Anyone over 35? CVS and other genetic tests?

[SMS]

I'm 36, expecting #2 in January and now that I am "of advanced maternal age" I know that there are other tests (like CVS) that some docs and midwives do. I haven't been to the midwife yet, but I am just curious if anyone has done the CVS test, is considering it, or would not do it? I have no opinion on the topic yet, so be honest! What would you do?

[simplehome]

One thing I like to think about when deciding whether or not to have a test done is, "will the results affect how I proceed?". If not, then I'm very likely to not do the test. For example, if I'm not going to have the antibiotics for GBS+ during labor one way or another, then I won't bother to have the test done. But if the tests could make a difference in my decision, then I'd do them. HTH

[salt_phoenix]

I agree... I don't really want any tests that will not affect my decisions.
Why would I do that to myself?
I'm 40.
I'm not even sure I'm going to get a u/s. I'm kind of curious as to how MANY babies are in there, but I honestly don't know that I want to know much else.

[MySunflowerBoys]

I am also 36 and have spent a lot of time considering what prenatal testing we will do. I have a 2 1/2 yr old son with Down syndrome, he was not diagnoised until he was 3 weeks old. I have no prenatal testing other than 2 sonos (8 wks & 20 wks) with him.

I agree, you have to have in mind how the results will affect your decision about the pg in advance of getting testing. My personal believe is that people usually get a CVS done because they want to know early enough in the pg to terminate without having to go to special abortion clinics that can do late term abortions (most only terminate up to 14 weeks.)

As for non-invasive screening, you can get a Nuchal Fold Scan and quad blood test done between weeks 11-13. This test has a 80% accuracy in detecting genetic defects like Down syndrome. However, it is still a screening, not a dx, so you should get a CVS done next if you want to terminate or wait till 16-18 wks and get an amnio and hopefully continue the pg.

While I consider myself pro-choice, I also am very aware that doctors tend to push termination on women without giving them balanced information about the genetic condition. I would urge any woman who gets a prenatal dx to look into several resources (including support groups for that condition) before making a life-altering decision.

If you do not feel like you would terminate due to genetic conditions, I would suggest just waiting for the 20 wk sono. Most of the time, physical defects will be picked up at this stage. To me, it's more important to know if a physical condition exists that will affect how the baby handles birth. It can help you decide where you should deliver and have the support you need at the birth.

Because I am considered a higher risk (AMA, child with Trisomy 21, and Anti-E positive), I am planning on having the nuchal fold scan, quad screen blood test, and possibly an fetal echocardiogram. My son has a small heart defect and my mother has a congenital heart defect as well, so my babies are at risk for heart defects. We will not terminate due to genetic conditions or other birth defects. We just need to deliver in a hospital that can provide the neo-natal care a special needs baby might have rather than our local hospital or birth center.

Hope that helps!

[pampered_mom]

I guess the other thing I'd consider is whether the information you might get from a test like CVS or amnio (and the value of the information possibly gathered) is more valuable than the added risk of miscarriage.

Mothering had a good article on prenatal testing (http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/prenatal-testing.html). You could also look up the articles referenced for more information.

[JunebugsMom]

I had an amnio with my first and I don't plan on having one this time. I don't think there is any evidence to back this up, but I believe in my heart that the amnio is what caused my water to break early (32wks).

[happyfrog]

i'm 35 and have no intentions of doing anything. no test will change my decision to have this baby. if the baby is born with something fatal, we'll deal. if the baby is born normal, we'll deal. if the baby is born Deaf (50% chance) we'll deal.

my plan is to gip. (gestate in peace).

we'll be surprised on delivery day what the baby's gender is, but i plan on referring to the baby as a girl thruout pg, just because it's what i do and i'm usually wrong anyway, lol. . .. (at least i was with my first 2 sons, *grin*)

[SMS]

Wow, thanks everyone for your thoughtful and informative responses. My friend, age 39, just went throuugh all of this decision making with her first and she is a person who needs to know as much info as possible. I think I fall somewhere in the middle of needing to know everything vs. nothing. I didn't know about the nuchal fold scan so I will be sure to ask about that. How is that done? Anyone know?

[MySunflowerBoys]

Nuchal fold scan is done by a specifically trained sonographer (usually at a maternal-fetal specialist's office) between weeks 11-14. It is a high definition sonogram that measures the space on the embryo's neck, called a nuchal fold. If it is above a certain range, the embryo is a higher risk for genetic disorders. When combined with the quad screen blood test, it is 80% accurate in screening risks for genetic disorders.

Here's a link to read more: nuchal transluency scan (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/118.html)

[ShannaW]

There have been some great posts on this. I'll just barely be under 34 w/ this one, but w/ the possibility for a 4th I'd like to stay as close to 35 a possible.

I'll do nothing different over 35 then under, for the very good point that it will make zero difference how I proceed in the pregnancy. I'll have the triple screen, but no amnio, and a 20wk u/s but nothing invasive. I wouldn't even do the TS, but DH says he would rather be prepared if possible, to know if there were possible challenges.