Multiple Marker Test... opinions?

Question

I went to my 15 week checkup today and was offered the option to take the multiple marker test. For those of you who have been pregnant before you know what this is...

After reading the paperwork on the current accuracy statistics, I decided not to have the test performed. Part of my decision was based on hating to have blood drawn (selfish), by my main reason was that I worry about the implications of a false negative or positive. Aborting is not an option for us. We will love the baby no matter what happens.

I just wondered if any others of you made the decision not to have it done, or, if those of you who had had it done had any negative or positive feedback about it.

Since my next appointment is at 19 weeks, I will still have a window of opportunity to have the test done if I change my mind so I wanted to hear opinions of other mothers (and even mothers to be).

Answer 1

I opted not to have this test done too. I figured I worry too much as it is and if there was a false positive which is not rare, I would spend the whole rest of my pregnancy worrying. It just wasn't worth it to me because like you I was going to keep my baby no matter what.

Answer 2

I had the test done for my second pregnancy, only because I wanted to avoid an amnio, which I had during my first pregnancy. Of course, it came back positive.

Had I known the statistics regarding the unusually high false-positive results, I would have just went ahead and opted to do the amnio in the first place, since I wound up having to take it the second time anyway.

And of course, the amnio negated the results of the false-positive multiple marker test, and my unborn baby has tested free of genetic abnormalities (knock on wood!)

I opted for all the testing because I'm older (38) and I'm not sure if results that we didn't like would make a difference or not regarding how we would proceed with the pregnancy. I just know that I don't like surprises, and if there were a problem, I'd rather be prepared for it, rather than to have the situation spring itself upon us at the time of birth.

If aborting is not an option for you, the question comes down to would you rather be prepared for possible problems, with specialized medical care lined up in advance, or would you rather wait. Both are admirable choices!

Good luck to you, everything will be fine!

Answer 3

I had this done and fortunately it came back negative and my son is healthy. The reason I chose to do it was because of my age. I was 35 and my ob wanted me to have an amniocentesis. After discussing it with her and several people we decided to do the blood test first. Although there is a 75% chance for a false positive we decided that if it came out negative we could avoid the amnio which could cause miscarriage. My husband and I too thought we would not choose abortion if anything showed up. At first we weren't going to have any tests performed. However, in my research I came across interesting information. In cases of spina bifida and other birth defects knowing ahead of time helped the doctors be prepared for the delivery. Any special equipment or arrangements could be made ahead of time. This allowed for fewer complications at birth. Also studies have looked at attachment and post partum depression with parents of children with Downs Syndrome. Parents who knew ahead of time were better able to cope with the birth of a special needs child. There were fewer cases of depression and bonding was better with prepared parents.
Anyway, it is a personal decision. Just don't think of it as a test to decide if you are going to abort. Do some research, talk to your doctor, and be honest with yourself. No matter what you decide it will be the right decision for you. Good luck.

Answer 4

I had the test done...but it wouldn't have changed the way I would care for my baby...or for how I would love my baby....I have a cousin who is physically and mentally handicapped and they said she wouldn't live past 3 well this December she will be 18 and for that reason it doesn't matter how my baby comes out...Miracles happen for a reason....and our family wouldn't love my cousin anymore if she could walk and speak. I had the test done to know whether ir not I would have to prepare things differently for the baby...I wouldn't want to have to put a suffering child in just any daycare...but you have your feelings on it..don't let anyone change that!! And I don't think abortion is right in any case!

Answer 5

I just had mine done and everything came out negative thank goodness. I have heard of false positives happening.

Answer 6

Sweetie don't worry about it, its all in God's hands.You and your baby are just fine.