Why genetic counseling

Kjoylace36 · February 2014

I'm 36 with my first pregnancy. I'm 17w and my NT test came back normal. So why is my dr pushing genetic counseling and telling me I would really benefit from it ? How? I asked her and she said because of your age. My mom had my younger brother at 36 and he's fine. I'm a nurse and don't feel that. 36 is that advanced. Women have children at all ages and women have Down syndrome babies at all ages. They predict that it's an increase risk. , however if my tests came back negative how would I benefit from the counseling. All my blood work was fine. I'm open for advice. I really don't know. I've never been in this predicament

kelley72 · February 2014

I'm with you, if your test results do not indicate elevated risk what is the point? I would ask again, push back... or just tell doc thank you but I decline the counseling. I'm 41 had no elevated risks and did not go to counseling. Some people do go and I certainly would have if my results had been elevated or questionable. Best wishes on a happy pregnancy!

kuzzu25 · February 2014

I declined the testing during my last two pregnancies. It's up to you. You need to weigh your thoughts on what you will do with the information and whether it's worth it to you. The last times I decided it was not going to change any outcomes, so I didn't want to stress myself out about it. This time I'm contemplating since there are these better blood tests out there now. But again, it will not change any outcome for me. All it may do is give me more time to prepare if there is something wrong.

ladylisalt · February 2014

I think because they have so many modern advancements they just like to offer what's available.I am pretty certain my doctor gave me the choice. I did the test and I am almost 39. I just did it bc it was an easy blood draw and like pp said, it may help prepare me if there was any concerns. I agree, its not going to change the outcome but for someone like me, I like to be aware in advance. From what I've heard, they can't force you into it.

Beachgal72 · February 2014

We met with a genetic counselor but mostly to discuss another test both my husband and I had to see if we were carriers of any of the same genetic diseases (I think the test is called Counsyl). It was something my OB recommended and we figured why not -- turns out we have nothing to worry about. Honestly since this is our first pregnancy I've just said yes to pretty much whatever is recommended but probably a lot was not necessary.

dragonfly711 · February 2014

I had the NT scan done and then met w a genetic counselor right after.

It was very informative. We ended up doing the Maternit21 blood work along with a few other tests.

I am 40 and hubby has Downs in his family. We just wanted to be prepared since there can be a lot of health issues with Downs. His nephew has had a few heart surgeries.

Nothing would change if we found out our little one was Downs. We just wanted to be prepared and educated with our options.

akflutterby · March 2014

SuburbsMrs said:
H and I did every test we can so far that's non-invasive. With one round of testing (genetic testing on me prior to pregnancy) they found an issue with me and it was something that shows an elevated risk for not only baby's health but my continued health. So I'm taking an additional supplement to mitigate that risk.

I'm all for the data. Yes, the waiting is scary but the "knowing" (with a high percentage not a guarantee) is good and finding any potential issues is worth it. I don't care if they just approve it because of my age- just happy there's finally a benefit to being "old".

I think if it's a blood draw and a little $$ it's worth it. There are things on the tests that would not be shown on the NT scan.

This. Knowledge is power. Lots of people say it wouldn't change anything if something were abnormal, but if you don't find out until you deliver you miss out on so much tune to prepare - some babies need surgery right when they are born because of genetic complications and if you don't know that and aren't prepared for it you could be losing precious moments, so I've never been in that school of thinking. I work for an agency that provides services to individuals experiencing developmental disabilities and MH and I took every non invasive test we could just to be as prepared as possible - even when they kept coming back normal.

Wyn · March 2014

Could the doc have a financial reason for promoting the genetic counseling? I say this with all due respect and with a great personal experience with a genetic counselor after two losses. But if you don't have any warning signs, it seems ile something else could be at play here...

Kjoylace36 · March 2014

I'm going to do the noninvasive stuff. I guess it wouldn't hurt. Thanks

Kjoylace36 · March 2014

Ok. Now I'm freaking out and can't stop crying. Afp from quad screening came back high 3.0. At risk for nueral tube defect. Going for sono in the morning. Can't sleep at all. :-(

Kjoylace36 · March 2014

Level 2 anatomy scan came back fine.

Wyn · March 2014

Glad to hear your good news Kjoylace!

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