Tests for down syndrome etc at 12-16 weeks

[DaisieBee]

How many people have taken up having tests done at this stage for down syndrome etc?

When we were offered the tests at 12 weeks it was put to us in a way that we should have the test so that if there is anything wrong we can take action. Because of this, we both felt that the test was not necessary for us because whatever the result we would want the baby just as much. In our minds, knowing if something was wrong would just make us worry so we may as well continue in ignorance and deal with whatever life throws at us when it happens.

I think the decision about whether or not to have the test is an entirely personal thing and whatever decision a person makes is the right decision for them. However, although I am sure we made the right choice, it does occasionally play on my mind... I was just wondering what other peoples experiences and feelings are. I know this can be very personal and so am grateful to all who respond

 

[Anna23]

i decided to oppt out of the tests cas like you i thought i'd love it just the same if there was something wrong with it, i forgot to ask my hubby what he though but he never said anything so oviously agreed with me, its a very personal choise but i just felt i didn't want to know like you

 

[*sara*]

I wish i hadnt had the test as ours came back high risk for Downs, its just caused us more worry and we were offered the amnio but refused it as termination is not an option for us no matter what the outcome was. So really i should have said no to the test in the first place

 

[allycat]

I had to have the test for downs syndrome etc. because my little one has a sack of fluid on the back of her neck. Was detected at 12 weeks in the follow up ultrasound with a specialist. As a result of this test I kbew 3 days later that she didn't have Downs or any of the other genetic disorders that can occur. I only had this test as I was advised to do so because the specialist thought there was a strong possibility of baby having Downs. I had to wait an agonising 3 weeks to get the full genetic breakdown back to make sure all of her chromosomes were normal and that it wasn't anything else. The CVS procedure itself sounds really scary, but it didn't hurt at all.

It's up to you if you decide that it is something you would like to consider. It depends how you would feel with whatever result you were given and if that would change your mind about carrying on with the pregnancy or not. There is also a very slight risk of miscarriage following it, so that is also something you have to weigh up.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It's not an easy decision to make xxx

 

[angelfairy]

Hubby and I decided to have a nuchal at 12 1/2 weeks with both pregnancies as I am in my 30s. The scan itself is followed by bloods and the combined result came back very low risk - 1 in 7600 or something similar. I was told that any of the other tests were unnecessary after the nuchal.

We hadn't really discussed what we would do if we were told the baby had downs and to be honest I still don't know as I'm not in that situation. What I do know is that I have always and will always love my children regardless of whatever happens to them.

 

[Carley1985]

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[Mama 2 Be]

I'm glad you posted this thread! Me and hubby have our scan on Friday and have been debating what to do. Whether you have the tests or not the ultimate question is - could you terminate if the baby did have downs.

We don't think we could.

Also what if you had the additional tests because the risk came back high and the result was that the baby didn't have downs - BUT, sadly as a result of the tests, lost a perfectly healthy baby. I don't think I could ever forgive myself.

 

[EllieBelle]

I had the quadruple tests done at 16 weeks..........it is very much personal choice and as Im 34 and DH is 41 we felt it only right to ensure everything was ok, luckily the results came back with a VERY low risk, but I dont regret having the tests done!

 

[Mama 2 Be]

Oh no, it's the start of the very difficult to answer questions which will just plague us for the next 18 years or so!

 

[Anna23]

i must add that i have a heart problem and have a special detailed scan at 23/24 weeks to check of any abnormalities so i didn't see the point on the test but like i said before if it's got any abnormalities we will keep it
Also it's very unlikely my heart problem is genitic as my otehr 2 don't have any problems and no one in my family have it eitehr i suppose you could say i'm the black sheep

 

[meandthebump]

I had the nuchal test done at my 13 week scan and it came back low risk. If it had come back high risk i would have had the amnio. It's hard to say what i would have done had the results come back positive but i'd want to have known so that i could at least consider the options.

 

[pickled_onion]

I refused the screenings because I saw little point in having them done; I wouldn't terminate.

 

[chaz84]

i was told to contact my m/w as i was moving house for the test but she told me she couldnt fit me in till 8th of dec i did ring at begining of nov well i got my scan on 11th of dec so i am gonna have it at hosp on 11th we said if something did show up we wouldnt get rid of the baby but i think it is better to be prepared so u can gat the info u need if the baby needs certain care i would rather be prepared
P.S the m/w said it would be ok for the test upto 20 weeks on the 11th i will be 19 weeks 6 days so pushing it just a bit.

 

[claire_louise]

to be honest, it was explained to me as if everyone has the test as routine and it was unusual for people to opt out , it was only after joining up here i realised that doesnt have to be the case.

then again i had the test knowing 110% it wouldnt matter what the results were (partiularly for downs) seen as my dad's half bro has downs

 

[timtam]

Hi!
I had my measurements done for downs at 12 weeks (routine over here) and came back with good results, then it's optional to have bloods after. I've heard that the bloods aren't the most effective of results so I decided not to. My aunt has downs and I always said I would do all the tests, but when came to the crunch I decided that causing worry, when I wouldn't have a termination wasn't worth the while.

 

[Potbelijo]

We had the nuchal at 13 weeks and the results from the bloods at 16 weeks. We were having the scan anyway and it was just a case of measuring the fluid on the screean and assessing the scan results. They do a series of blood tests as standard so I didn't see a problem with them.

I had refused the amnio before theses tests when I first saw the mid wife. As the test has a slight risk to it I didn't want to have it as deep down I knew I couldn't go through with a termination.

My GP had advised me that it was quite possible we might be classed as high risk due to my age anyway. Fortunately the nuchal and bloods show us as low risk.

 

[Minxy]

We opted out. I've seen the heartache people go through when it's high risk debating this test or that and we felt it best to leave things to nature and hope for the best.

 

[Bee]

We opted out. I've seen the heartache people go through when it's high risk debating this test or that and we felt it best to leave things to nature and hope for the best.

I opted out too. By the time I had my booking in appointment and by the time the tests would have been done I would have been close to 24 weeks and I wouldn't have terminated.

 

[sam08]

This is a very very hard one. I am waiting for my bloods to come back, i had them last thursday and they said i should get a general letter in approx 7-10 days if all is okay, if not they will ring me beforehand if there is a high risk. We were of the opinion that we wanted to know and take it each stage at a time. I dont want to think about what I would or wouldnt do until the results come back. I am so so worried though and jsut wish the letter would come through the door very soon!!!!

 

[suz24]

I am at 20 weeks just now and opted out of having these tests.

I'm of the same opinion as you - i wouldn't terminate so didn't want the worry. I didn't have some worries if i was doing the right thing or not but as my bump grows I know that i wouldn't have it any other way!

I also know of a few people who have been told they are high risk and have went on to have perfectly healthy babies.

Agree that its personal choice though.