Genetics testing...

[mztova]

Hi Everyone! I am 44 and pregnant with baby 2. Our DD was born in October and this little miracle was not planned....
I just received a call from my OB's office and they want me to go for Genetics consult.
I didn't do this last year when pregnant with Ruby...Kinda freaking out now...
Anyone else go through this??
My last pregnancy we were clear with my OB that we did NOT want any testing done and if any was done did NOT want the results. We compromised at..if the baby need surgery immediately after being born then I wanted to know but thats it.

Anyone with experience..opions....HELP PLEASE!!

Thanks
Tova

 

[mtnprotracy]

Hi there....first, congratulations . I'm sure it varies by country, and I am not in Canada....so this may not be helpful at all!

At 11 weeks we were offered the NT (nuchal translucency) scan and blood work. Because of a very complicated pregnancy years ago, we had the testing done. Before the scan and blood work we simply met with a genetics counselor who asked family history type questions for approximately 30 minutes. It was very informal and didn't stress me in the least. However, I do consider myself a very laid back person. Any results weren't going to change our minds about having our baby . But, because of the previous complications, I really wanted to be "prepared." But all parents are different, and it is a very personal decision. Based on my age alone, the odds for Downs and other trisomies were what I considered high....I am 41. So, we met with the counselor, had the scan, and drew the bloods. From the information gathered, we were given odds for Downs, Trisomy 18, 15 and some others. The odds went from 1:48 to 1:850 for Downs and the other trisomies went to like 1:10000. Mind you, they are just "odds." We did not opt for more evasive testing like the amnio. Our little one will hopefully arrive via planned c-section on April 25th. It has been a very uneventful pregnancy. Good luck with your decision....like I said before, it is a very personal decision. Again, congratulations !

 

[Sciencegal]

Congratulations! What a great surprise!

My last baby had trisomy 21 so they sent me to a genetics counselor. They basically take your info and then explain your "high risk" factors. They review all the different tests and give you all of your potential options regarding timing and danger to baby. It is a little scary, but I am looking forward to the blood trisomy screening test this time around (because I am now in a much higher % category to have another). I'm not sure what we will do if it is positive, but if it is negative I will have a MUCH more enjoyable pregnancy. I really need it for peace of mind. Either way, I want to know - but that is just me. I like to have as much info as possible.

It is very personal. If you are pretty stress-free and the results wouldn't impact your pregnancy, maybe unnecessary. But if you are anxious about anything, it can put you at ease and/or let you know what to expect.

Again, congratulations! You are going to have your hands full with TWO little ones.

 

[mztova]

Thanks ladies!!
I know it has to do with my age ..."advanced maternal age" is what I was told yesterday..the thing is...I was 43 last yr when pregnant with Ruby...and no talk of Genetic counselling. That pregnancy has been like this one- very good so far. Ruby is healthy and wonderful. There is NO history in either of our families and we are both very healthy.
I would opt for the blood work and that would be it. I didn't do any additional testing last year and I also won't this year. I agree its a personal choice and I have faith in God and no matter what happens it will NOT change anything with my pregnancy or our love for this new little person growing inside me.
Thanks again for your insight and opinions!! I really appreciate the additional info.