Testing for Genetic Disorders

jobotrobot · August 2014

At my appt today, I was asked if I wanted to have the 10 and 20 (I think) testing done to check for birth defects and disorders. I declined at that time but it was unexpected and something I didn't get to discuss with DH before. Is anyone declining having this testing done?

jobotrobot · August 2014

Oh and is anyone getting a flu shot whilst pregnant?

lindsayanne14 · August 2014

I'm getting a flu shot.

As far as your other question, with my DS I opted to have the NT scan done (the one done between 10-12 weeks) because I wanted to be prepared if something was wrong. I will have it again this time. I think it's a personal choice. I would imagine if after discussing it with your DH you all wanted to do it you would just need to let your Dr know.

upstatemama · August 2014

I would probably do it and I WILL (not won't) be getting a flu shot. Its just a personal choice for me.

Edited

OliveMom3 · August 2014

Flu shot yes and genetic testing yes. I want to be prepared in the best way possible should my baby have special needs.

be888 · August 2014

I will get the flu shot, and do the genetic testing. I did it during my first pregnancy as well. I want to be prepared in case something comes up during the testing. It is a personal choice that you should discuss with your husband.

kristinkc555 · August 2014

I declined some tests with my first two sons but will be getting every available test this time just because it's my last and I want to be prepared for any and everything life has to offer

Edit: I will refuse the flu shot when offered

Hummingbirdbaby3 · August 2014

I had the NT testing done with DS. I'm not sure if we will do it this time or not... It's a personal decision. On the one hand, it wouldn't make a difference if something came up or not. It's a gift from God and I've been given a blessing either way. On the other hand, my DH thinks it's better to know in order to prepare. However, if Dr tells us there is a 1 in 50 chance, and we spend our whole pregnancy prepping and worrying about whatever tested positive, and then we have a perfectly healthy baby, we would have spent so much time in a state of worry and anxiety for nothing. We go back and forth on this all the time.

Edit: forgot to answer flu shot question. No, I don't plan to get it. It's always weirded me out.

Duffgurl · August 2014

Yes we are doing the prenatal screening. Done 10weeks to 13weeks.

MagalinaH · August 2014

I will probably get a flu shot even though I've never had one before. I'm not sure on the NT scan. Because I'm adopted, I don't have a medical history, so part of me feels like we should do it just to be as informed as we can, but part of me says nah. I'm not even sure if my insurance is going to cover my anatomy scan at 20weeks, and I definitely don't think it will cover the NT scan. I haven't discussed it with DH at all yet, so I guess we'll see.

redneckmomma25 · August 2014

I will be having the 12 week NT scan and I will not be getting the flu shot

redheaded14 · August 2014

I'm on the fence. On one hand I really want to decline any medical procedure that isn't necessary. On the other hand, I'd like to be prepared if I need to be.

I've never had a flu shot. I WFH and have almost no interaction with children or the elderly. Not to say I won't get it, just not sure that its needed?

motang · August 2014

I'm getting a flu shot. I do every year.
Im looking into if insurance will cover the NT testing. My OB said they don't always cover if under 35. I never got it in my previous pregnancies because of the cost.

klt2015 · August 2014

Yes and yes

GingerDS02 · August 2014

Yes to fly shot and yes to genetic testing. I declined NT scan and those during my first pregnancy because my risk was 1:800 based on my age at the time. We had a diagnosis of Down Syndrome when my son was 5 hrs old and it felt tragic. We now mentor families who recieve Ds diagnosis and those who find out before birth seem soooo much better off than my friends and I who found out after. It took me a loooong time to "get over it", not so with my friends who found out before. Just food for thought.
Also, for those that aren't aware the NT scan/testing will give you a ratio. At a certain threshold they will suggest additional testing to give you a yes or no if you choose. They options are CVS, amnio and the relatively new Harmony/MaterniT21. I've seen lots of friends come back with "high" ratios and their kids didn't have Ds. So don't get too upset if you get results that warrant further testing.
And also, for the record, Down syndrome is not the scary scenario you have in your head. My son is happy and fun and smart and has no health issues other than typical kid stuff.
Ok, I'm done

CC1017 · August 2014

Yes I do the genetic testing. I think information is power and I would want to talk to all the specialists in advance of the birth if needed. I have to get the flu shot or I can't go to work.

somewheresublime86 · August 2014

Yes to both. We'd rather have information and be able to prepare. My cousin (she's nine) has down's and her brother has Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. My aunt was in her early 40s when she had them. I'm not saying that raising two kids with disabilities isn't hard - I think it's super challenging for them. But it doesn't mean they love their kids any less.

abc829 · August 2014

Yes to flu shot and no to testing. I've always said I will love my child no matter what. I grew up with a lot of special needs children and I would be 100% ok with raising one myself.

alie78_80 · August 2014

Yes to both. I get the flu shot every year. I also want to be prepared if anything comes up on the testing.

vickersh1 · August 2014

No to the flu shot and no to the testing.

terpamy · August 2014

Yes to flu shot and yes to genetic testing. It annoys me that some people assume genetic testing = abortion if something is wrong. I do believe that's everyone's choice, but that's not why I am getting the test done. I'm a former special educator and would have no problem raising a child with disabilities, but like others have stated, I want to be as prepared as possible for whatever the outcome.

Ncountrygal · August 2014

We're declining any tests that wouldn't change how the baby is delivered. We don't have anything running in the family but we also would just take it in stride. We'd probably stress out about a genetic problem more if we were expecting it the whole pregnancy. I'd rather spend my energy loving on my baby right now!

awodash · August 2014

I'm planning on having testing done. I know my family history pretty well but my boyfriends dad was adopted and doesn't know anything and his mom claims to know nothing so I absolutely want to know if there's anything going on.

knitfastdiewarm · August 2014

@GingerDS02‌ Thanks for sharing your experience. That is a very interesting perspective and covered some things I hadn't thought about. I am first checking w insurance to make sure they cover the First Tri testing and if so, we'll do it.

I get a flu shot every year and this year won't be any different.

Sweetlill1 · August 2014

We will plan to have the testing. I have already had carrier screening done on me prior to TTC and I know that I am a carrier for several things. My husband chose not to get tested but since we know what I am a carrier for it helps if something is found down the road.

As with PP, the flu shot is required for my job or you have to wear a mask. Everyone who can should get one because the flu can be terrible for a pregnant woman.

islandmom79 · August 2014

I am planning having a newer type genetic test done. They didnt have it with DD. It is a blood draw from me that is able to look at the baby's DNA. I need to read more but the doctor said sometimes insurance wont pay because it is new but they will only charge $25. She said she wished they had it when she was pregnant because she was older and the other test takes age into account and told her she was high risk and all was fine. She said the other test uses age and hormome levels and this one doesnt. Like others I just want to be able to be prepared and have theost information possible.

No flu test for me, just a personal decision.

CocoMcGee · August 2014

I'm not doing the NT scan, but I am getting a flu shot. And I'll also be getting the TDAP shot again in third try to pass on some whooping couch immunization.

meghannq · August 2014

Wow. Unsupportive doctor. I'd be looking for a new one.

mli85maj · August 2014

Unsure about flu shot, declined the generic testing today.

My doctor went over the risk due to my age, etc, and I felt comfortable declining it. It wouldn't change anything for me, and although I'd like to be prepared if something showed up, my DH and I just felt like declining was the best choice for us. Definitely a personal decision.

Definitely take time to discuss it with your DH so you'll feel good about your decision or have the opportunity to change your mind if you choose.

vspek · August 2014

Getting NT scan for sure. I got it with my other 2. As for the flu shot, I am still debating.

MeganPobega · August 2014

No to both.

TriAva · August 2014

Yes to both.

missamERICA · August 2014

I will be getting the flu shot, I only do tests that can be done through bloodwork/scans, anything that is invasive I am too nervous to do just because they warn you of increased chance of MC.

freespirit91 · August 2014

Not getting the the flu shot and not doing the gentetic testing.

Munchkin42015 · August 2014

Yes to flu shot, no to testing. My aunt had my cousin, Carter in October last year and he has Down syndrome. I watched her go through 3 amniocentesis' and watched her stress and worry about how she was going to be able to be a mother to her 3 year old and her special needs child, and work. It was just hard to watch. So we aren't doing testing just because I know if something is wrong, I'll probably stress about it. Which isn't healthy for myself, the baby, or those around me. So, we'll be excited and grateful no matter the situation. But again, it's a personal choice. So I would urge you to do whatever you are most comfortable with. Good luck! (:

djoliet · August 2014

Yes to flu shot and not sure about the genetic screening. I had it done with my son and everything came back fine, however at my 18 week ultrasound we found out there was a problem with his left hand. He was born missing his left hand. I have a feeling because of that my pregnancy will be monitored more closely

ebstar2 · August 2014

For those worried about not finding out about things like heart problems or other difficulties like that without the testing they will be able to catch most things like that on ultrasound. My son had a weird shady spot show up on his liver when I had my u/s with him at 20 weeks and I was followed very closely through the pregnancy and they had NICU staff ready to go when he was born just in case and specialists on standby ready to go because they weren't sure if his liver would function. All was fine but it was good to have them ready.

I have always refused the genetic testing because I figure that they will catch any life threatening problems on u/s and I don't want to be worrying throughout my whole pregnancy if it isn't needed. That's just my choice though. I understand people wanting to prepare. I just have known too many people who got worrying results and never had any problems show up after the baby was born so until they can be more reliable it's not for me.

ElizabethSwann · August 2014

Yes to the testing.

Yes to the flu shot. I got the flu this year and it was a miniature hell. Would not want that to happen when i was pregnant. I did not get it with my son, and i thank god i didn't get the flu when pregnant.

GingerDS02 · August 2014

ebstar2 said:

For those worried about not finding out about things like heart problems or other difficulties like that without the testing they will be able to catch most things like that on ultrasound. My son had a weird shady spot show up on his liver when I had my u/s with him at 20 weeks and I was followed very closely through the pregnancy and they had NICU staff ready to go when he was born just in case and specialists on standby ready to go because they weren't sure if his liver would function. All was fine but it was good to have them ready. I have always refused the genetic testing because I figure that they will catch any life threatening problems on u/s and I don't want to be worrying throughout my whole pregnancy if it isn't needed. That's just my choice though. I understand people wanting to prepare. I just have known too many people who got worrying results and never had any problems show up after the baby was born so until they can be more reliable it's not for me.

This is not actually true. Some abnormalities are hard to catch on regular OB ultrasound. They are caught on the higher level ultrasounds (done by the high risk doctors) but not always on the OB ultrasound. A friend we met in the NICU who also had a post-natal Down syndrome diagnosis had no indications from any of her US that her daughter would be born with a major heart defect and a duodenal atresia. In fact, the US told her as she was leaving her 20 week anatomy scan "at least you don't have to worry about Down Syndrome".

Babykells3 · August 2014

Yes to all of it. Knowledge is power in my eyes. Some really good friends of ours just lost their baby at 19 weeks due to genetic issues that they caught at the NT scan. They knew she wasn't going to make it and they were as prepared as they could have been. If they hadn't have gotten that they would have showed up at their anatomy scan thinking everything was fine. We would never choose to terminate a pregnancy because of anything but if something is happening at least you can educate yourself on what to expect.

bellapup · August 2014

I got the flu shot with both of my previous pregnancies and will again. My second dd is special needs. She's undiagnised but has quite a few delays. She's seen a geneticist, had several tests, you name it. I did not get any testing done with either pregnancy and her delays would not have been picked up anyway. With that said, I will not be getting any testing done this time around. Nothing would have prepared me for what my life is like with my daughter. Also, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me and my bucket of love for her is overflowing. My point is test or no test, you never know what the outcome will be. Having a child is like rolling a set of dice. You may hit the jackpot and get a child that is perfectly healthy or you may be lucky and get a child with special needs. There's no way to prepare for the latter. But either way, being a mother is wonderful and you will love your child just the same.

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