Genetic Testing?

[whitelotus]

Hi Everyone!
I'm eight weeks pregnant and my next visit has to do with prenatal genetic testing to test for birth defects. I have some hesitation about doing these, did anyone else and are they necessary?

Thanks!

[Tiffany]

Refresh my memory -- is this the intial blood test, not the amniocentesis right? My son is not even one year and I can't remember!

Anyway, I did do the test. I mean, its just a blood test and its non-intrusive and won't hurt your baby. The doctor told me it was the lowest (best) score he had ever seen! I felt so good about that. Go raw foods!

However, my baby was a total surprise and at the time I was still in shock over even having a child so I just needed to know if there was any possibility of genetic problems. I had to prepare myself for that. You really don't need to do it.

[Raw Yogini]

I had the blood test on my first pregnancy but not second. It is beneficial to know about birth defects before delivery. It gives the parents time to get educated about what may or may not be going on w/ the baby and it gives them time to come to acceptance w/ a birth defect. The blood tests aren't completely accurate, false negatives, false positives. Most birth defects can be detected by ultra sound. AND, funny thing, I didn't get the blood test w/ second pregnancy and found out I was having twins at my 20 week ultrasound. The blood test would have given indication that something in my pregnancy was different and I would have found out sooner, but it certainly wasn't a big deal. It's not an invasive test. If I were to get pregnant again I probably would not do the test. Good luck!

[iamacranberry]

I've not had kids yet, but I would want such a test to be done, simply because I'd rather know than not know...just like I'd rather know if I'm randomly skipping my period or actually pregnant.

[Clare]

I have known two women now who were told that their AFP tests were abnormal. The babies were both perfect...a different test, but just to underline that tests aren't everything. I agree that knowing possibilities before birth might be helpful...

As an aside, here's something beautiful to know: there is actually a wait-list in the U.S. of parents waiting to adopt babies with Down's syndrome! Many already have one and have seen the blessings that they bring and want a special sibling.

[juliebove]

I had this done and also an extra, more detailed ultrasound. I was 39 when I had the baby. That was one reason. Also, my husband's side of the family tends towards extra fingers and toes. My baby was born with extra fingers. It was good that we knew about this ahead of time so a hand surgeon could be there.

[Raw Angel Mom]

Because of my age (was 40 at the time) it was strongly recommended to me that i have this test. I declined that test because i knew it wouldn't affect my decision to carry through with giving birth. I discussed with my husband if he would be ok if something wasn't right with the child and he said that he supported me. So i decided to enjoy my pregnancy and not to worry about this but in my heart, i knew it would be perfectly fine but i was at peace with the other way around. Well i gave birth to a beautiful healthy little girl. Could you imagine if they would of made a mistake saying that something was wrong with her? Or even happen to hurt her in my belly. There is always a risk. I am happy with my decision.

For you, you need to ask yourself. Would the result affect your decision???? and go from there.

Blessings to you and your little angel

[MrsJohnnyG]

I haven't been able to have a baby yet (so far, three pregnancies that all resulted in miscarriage) but this is exactly my husband's and my attitude:

Because of my age (was 40 at the time) it was strongly recommended to me that i have this test. I declined that test because i knew it wouldn't affect my decision to carry through with giving birth. I discussed with my husband if he would be ok if something wasn't right with the child and he said that he supported me. So i decided to enjoy my pregnancy and not to worry about this but in my heart, i knew it would be perfectly fine but i was at peace with the other way around. Well i gave birth to a beautiful healthy little girl. Could you imagine if they would of made a mistake saying that something was wrong with her? Or even happen to hurt her in my belly. There is always a risk. I am happy with my decision.
There are just too many stories of false positives when it turned out to be nothing wrong at all. Why would I create more unnecessary worry?

But, I can definitely understand why some would want to have it... it's totally a personal decision.

[Zaphirah]

I did the AFP and got a "bad #". They said it was too low for twins, too high for 1 baby. Went in and found out we were having twins BUT there was a problem-Twin to twin transfusion syndrome. After that I was put on bed rest and weekly ultra sounds, had PROM at 25 weeks, then hospitalized for a mont and had daily ultrasounds til I had an emergency c-birth at 29 weeks. I was hemming and hawing at the midwives office, when she asked me if I wanted to do the AFP. I didn't want a single test because I wanted a completely NATURAL pregnancy and home birth.
Most def. both of my dc would have died in utero, had I not known about it. Sorry to be such a downer, I just wanted to give my perspective, since in the beginning I was a radical militant home birth mama-and then ended up with a TOTALLY medical exp-but both my darlings are here and that all that matters to me now. :)

[domestic goddess]

I chose NOT to test because it did not matter to me...I was comfortable with whatever outcome was handed to me by Spirit. I did, however, do ultrasounds and many things can be detected during those. Had a level 2 ultrasound with my 3rd child due to my dd (#2) having a heart defect. They detected a marker which is typical in Downs and suggested genetic counseling, and further testing...which I declined. My son was born without Downs. I really think it is what *you* are comfprtable with. DO not base your decision on what others did. I would never tell someone NOT to test, as you have to live with that decision and the outcome.

COngratulations on your bean!!! :D

[whitelotus]

Thank you so much to all of you who responded, I really appreciate your feedback and it definitely helped me in my decision. I agree that it would be beneficial to know if the child would have any birth defects but I know the results wouldn't factor into my decision to continue with the pregnancy. I will love the child no matter what challenges they may face.

Thank you again everyone!
Kelly