Genetic screening.

[lou121087]

Hi, I've just had my first midwife appointment and they asked me about the Genetic screening. I've read up on it but I'm unsure and also more leaning to not wanting it done. Just seeing what other people thought about it? X

[Sisi14]

Hi Hun , the choice is yours. I’ve got 3 children and had it done every time but not because of it making me think differently as a child is a blessing but so I’m prepared for anything found. Xx

[roxannacar]

It really is your choice, as long as you are informed about the pros and cons. Have you been given a leaflet and/or discussed it? Is there a reason why you're unsure about having/not having it?

[LauraGU]

We are having the exact same dilemma. After going through 2 rounds of IVF and a stressful 12 weeks we are finally enjoying it. It only gives a probability not an answer and we wouldn't do anything anyway so not sure I want to run the risk of having something extra to stress about until July xxx

[lou121087 in reply to LauraGU]

This is my first, I'm only 7wks+4 but I've been having such a hard time with pregnancy and other things that are stressing me out that I don't want to put anymore risks in the mix as I could be that 1% it goes wrong. But I also feel the same I wouldn't abort it if it did have abnormalities unless it's a health risk to both of us. My sister had 2 kids and didn't have it. But the midwife didn't take no as answer just put undicided and told me to think about it and let her know.

[roxannacar in reply to lou121087]

Don't feel pushed one way or another it is really up to you. It is a probability you get with test rather than a definite but I do believe it's quite sensitive. There are test that give a definite - the harmony blood test (v few NHS trusts offer this and only if deemed high risk, but can be done privately) or amniocentesis, which carries risk of miscarriage (also only offered to high risk women). The 20w scan will identify any major structural problems anyways.

Hope that helps.

[Lizabelle1985]

We decided we would have it done, so that we could make an informed decision about the next step (if there was one) but everyone is different and it’s down to your choice.

They definitely don’t pressure you into testing, so take some time to think about it.

[Lyndsaytw79 in reply to Lizabelle1985]

I think it depends what you would do if they were to find an abnormality. If you would continue with the pregnancy anyway you may as well just enjoy your pregnancy without worrying. It’s also not a definite prognosis only a probability. You can go on to have an amniocentesis test but this poses a risk to the pregnancy and could end up ending a perfectly healthy pregnancy. It’s a lot to consider. I’ve refused with all 3 of mine.

Good luck

[Jmww01]

The genetic screening test is only a blood test taken from the arm, and some extra measurements taken from the 12 week scan of fluid around your baby. its not invasive and theres no risk to the child. Gives you a probabilty with results through the post and the sonograpger will clarify if theres any cause for concern. Its the amniocentesis test that poses a risk of miscarriage as they test your amniotic fluid via needle through your belly button (invasive) but you are more than welcome to opt out of either one or both. I personally had the non invasive tests, only for the reason that me and my partner could prepare ourselves should anything arise. x

[Cheekymonkey85]

Hello & congratulations!!

I've had my dating scan today & had the screening.

Obviously it's your choice, but I've a friend who has a little boy with downs. Beautiful boy, & wonderful family. But she didn't have screening. She would definitely have continued with her pregnancy if she had known, but there was no clue at any point. He was born a few weeks premature, & it was neonatal nurses who suspected he might have downs as it wasn't immediately obvious. I didn't know her then, but she says she struggled to come to terms with it at first because she had no time to really adapt to the idea. He's 7 now, doing really well in mainstream school etc. But those first months were really tough.

Hope you don't mind me sharing that with you, just thought it might help give a valid reason for the screening xx

[Sisi14 in reply to Cheekymonkey85]

Congratulations to you too with your pregnancy hope all went well xx

[romaluna2015]

I got offered them but declined them. My reasons were I would love my little ones irregardless of any health issue they may of had and just felt it would stress me out waiting for the results more than if I didn’t know xx

[Hopful85]

I don’t think there’s any harm in having the initial test if that’s what you want and as Cheekymonkey85 says it gives you a real chance to prepare yourself.

[lou121087]

Thanks for your replies. The leaflet they gave me has information about the invasive diagnostic test which is the needle inserted into my womb which I don't want, but if it's just blood tests then I'll more than likely do it. I've also had a bit of bleeding today but I'm not panicking just yet, I'm gonna try and be positive for now xx