Genetic testing and CVS « Back to Group Discussions

[femmeknitzi]

I have no family history of cystic or Downs or any other genetic abnormality. I have to admit, there's a part of me that feels I wouldn't want to know if there was a problem like that. Maybe I'm naive, but it wouldn't change anything about how I love and care for this child. But at the same time, I'm sure there are things I just don't know about what it means to raise a child with these challenges.

Have any of you ever refused to have it done? What was your reasoning? Or, if you have a strong opinion as to why you chose to do it, please share that too. I'm just doing some initial information gathering and processing. Thanks!

[1babysmom]

We did not do it with any of my children, even when I was seeing an OB with #1.  I'm like you, I wouldn't change anything.  I know a lot of people do it because they say that even while it wouldn't make a difference to them, they'd like to be prepared for after the delivery (health care wise).  But for us, we just don't see it necessary.  We do pray about this stuff all the time though and I am confident that God would lead us to seek those things if it came to that. :)

[dandylez]

We have talked about it a great deal, and both my partner and I feel strongly about not doing the testing.  Our reasons are similar to yours: it won't affect our decision-making about the child, and we will love whatever little babe comes to us. I'm 37 this summer, so the likelihood is that the indicators will point towards a stronger chance of a child with Downs anyway.  Both my sister and one of my best friends had false positives on the u/s and blood screenings, and my sister even went through an amnio because of it.  It was way too stressful for both couples, and we also don't want to put ourselves through that, especially because we know we will continue with the pregnancy anyway.

However, I know lots of people (including my sister) who want the tests and face a really tough decision based on the results.  I think it's very personal, and I would never judge anyone for testing or for making a decision based on the testing. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!!

[broodymama]

I had the quad screen with DS1, because I was on an anti-convulsant when I got pregnant with him.  I declined testing with the others.  I'm planning on declining it again this time, though I expect more pressure (from the military hospital, not from my midwife) because I'm of advanced maternal age.

[OkiMom]

Ive had it done mainly because I would want to know to prepare myself for anything that could be wrong. Nothing would change and I would love the child just the same but Im a planner. The unknown kind of freaks me out so anything I could know in advance makes me calmer. That being said I won't with this one most likely. The test isn't accurate and I don't care for the 'Im about to pass out" feeling I get when I get to much blood drawn.

[femmeknitzi]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and decisions. This is definitely something I'll need to talk to my husband about ASAP!

[esma2175]

Hi There!!

I'm one of thoes strongly opposed to any and all testing to be done on baby.  Mostly because:

1. I have no history of any genetic problems.

2. It would not chage anything that I do

3. There are false positives far to often for my liking and

4. I would just worry and stress more if I knew something might be wrong. 

If anything happens we will deal with it when it does.  My firm belief is God does everything for a reason, He makes no mistakes and only gives us what we can handle.   That being said, this works for us.  You need to find what is comfy for you and your family as no two families are the same.  I'm all for whatever makes each family most happy and at ease. 

[LibbyLou]

Everyone has to make their own decision, but I have some personal experience with this.  There is NO history of any genetic issues in my family or my husband's family, but I am a Cystic Fibrosis carrier.  I got tested while we were trying to conceive DD1.  Our best friends were pregnant with their first and found out that she had Cystic Fibrosis.  There was also no history of it in either of their families even though they are BOTH carriers.  The CF diagnosis didn't change how they felt about the baby, but it did allow them to prepare for the birth.  CF babies can be born with intestinal blockages and other issues that need to be addressed at birth.  Since they knew about the diagnosis, they were able to deliver at a hospital with an awesome NICU (if it was needed), and were able to start lung treatments right away.

I just want to share this with those of you who are using family history as part of the basis of your decision.  It doesn't automatically mean that you're in the clear.

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by LibbyLou 

Everyone has to make their own decision, but I have some personal experience with this.  There is NO history of any genetic issues in my family or my husband's family, but I am a Cystic Fibrosis carrier.  I got tested while we were trying to conceive DD1.  Our best friends were pregnant with their first and found out that she had Cystic Fibrosis.  There was also no history of it in either of their families even though they are BOTH carriers.  The CF diagnosis didn't change how they felt about the baby, but it did allow them to prepare for the birth.  CF babies can be born with intestinal blockages and other issues that need to be addressed at birth.  Since they knew about the diagnosis, they were able to deliver at a hospital with an awesome NICU (if it was needed), and were able to start lung treatments right away.

I just want to share this with those of you who are using family history as part of the basis of your decision.  It doesn't automatically mean that you're in the clear.

If I knew I was a carrier I'd probably make the same decision!!

[LibbyLou]

But that's the thing...the only way to know if you're a carrier or not is to do the blood test.  That's how I found out.
 

Originally Posted by 1babysmom 

If I knew I was a carrier I'd probably make the same decision!!

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by LibbyLou 

But that's the thing...the only way to know if you're a carrier or not is to do the blood test.  That's how I found out.
 

I was thinking of the saliva test.  I'm not concerned enough to get it done just for the heck of it though, but I guess what I meant was that if I already knew I was a carrier, that might change how we approached things.