I'm a first time expecting mom and my 12 week appointment is getting close! I was wondering everyone's thoughts on the genetic screening tests? I am in my 20s and generally healthy overall.
I want to do it for the gender alone, but my insurance doesn't cover it. It's over $1000 cash price. The one I was offered was the one that tested two trisomies and gender. Some doctors seem to have contracts with the company and their patients aren't charged. If that's the case, I say go for it.
CVS is an invasive test and carries a small risk of miscarriage. I was under the impression that it was only recommended if you're high risk or there's a red flag in a NT scan.
Testing totally depends on your preference. I'm having blood testing and NT done only because they're covered. I won't abort no matter the results, but I like to be prepared. If the cost wasn't covered, I'd skip the testing altogether.
Personally, I would for a peace of mind. However not all insurances cover the cost for those tests and you may be responsible for the charge out of pocket.
I just had my NT scan and the doctor said it was the best possible result I could ask for. She said she only recommends CVS or amnio if your NT results are not good.
Personally, I only opted for the 2nd trimester screen covered by my insurance. From what my OB nurse said, these tests are not diagnostic, meaning they cannot definitely tell you if your baby has any given issue, just if there's a possibility. Most of these tests require additional invasive tests, like the CVS or amnio, to actually diagnose your baby. I will not have either the CVS or amnio done because of the risk of miscarriage and other complications, I just don't think it's worth it. Either way, I will not terminate. I'm also not considered high risk for any disabilities because of my family history, but I doubt my choices would change even if I was high risk. I recognize the benefits of knowing these things ahead of time, but the risks of testing are too scary for me.
As far as the blood tests, they are often not covered by insurance and can be VERY expensive... so I would talk to your doctor and insurance company before deciding on that if you are low risk.
I would NOT get an amnio or CVS if I were low-risk, as they do carry a slight risk of miscarriage.
Amanda
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
So long as insurance covers it i'm doing the MaterniT21, a noninvasive blood test where they use some of your blood and grow cultures to see if there are any problems. If that's negative, I won't do the CVS. I don't want to do an invasive test unless I have to. I don't want to risk a miscarriage.
Re: CVS test?
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016