I really hope you guys don't mind me posting over here as I am just a dirty lurker. I also really hope I am not overstepping and please feel free to flame me if I am. This is an issue that is super close to me as I am low risk, 28yo and had an NT Scan that discovered abnormalities.
First off I do think in some areas they are really common and other areas they are not. I had one done because my doctor recommends it to everyone since it isn't invasive.
I just wanted to say that Trismoy 21 (Down Syndrome) isn't the only abnormality they look for and there are a lot of pregnancy complications that can result from any issues. I just think that as it is a non-invasive procedure even if you know that termination isn't an option it is a good thing to have done. You then have the opportunity to not only prepare yourself emotionally but also to protect your health and your baby's health as much as possible if there is something wrong.
I really hope I don't scare anyone because that isn't my intention at all and I really hope I expressed what I am trying to say okay. If you don't want to have it done that is totally fine and I get it.
I agree with all of this. However, I still was not comfortable with the kind of results that the quad scan gives, which is why I opted for the blood test. Also not invasive, but over 99% accuracy.
I *really* bristle at the "we wouldn't do anything different" comments. There is SO MUCH you can do now for babies before they're even born. Are you honestly saying if you found out something was wrong you wouldn't research it, find the best specialists to see after the birth, line up social services if you're eligible, just come to terms with the diagnosis yourself? That's not to mention any medical steps you could take before the birth or immediately after.
I didn't do any genetic testing with my first b/c I thought I wouldn't do anything differently. But in the years since I've read many posts of parents whose child had an abnormality and were able to do LOTS of things differently (to effect a more positive result for the child and themselves) b/c they were informed ahead of time. It just seems like a win/win to me.
And this is why people feel like they have to defend their decisions re: this topic. That makes me "bristle".
I don't think anyone who said, "I wouldn't do anything different" is saying "I would bury my head in the sand and not learn a damn thing about how to care for my child". Generally I think people mean that they would continue the pregnancy.
I was a pediatric nurse, I am all for people being as informed as possible about their child's health. But there are valid reasons to do this testing and valid reasons not to do it. Acting like people who say "it wouldn't have made a difference" don't care enough to learn about what the scan tests for is frustrating. Just another thing for new moms to judge each other for, like there's not enough of that going around already.
Post by SallySparrow on Aug 15, 2013 6:58:09 GMT -5
Also, veryviolet, I was not directing that towards you...your post was very respectful. It was the stuff I specifically mentioned that frustrated me. I'm just on my phone and couldn't isolate just that part.
Post by sweetminnesnowtan on Aug 15, 2013 8:38:36 GMT -5
My doctor only briefly brought it up as something we can do, at our first appointment with all the other info, referred to a sheet in our packet, and told us to let them know if it's something we wanted. Because they don't perform the NT testing she had to refer me to another clinic in the area.
We got it done because we both have sides of our families that we don't know anything about, and we wanted to know that everything was ok. And we wanted to see baby, because we also used that u/s picture to announce our pregnancy.
If it's something you would like to do, call your doctor and let them know, and they can tell you what needs to be done.
Post by sporklemotion on Aug 15, 2013 9:58:12 GMT -5
I did have it done, but I am in a higher-risk category. I think there are valid reasons for and against testing, but in our case, we wanted as much information as we could get so that we could make informed decisions. We would probably continued a pregnancy if we learned that she would have Trisomy 21, but we would have wanted the time to plan and connect to resources in our area.
I would suggest calling and asking your doctor about it-- the window to get it done lasts until 13 or 14 weeks (I think). You may very well opt not to do it, but it's probably good to find out why it wasn't recommended for you. There are other tests you can do that screen for similar things if you decide a bit later that you want to know more.
My BMB also gets on people for repeating topics and calls out people who don't belong. I think that, because we are all in different places in our pregnancies on this board, it's less obvious/irritating when topics get repeated. It's not like I can say "I asked this question 12 weeks ago! Lurk before you post!" and not seem like a whackadoo.
My BMB also gets on people for repeating topics and calls out people who don't belong. I think that, because we are all in different places in our pregnancies on this board, it's less obvious/irritating when topics get repeated. It's not like I can say "I asked this question 12 weeks ago! Lurk before you post!" and not seem like a whackadoo.
And even if someone else asked before, we are happy to help, because every single one of us has been through it, and sometimes all you need is a little reassurance.
And this is why people feel like they have to defend their decisions re: this topic. That makes me "bristle".
I don't think anyone who said, "I wouldn't do anything different" is saying "I would bury my head in the sand and not learn a damn thing about how to care for my child". Generally I think people mean that they would continue the pregnancy.
I was a pediatric nurse, I am all for people being as informed as possible about their child's health. But there are valid reasons to do this testing and valid reasons not to do it. Acting like people who say "it wouldn't have made a difference" don't care enough to learn about what the scan tests for is frustrating. Just another thing for new moms to judge each other for, like there's not enough of that going around already.
Perhaps, but that's not the only reason to get it done. Genetic testing is not only about whether you're going to abort or not. As I stated in my post there are many many advantages to getting it done. So if parents are only thinking about genetic testing in terms of abortion, then I think a lot of education has to go on as far as genetic counseling is concerned. And it's not they're fault. You can't know what you don't know.
As one of the people who said she wouldn't do anything different AND gave reasoning your comment kinda hurts me. Of course I want what's best for my child, but stress and insecurity isn't all that great either and in my case (and for enough people, unfortunately) the risk of something bad happening due to testing is greater than the risk of anything actually being wrong that could be helped/bettered in utero.
Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!
I'm sorry my words hurt you. That was not my intention. I honestly hadn't read your response in this thread. what I said was not specific to any one poster but just a general vent. I've heard that phrase many times in a lot of places.
I guess I'm just confused b/c your response here (and the responses of a few others in this post) makes it sound like the genetic blood test isn't even an option. It's over 99% accurate and non-invasive. Was it presented to you as an option?
As one of the people who said she wouldn't do anything different AND gave reasoning your comment kinda hurts me. Of course I want what's best for my child, but stress and insecurity isn't all that great either and in my case (and for enough people, unfortunately) the risk of something bad happening due to testing is greater than the risk of anything actually being wrong that could be helped/bettered in utero.
Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!
I'm sorry my words hurt you. That was not my intention. I honestly hadn't read your response in this thread. what I said was not specific to any one poster but just a general vent. I've heard that phrase many times in a lot of places.
I guess I'm just confused b/c your response here (and the responses of a few others in this post) makes it sound like the genetic blood test isn't even an option. It's over 99% accurate and non-invasive. Was it presented to you as an option?
The genetic bloodtest is not legal here. So nope, not presented to me.
I realize I am the odd one out, but that's exactly why I did respond to you again. There are zillions of reasons why people do or don't, can or can't do certain things. So the broad generalization in your post can be offensive to people. We're a group of pregnant ladies from all different backgrounds and locations (there are quite a few international based ladies on here) and what insurance will and won't pay is different for everyone as well. So is how news, statistics and chances affect people. While I'm sure you meant well, there's no way you can know how it works and what was the consideration for all women on here.
In general we try our hardest on this board to respect other peoples choices. We might ask questions about how and why - to get better informed or just to understand, but so far people here have all abided by the respect and don't judge philosophy.
Please do keep posting here. You seem to know your stuff, which is always useful. But try to keep in mind that we all are entitled to our own choices.
And this is why people feel like they have to defend their decisions re: this topic. That makes me "bristle".
I don't think anyone who said, "I wouldn't do anything different" is saying "I would bury my head in the sand and not learn a damn thing about how to care for my child". Generally I think people mean that they would continue the pregnancy.
I was a pediatric nurse, I am all for people being as informed as possible about their child's health. But there are valid reasons to do this testing and valid reasons not to do it. Acting like people who say "it wouldn't have made a difference" don't care enough to learn about what the scan tests for is frustrating. Just another thing for new moms to judge each other for, like there's not enough of that going around already.
Perhaps, but that's not the only reason to get it done. Genetic testing is not only about whether you're going to abort or not. As I stated in my post there are many many advantages to getting it done. So if parents are only thinking about genetic testing in terms of abortion, then I think a lot of education has to go on as far as genetic counseling is concerned. And it's not they're fault. You can't know what you don't know.
You are either being deliberately obtuse or you really missed my point. I honestly haven't seen you post here enough to know which it is.
There absolutely does need to be more education about these tests. I don't think some offices explain it very well. There also needs to be a better way for people to pay for them if insurance doesn't cover it. Until those two issues are resolved, there will be people who cannot get the tests. And even then there will be people who opt out and not only is that okay, it's also no one else's business.
However, you came on here and made a blanket, judgemental statement about people who opt out, and that was a shitty thing to do. I would have been just as annoyed if it had been re: breast vs. bottle feeding, diapering, or any of the other topics moms like to make each other feel like crap about.
Edit: to clear up, because I know I get frustrated about this, my issue with you post was not the opinion behind it. It was how judgemental it sounded. I realize tone can be misread online, hopefully I misread yours. In which case our next convo can be about rainbows and butterflys.
Perhaps, but that's not the only reason to get it done. Genetic testing is not only about whether you're going to abort or not. As I stated in my post there are many many advantages to getting it done. So if parents are only thinking about genetic testing in terms of abortion, then I think a lot of education has to go on as far as genetic counseling is concerned. And it's not they're fault. You can't know what you don't know.
However, you came on here and made a blanket, judgemental statement about people who opt out, and that was a shitty thing to do. I would have been just as annoyed if it had been re: breast vs. bottle feeding, diapering, or any of the other topics moms like to make each other feel like crap about.
My issue is only with people who say they don't do it b/c "I wouln't have done anything different." There are legitimate reasons why you would opt out. I just take issue with that particular one. I find it very hard to believe. I'm sure there are a few who truly wouldn't, but I'm guessing the vast majority of parents would actually do quite a bit differently.