We have to make a decision, and make it fast. We need to decide if we're going to do the whole screening/diagnostic tests for Maverick the Twirling Ball. I'm fairly certain we've decided against amniocentesis or CVS because of the whole risk of miscarriage. But what about the noninvasive ones (Nuchal & triple screen)?? Being the ripe ol' age of 38 definitely puts us at a much higher risk for chromosomal disorder than those youngins out there getting pregnant for the first time at 25 (national average).
Big B says NO go. The tests are notorious for false positives and knowing that something *could* be "wrong" with the little nutcracker isn't going to change anything for us. It would just make me sad and depressed the whole pregnancy.
I'm not so sure. Being The Worrier that I am, I feel like it would be so nice for those tests to come back normal and be able to have some sense of peace. But what if it was positive? Would it be good to know so that I could prepare myself? Or would it be better to be "surprised" with a chromosomal defect when Maverick makes his/her debut into this crazy world? I could just go on trusting that everything is rosy.
I just don't know. But, we have to make up our minds QUICK. It takes at least two weeks to get scheduled for the appt., and it's supposed to be done before the end of week 14. Perhaps my blogging friends who have been through this or thought about it could give me advice.
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20 comments:
I had the Nuchal and triple screening done for both boys, and an amnio for the youngest. I wanted to be prepared and mostly I wanted, needed, and craved the reassurance. False positives are retested and typically ruled out conclusively. Trust your instincts and maybe your doc can give you both more insight and info. So many decisions, so many hormones...Big ((Hugs))
I have no experience with this but hope to be able to ask you for advice soon. Thanks for visiting my blog.
ICLW
That's a tough decision. I guess the real question comes down to would you rather be able to prepare yourself for whatever may be (and is probably not) wrong or just sit back and enjoy this pregnancy and be surprised by anything that is (probably not) wrong. Can't say I would know what I would do in your situation. Good luck with your decision.
ICLW
Hi. Visiting from ILCW but excited to watch your journey to baby!
I did the screenings. One came back with a couple flags and had to go for the super-duper 3-D test. Worried my head off! Then they told us the baby has Downs. Prepared to mentally adapt. Then they called and said our chart had been switched and our baby was fine. Nearly passed out, especially after our first loss.
Next pregnancy...I just had faith.
I have to living, healthy and mostly happy girls.
Here from ICLW...
With my first preganancy I refused both tests because I wasn't going to do anything. Now that I'm older and things are riskier, I'm probably going to do at least the triple screen ...but I hate the idea of it. I'll be a wreck from the second the blood is drawn. Good luck with your decision!
I had a neuchal & sequential screen, so I definitely think you should go with those. If you get a positive, then you can decide if you want any further testing. Good luck! Here from ICLW.
I don't have any advice, but I wanted to wish you good luck in making your decision and with your pregnancy!
ICLW
We were met with a similar experience when we were pregnant with our daughter. They thought there was something wrong with her heart. All turned out well, but in hindsight, I wouldn't have had the screening done. Ultimately it's your choice and your husbands. Hang in there and I'm sending you lots of good vibes!
Hugs,
-D *ICLW*
I had the non invasive tests only at 38 - with the blessing maternal specialist telling me he wouldn't let his 38 yr old wife have any invasive tests when she was pregnant - he did them every day.
I think they have the power to reassure and I agree with Martha - if false + they can be ruled out or you can be prepared for whatever.
Dear Lord, Please give peace at this time. Cover her in your hedge of protection and give her faith to believe in you.
Fill her with your strength so that she may get through each day, knowing You are there with her every step of the way. I pray for her comfort in knowing You are in control. Amen.
Here from IComLeavWe... (adoption,pregnancy loss, IVF twins)
My Little Drummer Boys
I turned down amnio, triple screen, and the nuchal fold test for my boys...including the last one who was born when I was 36. My logic was that most of the really risky birth defects would show up at the big u/s and give me time to prepare anyway.
That is a tough decision. I am a worrier like you but I had a friend who had a false positive test it was later found out to be false but it was terrible for her. I don't have any experience personally so I don't know what you should do. I hope whatever you decide that everything goes well!
That's a tough decision, for sure.
I wish you peace in finding the right answer for you & your family.
ICLW
I truly do not know what I would do but I have always thought I would forgo most tests. The outcome would not impact my decision to carry a baby to term and keep it so I don't see the point...especially if the tests themselves carry risks. But I am not and probably won't ever be in the position to have to decide. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I was all mentally prepared for the amnio - but my husband's cooler head prevailed and he told me to do the triple (well, actually, quad) test. I talked to the doctor about the results, which basically just reskew the statistics. For example, if you are 38, you have a certain chance of having a chromosomal disorder. The bloodwork will give further information that will either increase or decrease your chances. I was 37 when my daughter was born, but I had the blood work of a 30 year old! I've always appeared young, you know...
Anyway, I would go for the non-invasive testing.
That's a tough one. I have no experience myself, but I wish you the best of luck in making your decision.
I haven't been in this position, so no advice from me. I hope you are able to reach a decision you are both comfortable with. Good luck!
I did the NT and the triple screen, but we hadn't decided what to do if the tests came back positive. I suspect we would have gone for the amnio. We also were waiting on my DH CF tests, as I found out I was positive.
I just need to plan and be prepared so I had to do it for me. Best of Luck! ICLW.
we had the test done, with the blood work and fold measurment, but the real reason I did the test was for another chance to see Twinkle in an ultrasound! no matter what the results were we were keeping this pregnancy, so it was just another chance to see her! luckily all was well with her, but I am one of those youngens, I am 25 haha!! i like to be average, but it did take me 2 years to concieve soooo.. hee hee.
anyway, its a tough call, but if you are addicted to ultrasounds like me, then I say do it!
here from ICLW
That is a tough decision. You just have to do what feels right to you and your husband. Sorry no real advice I guess.
ICLW
Sounds like you're leaning toward not testing. It seems like too many people just do tests because the doctors say so and don't consider what they would do (or not do) with certain results. Good for you for thinking it through!
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