I don't know whether i should do testing for cystic fibrosis, etc while pregnant?

Question

My doctor gave me pamplets on cistic fibrosis, down syndrome, and trisomy 18 and wants to know whether I want to do these optional tests. I don't know whether I should do them or not. My insurance doesn't cover them and I have no genetic illnesses in my family. But if I need them then I definately want to do them. I don't even know how they perform the tests. Is there any risk to the baby?

Answer 1

The tests for these things is done by way of amniocentesis. Basically a large needle is inserted into your abdomen and through your uterus and draws out amniotic fluid from around the baby. The skin cells from the baby that are in the fluid are tested for these conditions and diseases. Once you have had your 20 week scan then I would make the decision. If during that scan they find nothing abnormal with the baby, then there really is no need for these tests. If there are abnormalities found then I would consider the test. There is a risk of miscarriage with the procedure, albeit a small one.

I myself have had the procedure done twice. My first pregnancy was to confirm a chromosomal abnormality, my daughter was still born, and then with my second pregnancy to ensure that that child was healthy.

Answer 2

Tests that only certain people take if advised by doctor: They advise that you take the test (cystic fibrosis) if you or your baby's father are of european descent. They told me this when I went to genetic screening. There are other genetic test that they might have you take if you have history of Down's Syndrome or mental retardation in your family. Tests that all pregnant women take: Glucose screening, Non-Stress Test, Protein Screening, and some others depending on what your doctor determines as they are monitoring you thru-out your pregnancy. It's not too late to start going to ALL your appointments from now on. Good Luck and relax, most of those test come back negative if you are having a generally healthy pregnancy.

Answer 3

Here's the way I see it...

If you don't have the money... don't worry about it. Honestly what would you do if you found out that your baby had any of these problems? Abortion? Your choices at this point are very limited, and depend ant upon how you feel about these things morally... *shrugs*

The DS and Tris18 were covered by my insurance... so I went ahead with them. Not because I would have ever considered abortion - just the idea of being mentally prepared for what was to come was ideal for me. If my child has special needs... I would want to know, so that I could do the research ahead of time and make arrangements to have all of their needs met. (Those, I think, are the only arguments for getting the tests done.)

I chose not to do the CF because it wasn't covered... and it was roughly 400 dollars. Money that could go elsewhere - especially when you're expecting a new baby. I would take a look at the prices of the others, if they're roughly the same as the CF, I would probably pass.

Answer 4

I went to my first appt. at 8 weeks, and my doc. wanted me to schedule my first trimester appt. with a genetics doctor. At first, I was like, "Okay..if that's what you recommend." I started reading about it. I am 24 years old, no history of genetic disorders, and no previous high risk pregnancies. My husband and I decided not to go through with it because there is a chance of miscarriage from the procedure. They were going to do a CVS test, it's just like amniocentesis except it's done during the first trimester and tests for a little less than amnio. The procedure is also riskier than amnio. Anyway, we decided not to go through with it only because I really had no reason to specifically go through with it and it's not routine, really. My insurance would've covered it...if I were you, I would find out exactly how much the procedure costs because genetic testing can be very expensive. Good Luck!

Answer 5

There is no risk to the baby because they just take a blood sample to begin with...more invasive tests come later (like an amniocentesis) if there is a question about the initial results.

I would do them if you are in a high-risk pregnancy (ie age, health problem, etc). I feel its better to know and be prepared then to not know (in those just in case circumstances).

Answer 6

It is a personal decision for you to make. The tests are done by drawing your blood so there's no risk to the baby. There's absolutely no reason you have to get them done. But many women like the piece of mind or preparation period by knowing as much about their baby before s/he is born. Good luck with your decision!

Answer 7

It's a very personal decision to make.

I've had 3 pregnancies and I chose not to take any of the "optional" tests with any of them. All of my babies are fine. These tests are known to have high false positive rates. I was emotional enough during my pregnancies. I didn't need any other unneccessary worries!

Goodluck with your decision!!

Answer 8

I personally didn't do it because I did not want anymore stress on me or my child and I thought regardless I would be having my daughter no matter what the tests say. I have heard that alot of people get them done and they are inaccurate. You make the desicison that will best suite you. GOod luck!!!!