how can I calm my nerves regarding chromosome disorders?

mommaShortcake · July 2015

I am 38 and 6.5 weeks along I will have this baby when I am 39. I had a miscarriage at age 30, but have had 2 healthy kids since. I was not considered high risk due to my age in other pregnancies. This pregnancy was a surprise and I am excited, but can't seem to overcome the fear of abnormalities now that I am older. Does anyone have any experiences of the testing to bring me comfort?

Knottie19458446 · July 2015

My doctor wants me to take a new blood test. Its called Panorama. I did a TON of research on it before I agreed to schedule it. But what it is, its a chromosome test that they take at 9 weeks, its not invasive for the baby at all. Its just another blood draw. The website for the test said that insurance will normally pay for the test for mothers over 35. But mine is going to pay for it and I'm only 22. The test checks the baby's chromosomes through your blood. However it's not diagnostic. It will simply tell you whether or not you have a high risk of certain common chromosomal abnormalities. So maybe it would be a good idea for you. I know it will ease my mind when I get the results back. There are a couple other perks to it too. Because it's looking at the chromosomes, it will give you a 100% accurate gender. And my doctor said it takes 2 weeks for the results to come back, however, the website for the test says it just takes 7-10 days. So you will know before your 2nd trimester. Its most certainly worth looking into. Hope this helps!! Good Luck and Congrats!!!!

MrsJG3 · July 2015

This is my first AMA pregnancy too. I am 36 and have 3 living children. I am having the harmony test done next week at 10ish weeks. Last time I was 34 and just had the NT scan. All that did was make me freak out and my insurance wouldn't cover the harmony. My dr said it is 99% accurate in finding out the trisomy defects.

NoelBird · July 2015

All you can do is arm yourself with knowledge and use the available diagnostic tests. Even though your odds are higher as you age, chromosomal disorders are still rare. Maybe reading up on your true odds may help? I would also recommend any of the first trimester screens.

DaisyTortilla · July 2015

I agree with PP. I am a worry wort, the way I try to calm my nerves is by thinking to myself, worrying won't really change anything, whatever is going to happen will, regardless of me worrying. I try to remind myself stress is bad for baby and just try to distract myself with reading or anything that relaxes me. It's tough I know! Hang in there! T&P your way.

northstar13 · July 2015

MrsJG3 said:
This is my first AMA pregnancy too. I am 36 and have 3 living children. I am having the harmony test done next week at 10ish weeks. Last time I was 34 and just had the NT scan. All that did was make me freak out and my insurance wouldn't cover the harmony. My dr said it is 99% accurate in finding out the trisomy defects.

I was 37 with my first and had a test called Verifi- 99% accurate in determining trisomy defects, like Harmony. It was brand new two years ago and insurance is much better about covering the test for AMA mamas now.

mommaShortcake · July 2015

Thank you for the helpful information. I think I am still in shock that I am expecting. Things are a bit different being pregnant at 38 then they were when I was last pregnant at 33. I just feel like there is an added sense of tension with an AMA pregnancy. I am trying not to worry and I pray that the screenings can give me a little comfort. How long after the testing do you get the results? Thank you all for your help and I wish you all happy and healthy pregnancies.

oxfordlanding · July 2015

I'm going for panorama. I think it's around ten days to get the results? You can take it from nine weeks on. I'm 38 so def worth it.

maybebebe · July 2015

I use Harmony, because I risk passing down T18, and totally recommend any brand of free-fetal cell DNA testing for those who are AMA. It really is a major source of reassurance without being as invasive as the CVS or amino.

My office has had the results back in a week, however you can't take Harmony until 10 weeks.

Knottie19458446 · July 2015

I just took the Panorama on Wed, and I already feel better. Even though its going to take 10 business days to get the results, it has still eased my mind because it was done and soon we will KNOW that our little chicken nugget is happy and healthy. And we will be able to stop calling it chicken nugget because we will actually know what it is!

Lindsaym5! · July 2015

Just a thought, but I'm not having any testing done at all. I was going to with my first pregnancy, but realized thinking about finding something bad with a test was causing me way more stress than just not doing it. I know for me if I found out about an abnormality it wouldn't change anything that I do so why put myself through it. I'm not ama and I'm sure this strategy isn't for everyone though.

jennibean1210 · July 2015

I'm so glad this thread is here. Just had a chat with my doc today about "optional genetic screening" and it sort of freaked me out! Just feels like a big decision to make. I'm 29 and this is my first pregnancy. My husband is pretty convinced that the tests are a good idea... I just don't know how I would feel if something was potentially wrong. I guess it's good to know so that there is time to plan for something if need-be, but I'm just really on the fence.

Has anyone done these in a previous pregnancy? Is it sort of commonplace now? Seems like a new thing and I'm just really on the fence.

Thanks for the guidance!

maybebebe · July 2015

Lindsaym5! said:
I know for me if I found out about an abnormality it wouldn't change anything that I do.

I just wanted to point out that some of the issues tested for are considered deadly to baby either in utero or very shortly after. I only say this because I feel as if some people don't consider that even if they wouldn't terminate a pregnancy because of known issues they might change where/how they deliver and who handles their care. Changing care to skilled providers or fetal surgeons, choosing to be somewhere with an excellent NICU so baby doesn't have to be life flighted and has a chance at necessary care, or being able to induce at 28 weeks so you have the chance to hold your baby while alive are just a few of the options these test can help facilitate.

rainbowminion · July 2015

There is a hospital about 2 hours away from me that has a center specifically for delivering children with chromosomal abnormalities. That's where we would have delivered Mary had she not died in utero. We were at 20 weeks when we found out she had problems and it all felt very rushed to me. My husband and I would be unlikely to choose termination for medical reasons but I would like more time to research and set everything up and just, I don't know, breathe, if this baby has issues too.

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