for cystic fibrosis, I asked about the NT scan and they told me it was not needed because of my age.

JulieSmiles · November 2013

My doctor talked to me about the NT scan and bloodwork, but didn't make a big deal out of them. We would have had to pay a large amount since we haven't met our deductible so I decided not to have them done.

chaysefaith · November 2013

StacyH0507 said:
I am pregnant with twins and the only test I was offered was the one for cystic fibrosis, I asked about the NT scan and they told me it was not needed because of my age.

This was what I thought, I even looked it up at work to see what the company I work for covers. It confirmed what I thought, that to be eligible you have to be a certain age or have family/personal history. Which is why I don't understand everyone else being offered these! I'm mostly just jealous about all the bonus ultrasounds everyone is getting!

ETA: I understand why PGAL mommies are getting the additional scans and tests. I just don't understand why some who have no risk factors are getting them.

Carriebear22 · November 2013

My doctor said since I'm low risk not to worry about it. She said that she has never had a baby with abnormalities like what they are looking for have a normal 20 week scan, and we could deal with it then.

MissBHaven1024 · November 2013

I've just always gotten the NT scan done, mostly for informational purposes, and not because I have a predisposed risk to anything. I had my NT scan done today, and for the first time, it came back with a slightly increased marker for Down's. It has been recommended to us to do further blood work to provide us with more definitive answers. Being 28, healthy, and with no family history of any illness, I was not at all expecting to hear this news.

alicatand · November 2013

I think it varies by doctor. The NT scan is standard practice at my clinic. The Maternit21 is only offered if there is something that indicates a heightened risk.

curlylocks3 · November 2013

Family history of Down's syndrome.

dragonfly711 · November 2013

I am AMA will be 40 soon. Plus history of Downs on hubby's side. We are doing NT scan probably bloodwork and genetic counseling the day of NT scan. I have all this next week.

flerlgirl · November 2013

We did the NT because of a history of Down Syndrome in my family, as well as to check cord flow and the placenta since that was the issue last time. We're not doing any further testing unless something comes up from the NT.

lest12 · November 2013

I'm 32 and have no reason to be considered high risk, but we are getting the screening for DS and I believe CF, as well as some other stuff.

We didn't have a choice. It's standard practice at my Dr's office, they said.

dragonfly711 · November 2013

Make sure if you decide to do any genetic testing. Check with your insurance. Not all insurances will cover the extra testing.

kittenslove · November 2013

I asked for them. My doctor provides information, but I cut her off with "yes". We have a family history of genetic disorders, I want to know if it is something I need to worry about (hence genetic testing). It turns out I am a carrier of the mutation CF gene, and my husband needs to get tested now, although this as not on my list of worries. I am now considered high risk due to complications during this past week, and my doctor is sending me for a NT scan next week not just for baby complications, but to have the high risk doctor look to make sure everything is okay around the baby too (the HR doc does the scans for SCH). I wanted the harmony test, but my hospitals policy is that only those 35+ get it. My doctor and I have discussed going to a different practice to have it done, as I would prefer to not have the CSV or Amniocentesis, but will discuss after Fridays appointment with HR doctor.

babyt614 · November 2013

I opted out of NT/genetic counseling/etc. but was told that legally they HAD to test for CF. which I thought was strange but what can you do?

b48kate · November 2013

Another AMA here...standard practice to get the whole non-invasive work up.

MrsRage · November 2013

We were offered the NT scan, didn't have to do it, but DH felt very strongly about it. I think it's a good idea to be informed as well. It's the same reason we had the Jewish genetic testing done before trying for a baby - I want to know ahead of time what our risks and options are.

StacyH0507 · November 2013

SNLT1012 said:
This was what I thought, I even looked it up at work to see what the company I work for covers. It confirmed what I thought, that to be eligible you have to be a certain age or have family/personal history. Which is why I don't understand everyone else being offered these! I'm mostly just jealous about all the bonus ultrasounds everyone is getting! ETA: I understand why PGAL mommies are getting the additional scans and tests. I just don't understand why some who have no risk factors are getting them.

I thought at first because we went through infertility we would get something, but nope. I was a little disappointed at first because I just want to make sure everything is fine but our doctor reassured us that if he thought something was wrong he would have made sure to do further testing.

Luna C · November 2013

Personally, because I'm 40, Dude is 47 and I also have a small, but slightly elevated risk of Tay Sachs and we want to make sure everything is Ok. But even if I was 27 and didn't have the same ethnic background, I'd still get every non-invasive test available.

I don't understand why someone would turn down the chance to get more information.

Kinipela7 · November 2013

I got it done because it's covered my by insurance so why not? Does it really matter what other people are doing though?

chaysefaith · November 2013

No, it doesn't matter. And I really wasn't expecting people to come in here and say "well I'm older" and "I am a carrier for this or that" those I understand. I'm just curious about the ones who have no known risks, are young, and healthy and who are getting the tests done.

What I've gathered from those people is that it seems like a lot of practices just automatically do it. It just seemed strange to me. Like I said, this is my third pregnancy with my third doctor and none have ever offered the testing to me. So, really, I couldn't care less who's getting what done, just curious.

allenmk7 · November 2013

We went through a lot of fertility treatments but are not high risk. My husband is a surgeon who has seen the worst situations and what can happen. So he opted for the triple screen test, which is the only one we were offered. It's just a blood test and ultrasound with no risk for miscarriage. For us being first timers we really just want to be prepared in case something is wrong. It's your choice to have them done though. We weren't pressured into it. The doctor just mentioned it and hubby kind of took over. Lol.

lest12 · November 2013

My insurance covers the testing, even though we are low risk.

Mrs_D_in_KY · November 2013

I never had the testing done with my son, I don't plan on it for this baby either. Even though my bitch of a nurse tried to pressure me into it.

elsa1688 · November 2013

SNLT1012 said:
No, it doesn't matter. And I really wasn't expecting people to come in here and say "well I'm older" and "I am a carrier for this or that" those I understand. I'm just curious about the ones who have no known risks, are young, and healthy and who are getting the tests done.

What I've gathered from those people is that it seems like a lot of practices just automatically do it. It just seemed strange to me. Like I said, this is my third pregnancy with my third doctor and none have ever offered the testing to me. So, really, I couldn't care less who's getting what done, just curious.

I think it offers a little peace of mind to anxious FTMs. Like one less thing you need to worry about.

Pepper6 · November 2013

My doctor said it's now required that they offer it to everyone, but they only really recommend it for people with higher risks. Since I have Down Syndrome in my family, it was recommended for us. The results don't change anything for us, but it'll be nice to know if we have higher odds just in case.

christinemurray91 · November 2013

I was wondering that too. I have to get a lot of extras (but none are as comprehensive as half the ones these ladies are getting) because my medication causes an increase in chances of down's syndrome and a few other things. (from the .02% most women have to .05%).

Even being higher risk, for that and a few other reasons (pre-term labour with DD, etc), I haven't been offered anything more the the Integrated Prenatal testing (I don't know what its called in the states), but its pretty basic and standard here.